We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Bridget Cole Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Bridget, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Most of my career as been a risk. I was a traditional family physician at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a normal practice with the normal stressors and did my best to “stay in line”. Unfortunately, healthcare today is not much different from a factory job. The conveyor belt of patients move fast every 7-15 minutes, the algorithm of diagnoses and treatments are predetermined and the documentation is all templated. There is no room for the art of medicine, no time to get to know your patient and the patient definitely is not granted time to know you as their doctor, This is production worker approach was not a great fit for me. When the opportunity granted itself, I took another avenue… medical cannabis.

I took the risk of creating my own practice different than the current modern medicine template and different than the quick easy and unknowledgeable “green doctor” offices. I spent time with patients, I got to know them, understood their experiences and connected with the community. That’s the doctors used to be, a major part of the community they served. Because I went with intuition and expressed my natural gifts for people and medicine, opportunities I never considered opened up to me. I began to teach, write books, build multiple businesses,. I found my true passion at a time I had considered leaving medicine because it was no long fulfilling. I still practice “traditional” medicine but I took the chance and followed my gifts and it paid off.
I pulled away from the conveyor belt and built Green Harvest Health and then later DrBridgetMD.com, focusing on medical cannabis care. We approach our patients with Empathy, Empower them in their journey and Educate them so they have confidence in their own wellness.

Dr. Bridget, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, I am a family physician and cannabinoid specialist. My primary focus is on providing patient-centered medical care for those using cannabis, offering consultations and delivering talks across the United States. Additionally, I run an empowerment coaching practice tailored to professionals who may be experiencing a loss of confidence.

I’m also the author of two anthologies entitled “Courage in Cannabis” and have been involved in developing two CBD brands. Every week, you can catch me hosting “Healthy Relationships Only” on YouTube, alongside other shows on the Youtube Channel, “Dr. Bridget’s Wellness Reclaimed.”

My latest endeavor is The Blossom Bar, a mobile infused mocktail bar, where we’re bringing a refreshing twist to social gatherings.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout most of my career, I navigated a path filled with uncertainty and risk. Originating as a traditional family physician at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, I adhered to the conventional practice model, grappling with its inherent stressors while striving to conform to established norms. However, the landscape of healthcare today mirrors that of a factory assembly line. Patients shuffle through appointments at a rapid pace, with consultations often restricted to mere minutes. Diagnosis and treatment pathways are preordained by algorithms, and documentation follows rigid templates. In this environment, the art of medicine is marginalized, leaving scant opportunity to forge genuine connections with patients or to be known as their trusted physician.

This mechanized approach to patient care proved ill-fitting for me. When an opportunity arose, I chose to embark on a different path—one centered on medical cannabis. Embracing the risk of deviating from the template of modern medicine, I created a practice that prioritized personalized care over expedience, avoiding the impersonal and makeshift atmosphere of “green doctor” offices. I dedicated time to truly understand my patients, their experiences, and their needs, rekindling the tradition of physicians deeply embedded within their communities.

My decision wasn’t without apprehension. I knew that my advocacy for medical cannabis would invite skepticism from colleagues and jeopardize my professional standing. Yet, I viewed it as an opportunity to address a pressing need. Patients had long sought relief through cannabis use, often in secrecy due to societal stigma. Recognizing their desire for alternative treatments and the efficacy of cannabis, I embraced the challenge, fully aware of the risks it entailed.

In following my intuition and embracing my passion for patient care, I delved into teaching, authored books, and established multiple successful ventures. It was a transformative period when I discovered my true calling, revitalizing my passion for medicine at a juncture when fulfillment seemed unlikely.

Departing from the assembly line approach, I founded Green Harvest Health and later DrBridgetMD.com, focusing on medical cannabis patient care. Our mission revolves around approaching our patients with Empathy, Empowering them in their journey and Educating them so they have confidence in their own wellness. By being resilient and following my instincts, I’ve not only reshaped my career but also discovered the profound impact of staying true to one’s beliefs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

In any industry, your reputation speaks volumes, and consistency is its cornerstone. I’ve learned that keeping your word and following through consistently are what truly matter. Even on those days when you’re not at your best, your track record can grant you some leeway. My advice? Avoid making lofty promises. Life becomes far less stressful when you set realistic expectations and then exceed them. For instance, if you estimate you’ll finish a task in a week, consider telling them it’ll take two weeks—and then deliver in one. It’s a small shift, but it can make a big impact.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your personal growth. Strive to be better than you were yesterday, and you’ll see progress over time. And remember, it’s okay to seek help when you need it. After all, if there’s no solution, there may not be a real problem. Direct your energy toward finding solutions and fostering personal growth, rather than dwelling on complaints or assigning blame.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DrBridgetMD.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbridgetmd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBridgetColeWilliams
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbridgetmd/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrBridgetMD
• Other: www.sipblossombar.com www.courageincannabis.com www.myembodylife.com