We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Remina Panjwani recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Remina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I started from humble beginnings in an immigrant family where I broke tradition as the first to pursue higher education and a career in medicine. Amidst a backdrop of limited encouragement and resources, my journey began in an environment familiar with survival mode. Deviating from the norm as a South Asian female was uncommon, but fueled by an inner fire, I embraced the risk of being different to create something meaningful. In my pursuit, I faced the challenge of forging my own path and resources. Taking a significant risk, I enlisted in the Air Force straight out of high school, eventually serving in Iraq with security forces. The experience in a war zone became a turning point, igniting inspiration and fostering the confidence needed to chase my dreams. The military’s support enabled me to earn a B.S. in Nutrition from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by a M.S. in Medical Science at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and eventually medical school at The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing my residency training in Internal Medicine at Medical City Fort Worth, I ventured into my first post-residency job in a hospital, only to be immediately confronted by the onset of the COVID pandemic. In the early stages of my career, I witnessed the inherent flaws in the insurance-based and hospital-centric system, driven by shareholder interests. While traditional medicine excelled in addressing life-threatening illnesses, I recognized a gap in catering to a significant portion of the population seeking optimal health and well-being. Observing this disparity, I was motivated to establish a concierge functional medicine and holistic wellness practice. Believing that aging shouldn’t entail spending the last decade of life in a hospital, I strive to offer an alternative approach that prioritizes quality of life and optimal health for all. My approach integrates the strengths of both eastern and western medicine. This practice requires courage, particularly as a female physician challenging established norms. It’s gratifying to witness the validation of these methods as more research comes to light.
In addition to my clinical practice, I find immense fulfillment in embracing my creative and entrepreneurial facets. Recently, I launched a podcast, conduct wellness workshops, and curate engaging social media content. These endeavors allow me to amplify the message that one can successfully navigate the multifaceted roles of being a mom, a veteran, a physician, a daughter caring for aging parents, and an entrepreneur.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My philosophy centers on the belief that each individual is unique, requiring a personalized approach to thrive. Recognizing the human body as more than a collection of organs and symptoms, I understand its inherent ability to heal itself, influenced by the interconnected aspects of mind, body, and spirit. To translate this passion into practice, I underwent additional training and earned certification in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic. Bridging the gap between eastern and western medicine, I recently launched my concierge and virtual functional medicine and holistic wellness practice. The core of my approach revolves around personalized medicine. I take time to understand my patients journey, address root causes, and optimize their well-being. If you’re feeling unwell, we get to the root cause and get you back into a functional state. If you’re in decent health but want to improve and age well, we can optimize your wellness. We can influence certain factors and age well through a personalized approach. We go through lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, relationships, along with detailed labs to guide the personalized plan. This is different from traditional medicine where you visit your primary care physician and receive a 15 minute visit with a bandage approach. Moreover, as a concierge practitioner, I am readily accessible, ensuring that my patients do not experience prolonged waiting periods to reach out to me.
I emphasize the importance of community and empowering others, especially women. Collaborating with local businesses, I conduct wellness workshops that not only provide valuable information but also incorporate practical self-care practices like yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound baths. This holistic approach reflects my commitment to fostering a healthier and more empowered community. I also expanded my offerings to include corporate wellness and burnout management across multiple industries including healthcare, pro athletes and the film industry.

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

During my military service in a war zone, each day presented a relentless series of challenges, demanding not only physical stamina but also unwavering mental resilience. The harsh and unpredictable environment tested my mettle, pushing me to navigate through situations that required instant decision-making and adaptability. In the face of adversity, I found the strength to endure and persevere, realizing that true resilience extends beyond physical endurance to encompass the fortitude to withstand mental and emotional strains. This experience ingrained in me the essence of resilience, teaching me to confront difficulties head-on and emerge stronger, both personally and professionally. Another example of resilience is I recall the tenacity and courage I displayed by overcoming obstacles on the path to medical school. Entering this challenging academic realm brought to the surface underlying traumas and anxieties, intricately intertwined with my childhood experiences. The pressure to excel in taking the MCAT became a battlefield where I confronted not only academic challenges but also the shadows of my past. Facing initial setbacks, I was met with discouragement, being told that my dream of medical school was unattainable. This adversity prompted a period of self-reflection and growth. Although the journey was arduous, it eventually led to success, as I not only gained acceptance but also ranked among the top in my class. This experience compelled me to confront and manage my inner demons, fostering a profound level of self-honesty. The transformative process not only propelled me into medical school but also bestowed upon me a heightened sense of empathy for the human condition. This resilience has translated into a deeper understanding of my patients’ struggles, making me a more compassionate healthcare provider. Beyond the professional realm, it has enabled me to be a better mother, friend, and wife, underscoring the enduring impact of resilience on all aspects of life.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for expanding my clientele has undoubtedly been authenticity. People can discern when you’re genuine, truly care, and possess knowledge in your field. By passionately letting my true self shine, I attract the right people—both clients and business partners. Being authentic not only creates a connection that resonates but also fosters trust. This trust, coupled with genuine care and expertise, forms the foundation for building lasting relationships that contribute significantly to the growth of my clientele and professional network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drremina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drremina/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remina-panjwani-do-b80000142/
• Other: Podcast across all platforms is “The Dr. Remina Panjwani Show.”