We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Pichardo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriela , appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Absolutely, here’s a polished and more engaging version of your article:

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**A Defining Moment in My Medical Career**

One of the most pivotal moments in my career was the decision to leave corporate medicine. As the lead physician and medical director of a busy medical practice, I had achieved significant success. The experience came with its challenges, but it undeniably shaped who I am today.

I have always been passionate about my job and dedicated to helping patients. However, the relentless pace of the clinic, the emphasis on metrics, and the necessity of checking boxes quickly led me to burnout. I found myself spending less than 15 minutes with each patient, unable to provide the comprehensive care I aspired to deliver. The clinic’s “cookie-cutter” approach prioritized patient quantity over the quality of care, leaving me feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

As a primary care doctor, my options were limited: prescribe medication, refer to a specialist, and move on to the next patient. I yearned to delve deeper into the root causes of my patients’ ailments but lacked the time and resources to do so. The directive was clear—spend less time with each patient and see more patients in a day.

Everything changed for me in the fall of 2015. I attended a conference hosted by the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM), and it was a revelation. I connected with like-minded practitioners and was introduced to a new paradigm of practicing medicine. Inspired by this experience, I joined the AIHM fellowship program, undergoing two years of intensive training before becoming board-certified in Integrative Medicine.

This new approach reignited my passion for medicine. I began to spend more time with my patients, focusing on the root causes of their illnesses. I started asking detailed questions about their diet, nutrition, and lifestyle, fostering deeper connections with them. This holistic approach allowed me to provide the comprehensive care I had always envisioned.

Five years ago, I made the leap and left corporate medicine to start my private practice in Central Texas. Here, I continue to practice integrative medicine, dedicated to improving my patients’ health and well-being by addressing the whole person, not just their symptoms.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to practice medicine in a way that aligns with my values and passion. It’s a joy to help my patients achieve better health through a more personalized and integrative approach.

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.

I am a board-certified doctor in both internal and integrative medicine, practicing in Texas since 2015. Prior to this, I lived and practiced in Louisiana, where I completed my residency training with the LSU program. For the past five years, I have been part of a medical concierge practice in Austin, called Resilient Health . Our practice focuses on treating the whole person, and we are well-known for our expertise in medical genomics, full-spectrum primary care, lifestyle, and functional medicine.

My particular interest lies in helping patients manage chronic medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, and environmental illnesses. I assist patients dealing with toxins like mold and heavy metals that impact their health. Over the past year, our practice has experienced significant growth. We recently welcomed a new doctor with 20 years of experience in integrative medicine, enhancing our team and expanding our expertise.

We are continually evolving and expanding our services. Soon, we will offer IV therapy to our patients. Additionally, we are broadening our brain health program, having trained in the RECODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) program designed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, author of “The End of Alzheimer’s.” Through this program and the application of medical genomics, we have successfully assisted many patients dealing with cognitive decline and memory issues.

Our practice is committed to evidence-based medicine, providing both conventional and alternative treatment options to support our patients’ healing journeys.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from the many years of training and certifications I’ve completed, one of the key factors in my success has been my ability to truly connect with my patients and listen to them. Building these genuine connections and understanding their concerns on a deeper level has allowed me to provide more personalized and effective care. This approach has not only enhanced the patient experience but also significantly improved their health outcomes. For instance, I recall a patient who had been struggling with chronic fatigue for years. By taking the time to listen to her detailed history and symptoms, we were able to identify underlying issues that had been previously overlooked, leading to a comprehensive treatment plan that significantly improved her quality of life.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively and maintaining high morale requires a combination of strong leadership, clear communication, and a supportive environment. At Resilient Health, we are fortunate to have a fantastic team. Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, including medical assistants, nurses, MDs, and others.

As a leader, it is crucial to lead by example and maintain open communication with your team. Recognizing and celebrating the hard work and achievements of team members is essential. I believe it is equally important to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and support. By encouraging team-building activities and creating a workspace where everyone feels valued and included, we can ensure that our team remains motivated and engaged.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resilienthealthaustin.com/
• Instagram: @tudoctoraintegrativa @Dr.Gabriela_Pichardo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drapichardola
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-pichardo-lafontaine-397b63114

Image Credits

Image credit:

David Finkel
Owner
David Finkel Photography