We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Alvarez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The Turning Point: Between Dreams and Reality

Arriving in the United States marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with promise yet riddled with unexpected challenges. I was faced with the most difficult decision of my life: to stay in this country to build the family I had always dreamed of with my son and husband, or to return to my homeland and continue my career in medicine, my passion and vocation for which I had studied and worked tirelessly for more than seven years.

This crossroad was not just a dilemma between two dreams but also an internal struggle between my professional identity and my yearning for family unity. Giving up my career, an essential part of who I had become over the years, was a decision laden with immense sacrifice.

However, at the moment of making that decision, I made a promise to myself: here I choose to stay, and I am open to embracing any opportunity that comes my way. I committed to learning English, to exploring new professional avenues, and above all, to being the best mother possible for my son. It was a commitment not just to my family but to myself, to pursue happiness and fulfillment under a new sky.

The journey was not easy. There were moments of doubt, moments when the weight of what I had left behind threatened to overwhelm me. But with each small achievement, each new word in English I learned, each smile from my son, I knew I had made the right decision.

This journey taught me that life often places us on paths we never anticipated, that sacrifice can also be a doorway to new opportunities. To those who stand before seemingly impossible decisions, I say: do not be afraid to choose the road less traveled. Do not underestimate your ability to adapt, learn, and grow. Yes, there will be sacrifices, but there will also be unexpected rewards.

My story is a testament that, sometimes, to move forward, we must let go. But more importantly, it is an invitation to believe in ourselves, in our resilience, and in our ability to find light even in the darkest moments. Fighting for our dreams also means being open to rediscovering ourselves, to reinventing ourselves, and to finding happiness in new beginnings.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who haven’t heard about me before, let me introduce myself and share a bit about the unique journey that has led me to where I am today. My entry into the health sector was driven by a profound realization of the critical role that nutrition and lifestyle play in our overall well-being. Through my work, I’ve become deeply committed to providing comprehensive health services that go beyond traditional medicine to embrace the transformative power of dietary choices.

What I Offer:

At the heart of my practice lies the commitment to offer free medical consultations lasting more than 45 minutes. These are not just about addressing immediate health concerns but are comprehensive sessions where we delve deep into the patient’s lifestyle and nutrition. Recognizing the limitations of conventional treatments alone, I advocate for and educate on the immense benefits of a plant-based diet, emphasizing whole, unprocessed grains, and the avoidance of salt, sugar, and oil.

For those cases where a more detailed evaluation is needed, we facilitate blood work and provide a thorough interpretation of the results. Our approach always includes a treatment plan that, while addressing any medical issues, prioritizes lifestyle adjustments and nutritional guidance.

Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice:

Understanding that knowledge alone isn’t enough to foster change, we offer guided tours in grocery stores to help identify the most nutritious products. This hands-on approach demystifies healthy shopping, making it accessible and manageable for everyone.

To ensure that our patients can practically apply this knowledge in their daily lives, we also conduct cooking classes. These sessions are dedicated to teaching how to prepare meals without sugar, salt, and oil, empowering our community members to take control of their health through the food they eat.

What Sets Us Apart:

What distinguishes my work from others is the holistic approach we take. We don’t just treat symptoms; we address the root causes of health issues, emphasizing prevention and lifestyle modification as the cornerstone of good health. Our comprehensive care model ensures that each individual is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

My Pride and Message:

I am most proud of the tangible impact we’ve made on individuals’ lives. Witnessing the transformation in our patients, from dependency on medication to thriving on a healthful diet and lifestyle, is incredibly rewarding.

To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that your health is in your hands. Through our services, we’re here to guide, support, and empower you every step of the way. Join us in this journey toward a healthier, happier life.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, would I choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Without a doubt, I would choose the same career path and the same journey that led me to a country where I knew I might not be able to practice my originally chosen profession. But for some reason, life drew me to this valley, and I’ve decided to continue to serve others with my gifts. Thanks to hard work and having the right people who trust in one sometimes more than one trusts in oneself, we are building a dream.

To those reading this, I want to convey a message of encouragement: never consider yourself lost in what you wish to be and do. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either. Don’t let that inner flame of passion and desire be extinguished; nourish it every day with each step towards what you desire, and soon it will become so vast that it will turn into reality. The path to realizing our dreams is full of challenges, but with perseverance, support, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s possible to achieve those dreams and make a significant difference in the world.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In the six years that I’ve known my mentor, Dr. Greg Feinisnger, who authored a book on 98 tips for staying healthy, my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy have been significantly impacted. Alongside his book, several other resources have also played a crucial role in shaping my approach:

DVDs:

“Forks Over Knives” and/or “The Game Changer” about elite athletes who have gone plant-based to enhance their performance. These are available on Netflix or YouTube and offer insightful perspectives on the benefits of plant-based diets for peak physical performance.
Jeff Novick’s Fast Food DVD series for cheap and easy vegan cooking provides practical advice for adopting a healthy, plant-based diet without breaking the bank.
Books:

“Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease,” by Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D. Although he’s considered too hardcore for most people regarding his stance on avoiding nuts and seeds, his insights into heart health are invaluable.
“How Not to Die,” by Michael Greger, M.D., is a cornerstone resource that has expanded my understanding of nutrition’s role in health and longevity.
Cookbooks:

Various cookbooks have been instrumental, especially when they suggest substituting oil with flax meal. Notable mentions include “Oh She Glows,” “Isa Does It,” “Thug Kitchen,” “Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen,” “Simply Delicious,” “How Not to Die Cookbook,” and the “Forks Over Knives Cookbook.”
Websites:

Dr. Greger’s nutritionfacts.org is a treasure trove of information where I constantly find new data and research findings about nutrition and health.
The PCRM (Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine) website includes information and recipes in Spanish and offers a 21-day kick-start program, which has been a great resource for both personal and professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laclinicadelpueblo.care/about/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Puebloclinc