We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nadia Ali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nadia below.
Alright, Nadia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.
The turning point in my life occurred when I made the decision to resign from a healthcare system that was not adequately meeting the needs of my patients. As a physician, my ultimate goal was to serve as an advocate for my patients during their healing process. I desired to help them live healthier lives by understanding their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual requirements, and by addressing them in order to prevent and reverse chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
However, I found myself in a system where I was completely burnt out, seeing a plethora of patients each day and my only duty was to write prescriptions. As a doctor, I chose this profession to make a positive impact on the lives of those who were physically and emotionally suffering, as well as on their families and the community as a whole. But instead, I had become just a cog in the wheel, where the expectation was to work harder and generate more revenue without any sense of reward, growth, or appreciation.
I had ceased to be happy, creative, and empathetic. I had turned into a different person, someone who was agitated, anxious, and negative with no sense of self-worth. This transformation began to impact my personal and social life as well as my self-respect.
Ultimately, I realized that I could no longer continue down this path. I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients, and to achieve this goal, I knew I had to leave the healthcare system that was not allowing me to do so. I resigned and set out to develop a new approach to healthcare, one that would enable me to truly be an advocate for my patients and help them live healthier, happier lives. This decision was a defining moment in my life, one that has enabled me to pursue my passion for healing and make a real difference in the world.
I established my Functional Medicine Practice “Functional Holistic Healing” from scratch, without any patients. Over time, I have been fortunate enough to assist numerous patients and their families in changing their diets, routines, and overall lifestyle in order to lead healthier lives, reduce pain and symptoms of ailments, prevent and reverse chronic diseases such as obesity, fatigue, and autoimmune diseases, and avoid complications that come with these illnesses. This experience is extremely gratifying and allows me to make a positive impact every day. Additionally, I am able to maintain a better work-life balance.
I am proud to have the opportunity to educate my community on the small steps they can take to improve their health and quality of life. I believe that this is an essential part of the work that I do, as it allows me to help a greater number of people outside of my immediate patient base.
Through this journey, I have successfully conquered my burnout, which has proven to be the best thing that has happened to me. It has given me a perspective that was much needed in my life. I have realized that if we want to achieve our dreams, we must first acknowledge our own self-worth and identify the resources and processes necessary to succeed. No one can hand us our success; it is up to us to make it happen. Making mistakes is an essential part of learning and growth, and those who learn from their mistakes are better equipped to succeed than those who do not.
Overall, my Functional Medicine Practice has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many individuals and their families, while also allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This experience has taught me that by putting in the effort and taking risks, we can achieve our goals and make a positive difference in the world around us.
Nadia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Functional Integrative Physician with double board certification in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine. The inspiration for my choice to pursue a career in medicine came from my personal experiences with our family physician. His small clinic was always crowded with people seeking his help, but he was not just a doctor who made diagnoses and wrote prescriptions. He was a true healer, someone who could listen to his patients in a way that allowed them to express their deepest concerns and fears.
The way he spoke was soothing and his demeanor was compassionate, such that by the end of the visit, the patient would feel not only physically better, but also emotionally reassured. For many people, he was like a messiah, someone they could trust completely and who was willing to go above and beyond to help them achieve wellness.
I was deeply moved by the impact that this physician had on his patients, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to become a healer like him. I wanted to have the same ability to listen to my patients and understand their unique challenges, both physical and emotional. I wanted to be able to provide them with the same level of compassionate care that would make them feel better not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Regrettably, upon completing my residency and entering into the conventional health care system model, I discovered that there was little to no time to genuinely listen to, understand, or empathize with my patients. Instead, the focus was on seeing as many patients as possible in order to generate more revenue. This left me feeling depressed and in need of help, but I was hesitant to turn to traditional antidepressant medications due to their many side effects, low efficacy, and potential for dependency.
As I searched for alternative approaches to managing my own mental health, I discovered a wealth of research on various healing modalities such as acupuncture, yoga, and the use of nutrients and botanicals. Despite the fact that these methods have been used for centuries and can be highly effective and safe, they were not taught in medical school, leaving me feeling both amazed and embarrassed.
Through my research, I also discovered that my own diet and lifestyle were contributing to my mental health struggles. This realization led me to pursue Functional Medicine, an approach that seeks to address the root cause of chronic diseases rather than simply treating symptoms.
By adopting a functional medicine approach, I have been able to help my patients achieve true healing by addressing underlying issues rather than simply masking symptoms. This approach allows for a more holistic and personalized approach to medicine, which not only helps patients to heal, but also empowers them to take control of their own health and make long-lasting lifestyle changes.
As someone who has experienced burnout and transitioned into Functional Medicine, I understand the importance of having a mentor or coach to guide individuals through different aspects of their life, including their career, relationships, trauma, upbringing, and coping mechanisms. Simply having knowledge is not enough to make lasting changes in one’s lifestyle or life; we also need motivation, wisdom, and insight to achieve our goals and dreams. A coach can provide that extra support and guidance to expedite the process.
That’s why I became interested in Mindfulness Coaching, which involves a paradigm shift that helps individuals disconnect from the negativity of the past and the uncertainty and fear of the future. By staying focused on the present moment and taking action towards their goals, individuals can make significant progress in achieving their desired outcomes. Mindfulness Coaching involves learning techniques to increase self-awareness, manage stress and emotions, and improve decision-making skills. Through this approach, individuals can transform their lives and achieve their full potential.
My unique approach to healing sets me apart because I possess the dual skill set of being both a Functional physician and a mindfulness coach. By integrating both physical and mental aspects of health, I am better equipped to provide a holistic and comprehensive healing experience for my patients. It is vital to understand that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can greatly impact our physical well-being, and vice versa. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, I can better identify and address the root causes of my patients’ health concerns, and create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their unique needs.
Furthermore, I utilize advanced technology in my practice to assist with diagnosis and treatment. For instance, Microcurrent Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that uses very small electrical stimulation to regulate brain activity, while Infrared Hyperthermic therapy uses heat and vibration to promote detoxification and reduce inflammation. Intravenous nutrition and Body Composition Analysis Scale are other innovative tools that I use to address nutrient deficiencies and body composition, respectively. By incorporating cutting-edge technology in my practice, I am better equipped to diagnose and treat health conditions with precision and efficiency, and provide my patients with a higher standard of care.
Becoming a Functional physician and a Mindfulness coach has allowed me to fulfill this dream and live up to the standard set by my family physician. Every day, I strive to be the kind of physician who can truly listen to my patients, empathize with their struggles, and provide them with the kind of care that helps them feel better, both inside and out. The impact that I am able to make on the lives of my patients is immeasurable, and it is a great honor to be able to follow in the footsteps of such an inspiring and compassionate healer.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
During our formative years, we are often taught to avoid making mistakes and to feel ashamed when we do make them. This can create a fear of failure and inhibit our willingness to try new things or take risks. However, the reality is that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and should be viewed as opportunities for growth and development. As individuals, we should embrace change and be proud of the mistakes we have made, because they are proof that we have taken action and tried our best. Reflecting on our mistakes, we can learn valuable lessons and apply them to future situations.
Throughout my life, I have encountered various challenges and made decisions that, in hindsight, may not have been the best choice. However, I have come to learn that every decision I made was based on the knowledge and experience I had at that moment. Although some of those choices did not lead to the desired outcome, I am not filled with regret because I know that I acted in good faith with the information I had available. Instead, I view those experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. They have taught me valuable lessons, and I have been able to use those lessons to guide me in making better decisions in the future. In essence, my mistakes have been valuable stepping stones in my journey towards personal and professional development.
It is important to remember that nobody makes intentional mistakes, and we should not hold onto regret or shame for something that occurred while we were doing our best. Life is not perfect, and neither are we. By accepting our mistakes and imperfections, we can develop a healthier mindset and achieve our goals with greater ease.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In order to achieve success, it is crucial to have a strong passion and determination for what we pursue. The journey towards success is often challenging and may involve various obstacles and setbacks. However, every failure provides us with valuable lessons that can help us move forward towards our goals. Persistence and perseverance are key traits that help individuals stay focused and determined towards achieving their aspirations.
When starting a new venture, it is common to face a lack of experience or knowledge in certain areas. However, with a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference, individuals can overcome these obstacles by taking a proactive approach and putting in the hard work required to achieve their goals.
At the beginning of my medical practice, I faced the daunting task of starting from scratch with zero patients and no prior experience in running a medical practice. Despite these challenges, I was driven by my passion and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. I was determined to leave no stone unturned when it came to providing the best possible care to my patients. I worked tirelessly to build my practice from the ground up, investing time and effort to learn new skills and knowledge, and constantly seeking ways to improve patient care. Through my dedication and commitment, I was able to establish a successful practice and make a meaningful difference in the lives of many patients. This experience taught me that with perseverance and a strong sense of purpose, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals, no matter how daunting they may seem at first.
No matter how long you have been in the practice, each day presents a new opportunity to help someone and make a difference in their lives. The passion for work and service to others needs to be our priority. Working solely for financial gain can be a tempting proposition, but it often leads to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. While money is undoubtedly important, it should not be the sole driving factor in one’s professional pursuits. Instead, it is crucial to identify one’s passions and align them with our career goals. When individuals pursue work that aligns with their interests, they are more likely to experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to higher job satisfaction and ultimately, success. This approach also allows individuals to tap into their strengths and talents, leading to greater creativity and innovation, which can benefit not only their own success but also the success of their colleagues and the organization as a whole. Therefore, it is important to recognize that money is not the only measure of success and that a fulfilling career is built on more than just financial gain. True satisfaction and fulfillment come from making a positive impact in the world around us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theholistichealing.org/
- Instagram: @restorative_lifestyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Functional-Holistic-Healing-113871263775688
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-ali-a4a60812/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FunctionalHolisticHealingDrNadiaAli-webinars/?sub_confirmation=1
- Other: Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/FunctionalHealing