Frontlines ‘Just Do It

‘Just Do It’

HOLISTIC SPECIALIST DR. BINDIYA GANDHI ENCOURAGES YOUNG WOMEN TO TAKE TO A MEDICAL CAREER

JORDANA WEISS

Not only does Dr. Bindiya Gandhi have board certification in family medicine, she is also trained and certified in integrative and holistic medicine, which takes every aspect of the patient’s life into account to ensure wellness. In addition to working directly with patients at her practice, Revive Atlanta MD, Gandhi shares her passionate about her work in wellness and integrative medicine on social media. She regularly broadcasts live on Instagram and Facebook, publishes articles in outlets like The Washington Post and Vogue, and is a frequent guest contributor on networks like ABC and Fox 5.

A DOCTOR’S EDUCATION

Gandhi completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia before heading to the American University of Antigua to pursue her medical degree.

“I was an astute, inquisitive, and curious student,” she says. “School was fun for me... I knew early on I wanted to pursue a career as a doctor.”

She joined numerous medical efforts, working with Mission to the World to provide medical care to, among others, people in Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.

Her varied experiences and training has made her a resource not only for the people of Atlanta but for a lot of her followers on social media. We spoke to Gandhi about her journey towards functional medicine, how she balances life as a doctor and a mom, and her attitude towards medicine during COVID-19.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

I became interested in functional medicine in medical school when I began to feel like there was more to treating patients than medications. At that time, I also had my own health journey, which validated my need to pursue functional medicine.

I had undiagnosed celiac disease, and had been to numerous doctors (the conventional route) with no help or support. Working with a functional medicine practitioner helped me figure out that not only did I have celiac disease, I also had a few other things going that were contributing to why I was feeling the way I was. My conventional doctors had just brushed it off, treating me like a hypochondriac medical student.

WITH SO MANY THINGS GOING ON, WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

I get up every morning before my kids and meditate for 10 minutes. I have a gratitude practice, which includes journaling. I read positive affirmations and inspirational quotes, then I drink warm lemon water before I get my day going. It’s very therapeutic for me to be in the right frame of mind before my day starts and gets hectic with young kids and a busy practice.

WHAT’S A BIG UPCOMING PROJECT?

I am getting ready to launch my new podcast, which I’m really excited about. I have some amazing guests, and we have great conversations that I’m happy to share with everyone. My goal in life is to educate, inspire, and help transform the lives of many people, so they can be healthy and reach their true potential.

HOW HAS YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE CHANGED SINCE COVID?

My kids are now at home, which has been challenging. Business initially slowed down for us but is picking up again. All in our family got COVID, so we were helping my father-in-law with rehab. It’s been a challenging year, as it has been for many, but we’re making it work, with a positive attitude.

WITH THE COUNTRY’S RENEWED FOCUS ON SCIENCE SINCE THE RISE OF COVID-19, HAS YOUR ROLE CHANGED?

I get a lot of people asking me for advice about COVID, since I do a lot of interviews and social media talks about it. They trust me when it comes to virus science, vaccines, and even prevention.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE, GIRLS IN PARTICULAR, WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN MEDICINE?

I say, do it! Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from achieving your goals and your dreams. There are so many amazing female doctors doing big things right now. That can be you one day, if you are determined and put in the effort.

You can follow Dr. Bindiya on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her blog.