“I would advise you to have children right away,” said the Chairman of the OB/GYN department, who also happened to be my physician. At the time, I was a 26-year-old single medical student in the middle of all the academic responsibilities that come with medical school when I was diagnosed with endometriosis. When I asked what could be done for my condition, he immediately prescribed oral contraceptives. I moved forward, completing my family medicine residency and fellowship, but soon after, the medications started to fade in their effectiveness.

I began researching other treatment options and came across recommendations as diverse as eating more full fat dairy yogurt and egg yolks, to doing yoga and acupuncture. Desperate, I tried everything but for the most part, the symptoms became worse or did not improve. Then, I stumbled upon a scientific article about the relationship between dairy, estrogen, and endometriosis. If dairy drove estrogen production, stopping it might help my estrogen-fueled condition. The results were astonishing. Within two cycles after removing all dairy sources from my diet, I had markedly less pain, a decreased need for medications, and a more positive outlook. In all my years of medical training, as well as being an endometriosis patient, no one had mentioned the power of diet and lifestyle to transform health.

From that point forward, I read as much as I could about diet and lifestyle change. I began attending lifestyle medicine conferences and applied the knowledge I had gained to my patients with remarkable results. I felt so strongly about the power of lifestyle medicine that I pursued further formal education in the field. Lifestyle medicine had changed my personal and my professional life forever.

In 2013, through a combination of excellent medical care, lots of luck, and lifestyle medicine, I finally became the proud parent of a healthy daughter. My pregnancy was the most joyous, uneventful, and beautiful experience of my life. I wanted others to experience this triumph as well.

I started Diya Lifestyle and Wellness to provide true holistic care to individuals who may know little about whole food, plant-based eating or who need more intensive support around lifestyle change. Through Diya, I can spend the time that’s needed with my clients to inspire them and encourage them to take the next step towards better health. 

Each day, I strive to be an advocate for those who feel like they have nowhere to turn. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and  if one person hears my story and his or her life is changed for the better, then my journey was worth something.

Licenses, Credentials & Experience:

B.A. & M.A. in Psychology with Honors & Distinction – Stanford University

M.D. & Master of Public Health – Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

Family Medicine Residency – University of Pittsburgh St. Margaret Hospital

Fellowship in Community Health – Georgetown University Medical Center

Assistant Professor – Georgetown University, Department of Family Medicine

Diplomate – American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine

Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition – Cornell University

Certified Food for Life instructor – Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Recipient – Washingtonian Top Docs Award