Meet Dr. Mariana Browne

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Mariana Browne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Mariana , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose through numerous health challenges, both minor and major, that spanned my childhood and adulthood. My experiences navigating the healthcare system as both a patient and, later, a doctor gave me clarity about my calling.

As a child in Trinidad, I experienced recurrent abdominal pain that baffled local doctors. Eventually, my father decided to take me to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where I underwent a series of invasive investigations. This was my first experience as a patient in large medical facility. After all that, the diagnosis was startlingly simple—lactose intolerance. I vividly remember questioning why something so straightforward required such a grueling process. That experience stayed with me. It wasn’t the only time I felt disillusioned with the standard of care I received as a patient.

That trip to Washington was also life-changing in another way. While undergoing tests, I caught my first glimpse of Howard University’s campus. Something about it inspired me, and years later, I chose Howard as the place to pursue my first degree in Chemistry. It was at Howard that my passion for healthcare deepened, leading me to study medicine at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ironically, those frustrating and sometimes extremely painful experiences in hospitals were the very spark that ignited my fascination with healthcare. They planted the seed of my passion and shaped my deep desire to improve the system from within. Those “unfortunate” events were, in fact, the building blocks of my purpose.

I’ve had the privilege of working in both public and private healthcare systems. Each setting taught me invaluable lessons. Public healthcare gave me perspective on managing large patient loads and working under resource constraints, while private care honed my ability to deliver personalized, patient-centered experiences. Together, these experiences strengthened my bedside manner and deepened my medical knowledge, shaping me into the physician I am today.

I’ve made it my mission to provide patients with the kind of care I longed for but rarely experienced. For me, purpose means empowering people with the tools they need to take charge of their health and wellness. Early in my career, I noticed a pattern: patients were far more likely to adopt healthy habits when they truly understood why those habits mattered. This realization pushed me to think bigger. One-on-one care was deeply fulfilling, but I felt compelled to extend my reach.

That’s when I turned to social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become invaluable tools, allowing me to educate a wider audience—people who might not even realize they need the guidance. Through these platforms, I’ve found a way to merge my personal journey, professional expertise, and passion for helping others into a purpose that feels bigger than myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a medical doctor, content creator, and the Medical Director and general practitioner at Health Direct Services under Welfor Medical Ltd. I provide personalized care to patients, helping them address current and past medical concerns while crafting tailored wellness plans that align with their needs and goals. I meet patients, listen to their stories, and work to understand the full picture of their health.

In Trinidad and Tobago, we operate under a dual healthcare system comprising both public and private sectors. I work in private healthcare, this allows me the flexibility to offer patients a deeper, more individualized level of care. I have the time to sit with each person, listen to their stories, and fully evaluate their medical conditions. Diagnosing often involves a combination of blood work, imaging (such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds), and thorough clinical assessments. Once I have the full picture, I am able to collaborate with patients to create realistic and effective plans that promote sustainable wellness.

I am also passionate about corporate wellness. I work with organizations to ensure both employers and employees stay up to date with health checks and screenings for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and elevated cholesterol. This work is personal for me. I’ve seen and felt the effects of burnout while working in the public system and know how critical it is to protect both physical and mental health in the workplace. By promoting employee health, I aim to contribute to healthier, more productive workplace. I consider this a win for both individuals and organizations alike.

The most exciting part of what I do; is impacting people’s health in a tangible way. I achieve this by equipping patients with the tools they need to attain wellness. I also love meeting new people and hearing their stories. These personal stories not only enrich my understanding as a doctor but also as a person. Every conversation that I have with patient teaches me something new, making my work rewarding and constantly evolving.

As Dr. Browne, I create engaging and informative health content on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This aspect of my work is particularly exciting because it allows me to reach a much broader audience. Sharing health information in a creative way keeps me in touch with common medical concerns while also encouraging me to stay up to date with the latest research. It has also been therapeutic for me, especially after the pandemic, when it seemed as though public trust in healthcare professionals seemed to falter. Seeing people respond positively to my content has reinforced my belief that the connection between doctors and the public can be rebuilt.

If you are reading this article and are interested in learning very useful and informative health tips, follow me on TikTok and Instagram. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Confidence, empathy, and patience have been cornerstones of my journey to becoming a medical doctor and content creator. I have always had a natural sense of confidence, but it was strengthened by experiences where I had to navigate criticism. I learned to discern between constructive feedback, which could help me grow, and negativity that needed to be filtered out. My ability to discern has kept my confidence intact and allowed me to stay focused on my purpose.

Empathy, both for myself and others, has been equally crucial. It taught me to understand other people’s perspective. I am to see the intention behind criticism or feedback and to see value even in challenging experiences. For example, as a teenager on the debate team, I wasn’t selected to compete because of my “facial expressions.” While this initially felt like a rejection, empathy allowed me to reflect on that experience without bitterness and recognize the importance of authenticity—a quality that now makes my content relatable and impactful.

Empathy has also elevated my bed side manner, it helps me relate to the patients on a deeper level. Patients feel comfortable with me and know that they are talking to a doctor that both listens and understands.

Patience has been the glue that ties it all together. Whether it’s developing my skills as a doctor or growing an audience as a medical content creator, patience has helped me stay consistent and embrace the process of learning and improving. Together, these qualities have not only shaped my career but also allowed me to connect with others, whether I’m caring for patients or educating my audience.

My advice to any aspiring doctor looking to build confidence is simple: engage as much as you can. Talk to patients, interact with senior doctors, and immerse yourself in the process of examining and diagnosing. The more you practice connecting with others, the more your confidence will grow—it’s a skill built through experience, not perfection.

Empathy, on the other hand, is something I believe is innate. It’s the foundation of genuine care, and if you lack it, healthcare may not be the right path. Empathy allows you to see your patients as people, not just cases.

As for patience, it’s about handling the unpredictable with grace. Learn to recognize the signs that you’re losing patience, with yourself or others. Take a moment to recalibrate. Life unfolds as it should; the key is to stay present, and enjoy the journey

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I believe collaborations are essential for success, especially in healthcare, where a multidisciplinary approach is key to helping, treating, and managing patients effectively. I would love to collaborate with anyone passionate about wellness. Whether you’re a fitness professional, registered dietitian, mental health expert, or someone who is a pioneer in health and wellness. Conversations with other healthcare professionals and advocates help me expand my message and reach a broader audience.

I’m particularly drawn to working with people who are authentic, empathetic, and committed to delivering the highest standards of care. These collaborations enable me to create comprehensive wellness plans that focus on achieving long-term balance for the mind, body, and soul.

I’m also open to partnering with corporations looking to promote a healthier workforce through health fairs, wellness initiatives, and medical evaluations. If your organization values health and wants to prioritize employee well-being, I’m here to help.

Together, we can make a difference. If you’re interested in collaborating, email at [email protected]. Let’s work together to achieve a healthier future.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer: Jabari Kerr
Make up: Megan Mohammed
Support and contributor: Laurayne Lucky

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