We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Remina Panjwani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Remina below.
Dr. Remina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I believe confidence and self-esteem becomes a stronger quality each time you step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. I developed my self-confidence and self-esteem through a journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Coming from humble beginnings in an immigrant family, I broke tradition as the first to pursue higher education and a career in medicine. Despite limited encouragement and resources, I was determined to forge my own path.
My journey began in a survival-oriented environment, where deviating from the norm as a South Asian female was uncommon. Fueled by an inner fire, I embraced the risk of being different to create something meaningful. A significant turning point came when I enlisted in the Air Force straight out of high school and served in Iraq with security forces. The experience in a war zone became a catalyst, igniting my inspiration and fostering the confidence needed to chase my dreams.
With the military’s support, I earned a B.S. in Nutrition from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by an M.S. in Medical Science at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and eventually attended medical school at The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing my residency in Internal Medicine at Medical City Fort Worth, I faced the challenges of my first post-residency job during the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Witnessing the flaws in the insurance-based and hospital-centric system motivated me to establish a concierge functional medicine and holistic wellness practice. This venture required courage, especially as a female physician challenging established norms. My approach integrates both Eastern and Western medicine, aiming to offer an alternative that prioritizes quality of life and optimal health.
In addition to my clinical practice, I embrace my creative and entrepreneurial sides by launching a podcast, conducting wellness workshops, offering speaking events, and curating engaging social media content. These endeavors allow me to amplify the message that it is possible to successfully navigate the multifaceted roles of being a mom, a veteran, a physician, a daughter caring for aging parents, and an entrepreneur. Through these experiences, I have cultivated the confidence and self-esteem to pursue my passions and make a meaningful impact.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My philosophy centers on the belief that each individual is unique, requiring a personalized approach to thrive. Recognizing the human body as more than just a collection of organs and symptoms, I understand its inherent ability to heal itself, influenced by lifestyle and the interconnected aspects of mind, body, and spirit.
To translate this passion into practice, I underwent additional training and earned certification in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic. Bridging the gap between Eastern and Western medicine, I recently launched my concierge and virtual functional medicine and holistic wellness practice.
The core of my approach revolves around personalized medicine. I take the time to understand my patients’ journeys, address root causes, and optimize their well-being. If you’re feeling unwell, we identify and address the root cause to restore you to a functional state. If you’re in decent health but want to improve and age well, we optimize your wellness through a personalized approach. We explore lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, and relationships, along with detailed lab analyses, to guide the personalized plan. This approach contrasts with traditional medicine, where a primary care visit often lasts just 15 minutes and employs a bandage solution. Moreover, as a concierge practitioner, I am readily accessible, ensuring that my patients do not experience prolonged waiting periods to reach out to me.
I emphasize the importance of community and empowering others, especially women. Collaborating with local businesses, I conduct wellness workshops that not only provide valuable information but also incorporate practical self-care practices like yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound baths. This holistic approach reflects my commitment to fostering a healthier and more empowered community.
I have also expanded my offerings to include corporate wellness and burnout management across multiple industries, including healthcare, professional athletes, and the film industry.
What’s new? I’m excited to announce the launch of several upcoming wellness workshops and the introduction of new services tailored to enhance overall well-being and address burnout. I am also a key note speaker and have a few events taking place around the states. Additionally, I will publish my first book in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and self-reflection. These attributes were cultivated through my diverse and challenging experiences, shaping both my personal and professional growth.
Resilience: During my military service in a war zone, I faced relentless challenges that demanded not only physical stamina but also unwavering mental resilience. The harsh and unpredictable environment tested my mettle, pushing me to navigate situations requiring instant decision-making and adaptability. I learned that true resilience extends beyond physical endurance to include the fortitude to withstand mental and emotional strains. This experience ingrained in me the essence of resilience, teaching me to confront difficulties head-on and emerge stronger. This resilience has also translated into a deeper understanding of my patients’ struggles, making me a more compassionate healthcare provider.
Advice: To develop resilience, embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Practice self-care and stress management techniques, and seek support from mentors and peers.
Adaptability: My military experience also taught me the importance of adaptability. The need to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations honed my ability to remain flexible and adjust to changing circumstances. This skill has been invaluable in my medical career, allowing me to navigate the complexities of healthcare and respond effectively to unexpected situations, such as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advice: Cultivate adaptability by exposing yourself to diverse experiences and environments. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to pivot when necessary. Develop problem-solving skills and remain calm under pressure.
Self-reflection: Entering medical school brought underlying traumas and anxieties to the surface, intertwined with my childhood experiences. Facing initial setbacks, I was met with discouragement and told that my dream of medical school was unattainable. This adversity prompted a period of self-reflection and growth. Confronting and managing my inner demons fostered a profound level of self-honesty and empathy. This transformative process not only propelled me into medical school but also bestowed upon me a heightened sense of empathy for the human condition.
Advice: Engage in regular self-reflection to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Practice mindfulness and seek feedback from others. Use setbacks as opportunities for introspection and personal growth.
For those early in their journey, focus on building resilience, adaptability, and self-reflection. Embrace challenges, stay flexible, and continuously seek to understand yourself better. These qualities will serve as a strong foundation for your personal and professional development.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am always looking for folks to partner or collaborate with, especially those who share a passion for holistic wellness, functional medicine, and empowering communities. I believe in the power of collaboration to create a greater impact and am excited to work with like-minded individuals and organizations.
I am particularly interested in collaborating with Healthcare Professionals, Wellness Experts, Local Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Corporate Entities.
If you are interested in collaborating, you can connect with me through my website or social media channels. Please reach out with your ideas and how you envision working together. Let’s create a healthier, more empowered community together!
Website: www.drremina.com
Instagram: @DrRemina
Email:DrReminaDO@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you and exploring potential collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drremina.com
- Instagram: @DrRemina
- Facebook: Dr. Remina Panjwani
- Linkedin: Dr. Remina Panjwani
- Youtube: The Dr. Remina Panjwani Show
- Other: Podcast on all platforms: The Dr. Remina Panjwani Show
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
