We had the good fortune of connecting with Pooja Gidwani. Md Mba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pooja, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own practice came from years of witnessing how the traditional healthcare system often failed the very people it was meant to serve. Working in hospital systems, I saw far too many lives cut short by chronic conditions that could have been prevented with the right care earlier on. Time and again, I watched patients suffer worse outcomes because of systemic limitations—insurance constraints, rushed appointments, and a lack of focus on long-term health. It was heartbreaking to see how many of these tragedies might have been avoided with a more proactive, sustainable approach to healthcare.

That’s what motivated me to create something different. I wanted to build a practice that prioritizes longevity and empowers people to thrive—not just survive. By focusing on prevention, personalized care, and sustainable changes, I help my patients take control of their health and create a future where chronic illness doesn’t have to dictate their lives. For me, this work is about ensuring that people don’t just live longer but also live better, with the vitality to pursue their passions and be there for their loved ones. Creating a system that supports that kind of care was the only way forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My practice is built on the belief that healthcare should be proactive, not reactive, and that longevity—both in quality and years—should be the foundation of care. As a concierge physician, I focus on creating highly personalized care plans that prioritize prevention, sustainable changes, and health optimization. My weight loss program, in particular, goes beyond quick changes. It’s about transforming mindsets, building confidence, changing body composition the right way, and helping people build healthier habits for life.

What sets my practice apart is the time and attention I devote to each patient. I’m not bound by insurance constraints, which means I can focus on truly understanding their goals, challenges, and needs. I emphasize simplicity and actionable strategies, making health and wellness accessible rather than overwhelming. I’ve learned that small, consistent steps are what lead to lasting transformation, and that’s the philosophy I bring to every patient interaction.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Building a practice that challenges the status quo has meant overcoming skepticism and educating people on the value of investing in their health proactively. It’s also required stepping away from traditional insurance models, which is a challenge in itself. But the rewards far outweigh the difficulties—I’m most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed, from patients who’ve reversed chronic conditions to those who feel confident and empowered for the first time in years.

What I want the world to know is that healthcare doesn’t have to be a frustrating, impersonal experience. It can be tailored to you , impactful, and focused on helping you thrive for the long term. My mission is to create that experience for every patient I work with and to spread awareness of how much better healthcare can be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer, and I love showing people both its hidden gems and its iconic spots. We’d start with a hike in Malibu, enjoying the incredible ocean views and ending the morning with breakfast and coffee outdoors—maybe somewhere like Malibu Farm.

Next, we’d do a food tour, making our way through the hills for stunning views, then into downtown LA. Along the way, we’d stop for some of LA’s best tacos, explore trendy brunch spots, and visit neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Los Feliz for their unique coffee shops, restaurants, and relaxed vibes. For the evening, we’d head to a rooftop restaurant like Elephante in Santa Monica or Perch in downtown LA to enjoy a sunset dinner with amazing city views. The combination of great food, ambiance, and the LA skyline is always unforgettable.

For the rest of the week, we’d dive into some LA adventures. A visit to a wellness center or a Korean spa like Wi Spa would be perfect for some self-care, with cold plunges, saunas, red light therapy, and more to recharge and relax. We might spend a day exploring Griffith Observatory and one of my favorite hikes, Runyon Canyon, followed by a sunset picnic at one of LA’s scenic parks. Another day, we’d take a drive up the coast to Ojai for wine tasting, spa time, and a relaxing escape from the city. We’d also check out the Arts District for its vibrant murals, eclectic shops, and craft breweries, or catch a comedy show in Hollywood.

To cap off the trip, we’d spend a day in the South Bay exploring Manhattan Beach, with time to relax by the ocean, grab some seafood, and enjoy the laid-back beach town energy . There’s so much to love about LA—the mix of nature, food, and culture is what makes it such an exciting and dynamic place to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much of my journey to the people who believed in me and supported my vision, even when the path wasn’t easy. My family has been my rock, especially during the challenging moments of starting a business that defies traditional healthcare norms. I also want to recognize my patients, who trust me with their care and inspire me every day with their resilience and determination to lead healthier, fuller lives.

Additionally, I’ve been deeply influenced by mentors and colleagues who have shown me what’s possible when you approach medicine with compassion and innovation. Finally, a huge part of my inspiration comes from the people I’ve lost too soon—patients and loved ones whose stories remind me why this work matters so much. Their lives drive my commitment to create a better healthcare system, one focused on helping people live longer and thrive.

Website: https://www.poojagidwanimd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pooja.gidwani/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-gidwani-md

Twitter: https://x.com/drpoojagidwani

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.pooja.gidwani

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