Meet Anita Wang MD, FACEP | Physcian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anita Wang MD, FACEP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey into functional medicine wasn’t just a business decision for me; it was a response to the growing challenges and frustrations I witnessed during my years working in the emergency department. The surge in chronic diseases and the palpable dissatisfaction among patients within the healthcare system fueled my determination to find a solution that went beyond acute care medicine.

My perspective took shape as I naively contemplated how my work could be more than just treating patients during critical moments than opening a business. I had many chronically ill patients that would present to the emergency department in acute distress. They would ask for me to be their primary physician. Their reasoning was that I knew them the best because I have seen them at their worst. Whereas the primary care would see them in follow up and refer to the multiple specialist. unfortunately in many cases the acute event was resolved and the chronic issue remain unresolved. I was not trained for the ongoing chronic care and the patients continued to come to the emergency department. I was concern I was potentially creating an addicted to narcotics to relive their suffering. The realization struck me that a shift towards seeing the patient before they present to the emergency department focusing on preventive care and addressing the root causes of chronic illnesses could help these patients avoid the emergency department. It is personally satisfying to be able to work with patient with goal of optimal health and longevity with vitality.
The philosophy of my practice is deeply rooted in the experiences of witnessing end-stage lives in the emergency department. It’s about recognizing the importance of maintaining muscle core strength to prevent falls, ensuring a strong pelvic floor for bladder function, and actively monitoring mitochondrial health to prevent oxidative stress. The goal is to keep individuals young, fit, and healthy throughout their lives, recognizing that the aging process may start but doesn’t have to define one’s well-being

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In the genesis of my entrepreneurial journey, my initial impetus was not to embark on the path of business but rather to extend a helping hand to patients failed by the current healthcare system of treating disease and compartmentalizing care. As I transited from emergency medicine to entrepreneurship. I devoted time to understand the nuances of running a business. The divergence between practicing medicine and operating a business became apparent as each demanded a distinct set of skill and perspective, yet there was an opportunity to blend the two seamlessly. My experience in the emergency department became crucial that forged the principles of my practice. I witness patients grappling with pain navigating the challenges of aging compelled me to develop a philosophy rooted in vitality. Functional medicine and lifestyle medicine helped me to explore the realms of genetics, cellular makeup and biochemical function within the body. I became enamored with the belief that understanding these intricacies could unlock the secrets to perpetual youth, vitality and finding root causation of maladies . Understanding that each person is unique. Knowing how each person’s mitochondrial is functioning and oxidative stress may be the key to stalling the relentless march of aging and key to the metaphorical fountain of youth. Armed with this philosophy my vision for by business crystalized to keep people young and fit forever optimizing their unique genetic cellular and biochemical function, maintaining muscle strength especially core and pelvic muscle ,preventing incontinence, falls and reducing inflammation therefore reducing pain and disease.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my way to Laguna Beach, especially coming from St. Louis, Missouri. My initial connection with Laguna was at the age of 11 when my family and I visited. It was a moment of instant resonance, as if I had found a place where I felt I truly belonged. My father, an amateur artist who, despite being the Dean of Business and Economics, had a deep love for the artistic spirit of Laguna Beach. My mother playfully expressing her sentiments about coming all the way from China only to be “stuck” in St. Louis. We finally made the move to Laguna Beach in 2005. It felt like a homecoming, and we embraced the vibrant culture and artistic community that makes Laguna Beach so special and enjoy sharing it with friends. There is surfing, mountain biking, have to see the greeter and unique experience is the parent of the master. Here is the itinerary.

Day 1: Explore Main Beach and Downtown Laguna Beach
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Orange Inn, a historic beachfront spot.
Late Morning: Visit Main Beach Park, enjoy the sun, and explore the tide pools.
Afternoon: Have lunch at The Deck on Laguna Beach, offering oceanfront dining.
Evening: Stroll through downtown Laguna Beach, exploring art galleries and boutique shops. Have dinner at Mozambique for a taste of South African cuisine.
Day 2: Artistic Exploration
Morning: Grab breakfast at Zinc Café & Market. A local favorite
Late Morning: Visit Laguna Art Museum to explore California art.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic at Heisler Park with items from Urth Caffé.
Evening: Experience a sunset at Top of the World Park, followed by dinner at Broadway by Amar Santana.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Breakfast at Penguin cafe
Late Morning: Explore Crystal Cove State Park for hiking and beach time.
Afternoon: Have lunch at Beachcomber Café within Crystal Cove.
Evening: Relax and have dinner at the Rooftop Lounge, offering panoramic views.
Day 4: Beach Day and Water Activities
Morning: Breakfast at The Greeter’s Corner Restaurant.
Late Morning: Spend the day at Thousand Steps Beach, perhaps trying paddleboarding or kayaking.
Afternoon: Grab a casual lunch at Adolfo’s
Evening: Have dinner at Splashes Restaurant, located right on the beach.
Day 5: Laguna Canyon Road Trip
Morning: Start with breakfast at Orange Inn.
Late Morning: Drive through Laguna Canyon and explore the Sawdust Art Festival. Our family favorite
Afternoon: Have lunch at Kitchen in the Canyon.
Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Laguna Playhouse and have dinner at Driftwood Kitchen.
Day 6: Laguna Beach Parks
Morning: Breakfast at The Cliff Restaurant.
Late Morning: Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
Afternoon: Picnic at Alta Laguna Park with food from Active Culture. local favorite
Evening: Dine at Starfish, offering Asian-inspired cuisine.
Day 7: Relaxation Day
Morning: Breakfast at Rye Bakery.
Late Morning: Relax on Victoria Beach and visit the famous Pirate Tower.
Afternoon: Enjoy a spa day at one of Laguna Beach’s luxurious spas.
Evening: End your trip with a farewell dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several influences and sources of inspiration that have played a crucial role in shaping my journey. First my grandparents and their struggles during the war to keep our family together The sacrifices and hard work of my immigrant parents. The resilience they demonstrated and ability to be successful in academia in their new adopted country. My family originally followed buddhist philosophy. I find the emphasis on mindfulness, compassion and interconnectedness influences my daily life and approach to patient care. Understanding the importance of holistic well being, I evaluate my patients as whole, the mind, spirt, body and the interconnectedness of all things.
I find Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on empathy, community well-being and positive impact on society resonated with my vision of functional lifestyle medicine addressing the root causes looking into each unique persons genetics and cellular function.
As a first year medical student prior to clinical experience witnessing a gentleman in critical situation at a venue. The feeling of helpless and powerless to help in an emergency situation influenced me in my career. The feeling of vulnerability in caring for patients returned as I was unable to help the chronically ill patient in the emergency department. I now am able to help in the office and in the emergency department demonstrated the the collective influence in helping others.

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