We had the good fortune of connecting with Bharat Kothakota, MD, MPH, Owner and Medical Director of Self Care LA in Santa Monica, CA, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bharat, how do you think about risk?
I think life is about taking some risk. As a physician, we are accustomed to a life where our jobs are secured, we know that we are able to comfortably provide for our family. So despite the hardship that goes into becoming a physician, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I spent the first part of my career thinking this way. That led me to start thinking outside the box and look into entrepreneurial endeavors. What started out as a side gig has helped me transition to the next phase of my career. I learned how to inject Botox Cosmetic and Fillers, and with extensive practice on family and friends, I started working at my neighborhood aesthetics practice. Slowly I learned the ins and outs of the business, what services were relevant and which ones weren’t. So when the opportunity came to purchase the very same practice, I knew I had to jump on it. It was definitely a scary proposition, considering the barriers to entry in a market like Los Angeles. However, I also knew that if I didn’t take this risk (aka opportunity), then I would regret it years later. We are now 2 years into my ownership of Self Care LA, and of course there have been some growing pains and valuable lessons learned. But we have learned to adapt with every opportunity, and have become stronger for it. In a few years when I look back at this period, I know that I will have made the right decision for myself and my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I completed my residency in Emergency Medicine in New York City, then moved to Los Angeles close to 10 years ago. I started working at this mid-sized hospital in Los Angeles as an Emergency Physician. Always wanting to progress and expand my skills, I became an Assistant Medical Director, and then subsequently the Medical Director. During the pandemic, the hospital was acquired and then closed. At which time, I was given the opportunity to become the Medical Director of a private, concierge Emergency Room in Beverly Hills. I recruited some of the best people I knew to work with me, and I am proud of how we grew in size, capability and reputation in the Los Angeles area. During this time, I was working part-time at the very same neighborhood aesthetics practice. When the opportunity came to purchase this practice, I knew I needed to prioritize my practice in order to really help it grow and expand. When I consider where I am now, I can say with equivocation that nothing was easy. The opportunities afforded to me are a product of years of dedicated training and work. This only comes with experience, but you also need to learn to not have an ego about things, and learn to collaborate with others. You never know when those connections may help you later in life, and they certainly did. I also think that I am continuing to learn from my successes and my mistakes, and that will make me a better entrepreneur and physician. I think the world should see that our brand is a reflection of my personality and experience. It has certainly evolved tremendously since I took over the practice, but I consider it a living organism, still growing and evolving.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend just came to visit, and we had an amazing time. I work and live on the west side, so unless I want to brave LA traffic, I have found my favorite spots on this side of town. Most of my picks involve food….I love Elephante as this modern take on a coastal Italian eatery with truly great drinks/food and ocean views. I can spend hours there without a problem. I like taking my friends to Fia, which is this great California coastal cuisine situated in this picturesque courtyard nestled between these unassuming buildings in Santa Monica. Food and drinks are amazing. I love the rooftop at the Waldorf in Beverly Hills to get incredible views with some appetizers and drinks. If it’s not too hot, I take my friends for hikes. Los Leones is a pretty easy one, and at one vantage point you can get ocean/city/mountain views. So few places in the world can you find something like that. As far as beaches go, I love staying local at Santa Monica beach, or I’ll drive a little bit into Ventura to hit up Leo Carillo as a dog-friendly option. My pup loves it and we can easily spend the entire day there. I’ll admit I have barely cracked the surface of what Los Angeles has to offer, but these are the tried and true favorites I know I can rely on and it won’t take me 3 hours to get to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out is to my wife Bhumika. We met during my schooling days, and she has had to endure all the trials and tribulations that go along with being a Medical Student, a Resident and a practicing Physician. She adapted and learned to work remotely wherever my training took us. She too, experienced the long hours, working late nights/holidays/weekends. Despite a very comfortable life, she encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit and has been incredibly supportive while we build our business.

Website: https://selfcarela.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfcarela/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083385158342

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/self-care-la-santa-monica-2

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@selfcarela?lang=en

Image Credits
REUBEN MOURAD

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