We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Gowri Rocco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Gowri, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my commitment to proactive medicine—helping people age better and live fully, rather than just treating disease after it appears. Our healthcare system is designed to be reactive; it waits for problems to arise before addressing them. I chose a different path.

What drives me every day is my deep belief that aging does not have to mean decline. I see firsthand that fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and chronic illness are not inevitable—they are preventable and reversible with the right approach. This mindset has allowed me to transform lives, and it’s why my practice, Optimum Wellness & Longevity, is thriving.

Another key factor is resilience. I faced a devastating loss when my sister, Padma, took her own life. That tragedy nearly made me walk away from medicine, but instead, it pushed me toward a more comprehensive approach to healing. I now combine functional, regenerative, and emotional wellness practices to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Success, for me, is measured in the quality of life my patients regain—whether that’s better energy, sharper focus, a thriving libido, or simply feeling alive again. That’s what keeps me going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been practicing medicine for over 25 years with a mission to help people grow younger and healthier, not just older.

Our healthcare system is failing us. It treats symptoms instead of preventing disease. Patients come to me exhausted, gaining weight, struggling with brain fog, insomnia, and chronic illness. They’re told these things are “just part of aging”—but that’s simply not true.

My approach is radically different. Instead of quick fixes, I focus on root-cause medicine—hormonal balance, gut health, detoxification, and regenerative therapies. I help people rewire their health so they can reclaim energy, vitality, and longevity.

But my journey to this point wasn’t easy. Losing my younger sister, Padma, to suicide during my residency changed everything. Her death shattered my faith in traditional medicine, making me question everything I had been taught. Instead of walking away, I chose to transform medicine from the inside out. I pursued advanced training in regenerative, anti-aging, and functional medicine, seeking solutions beyond pharmaceuticals.

Now, every patient I see is treated not just for their symptoms, but for the real causes behind them. I don’t just look at their lab work—I look at their lifestyle, nutrition, toxic exposure, and stress levels. I help them take control of their health.

My proudest moments? When my patients tell me they feel like themselves again—that they have energy, confidence, and passion for life after years of struggle. That’s what it’s all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week-long getaway, I’d curate a trip focused on health, relaxation, adventure, and indulgence. Here’s what our week would look like:

Day 1: Wellness & Ocean Therapy

Morning: A rejuvenating sound bath or breathwork session at a top wellness studio.
Lunch: A stop at a cold-pressed juice bar for a green juice and an acai bowl.
Afternoon: Beach time at Laguna Beach or Malibu, soaking in the healing energy of the ocean.
Dinner: Nobu Malibu for incredible seafood and sunset views.

Day 2: Adventure & Movement

Morning: A scenic hike at Crystal Cove or Runyon Canyon with breathtaking views.
Lunch: A stop at a holistic café for an adaptogenic latte and superfood salad.
Afternoon: A spa day—infrared sauna, lymphatic drainage massage, or cryotherapy.
Dinner: Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, for plant-based, organic Mexican cuisine.

Day 3: Mind-Body Healing & Culture

Morning: A yoga session or meditation class to reset and recharge.
Afternoon: Visit The Getty Museum or LACMA for some cultural inspiration.
Dinner: Perch or Elephante, for rooftop dining with a view.

Day 4-7: Wellness & Coastal Retreat

Weekend getaway to Napa or Santa Barbara Wine Country.
Stay at a wellness-focused retreat.
A day at a hot spring or mineral spa, like Glen Ivy or Ojai Valley Inn Spa.

This trip would be a perfect balance of health, relaxation, luxury, and connection—because that’s how I believe life should be lived!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Dr. Robert Rocco. Not only is he my partner in life, but he’s also my partner in our practice, Optimum Wellness & Longevity.

Building something meaningful requires unwavering support, belief, and shared vision—and that’s exactly what he’s given me. He has been by my side in every challenge and triumph, helping me push boundaries in medicine and create a practice that prioritizes true longevity and optimal health.

Website: https://www.drgowrirocco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgowrirocco?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gowri-rocco/

Image Credits
Monique Feil Photography

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