Doctor Turned Health Coach

From GP to Health Coach: Dr. Adore Osuji’s Journey into Lifestyle Medicine

Introduction

In this episode of The Meat Medic Podcast, Dr. Suresh Khirwadkar interviews Dr. Adore Osuji, a GP turned health coach who recently moved to Australia. Dr. Osuji shares her journey from traditional general practice to focusing on lifestyle medicine, emphasizing the significant role diet plays in managing chronic illnesses. Her story offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by foreign-trained doctors in Australia, the limitations of conventional medical practice, and the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine.

Transition from GP to Health Coach

Dr. Osuji began her medical career in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2018. Upon arriving, she was subject to the "moratorium," a regulation that restricts where foreign-trained doctors can work. Faced with the choice of working in rural areas or frequently changing clinics in urban settings, Dr. Osuji initially struggled to find fulfillment in her role as a GP. The limitations of the traditional medical model, particularly the focus on prescribing medications rather than addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, led her to reconsider her approach.

During her time as a GP, Dr. Osuji observed that many of her patients with chronic conditions were not improving despite following standard medical advice. She realized that a more in-depth focus on lifestyle and diet could significantly impact these patients' health. This realization prompted her to step away from general practice and pursue a career in health coaching, where she could dedicate more time to helping patients understand how their daily choices affect their health.

The Challenges of Traditional Practice

One of the key challenges Dr. Osuji faced as a GP was the time constraints inherent in the traditional medical model. With only 10 minutes allocated per patient, she found it difficult to delve into the lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic illnesses. Patients often came in expecting quick fixes, usually in the form of prescriptions, and were resistant to discussions about diet and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Osuji’s frustration grew as she encountered patients who were chronically ill yet uninterested in making dietary changes. She recounts how many patients were more focused on receiving their prescriptions rather than understanding the underlying causes of their conditions. This led to a growing dissatisfaction with her role as a GP, as she felt she was merely managing symptoms rather than helping patients achieve true health.

Personal Health Journey and Insights

Dr. Osuji’s interest in lifestyle medicine is rooted in her own health journey. From a young age, she noticed that certain foods had a direct impact on her well-being. This awareness became more pronounced during her late teens when she experienced severe menstrual cramps triggered by sugary foods. Over time, she experimented with various diets, including a gluten-free diet and the paleo diet, which significantly improved her health.

Her personal experiences with diet and health have made her acutely aware of the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. Dr. Osuji shared a pivotal moment when she consumed a sugary drink and experienced a dramatic increase in menstrual pain within minutes. This event, among others, solidified her belief that diet plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions.

The Decision to Focus on Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Osuji’s decision to transition into health coaching was driven by her desire to help patients take control of their health through informed lifestyle choices. She believes that many chronic illnesses can be managed or even reversed by focusing on diet and lifestyle rather than relying solely on medications.

As a health coach, Dr. Osuji now works with patients to explore how dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in health. Her approach is patient-centered, focusing on educating individuals about the impact of their daily choices and empowering them to make sustainable changes.

Challenges in Promoting Lifestyle Medicine

Despite the clear benefits of lifestyle medicine, Dr. Osuji acknowledges the challenges in promoting this approach. Many patients are resistant to change, particularly when it involves altering their diet. Dr. Osuji notes that some patients view food as their only source of joy, especially when dealing with chronic illness. Convincing them to give up certain foods can be difficult, as they fear losing the little pleasure they derive from eating.

Moreover, as a foreign-trained doctor, Dr. Osuji was initially hesitant to promote low-carb and carnivore diets due to concerns about potential professional repercussions. In Australia, there have been cases where doctors were disciplined for recommending dietary changes that deviate from conventional guidelines. This environment made Dr. Osuji cautious about advocating for dietary interventions, despite her personal and professional belief in their efficacy.

The Power of a Meat-Based Diet

Dr. Osuji’s current dietary approach is primarily carnivore, which she finds simple, effective, and sustainable. She attributes her improved energy levels, better sleep, and overall well-being to this diet. While she occasionally incorporates other foods like full-fat Greek yogurt or bone broth, her diet is largely meat-based.

She emphasizes that the key to success with any diet is finding what works best for the individual. Dr. Osuji encourages her patients to start with an elimination diet, removing potential irritants and then slowly reintroducing foods to see how their bodies react. This approach helps patients identify the foods that support their health and those that do not.

Conclusion

Dr. Adore Osuji’s journey from GP to health coach underscores the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine. Her story highlights the limitations of traditional medical practice in addressing chronic illness and the importance of diet in achieving optimal health. By focusing on lifestyle and dietary changes, Dr. Osuji is helping her patients take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Osuji’s approach to health coaching or exploring the benefits of a meat-based diet, you can visit her website at adorehealthcoach.com or follow her on Instagram at @adorehealthcoach.

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