How can I create Sandow's dream world as a physician?
Dear Physicians and Health Fanatics:
I am currently a high school junior with big dreams but little to no influence on society at the moment. After years of Cross Country running, amateur competitive boxing, and staying fit and healthy in general, I have come to espouse health & fitness as a lifestyle. Currently, most of what I do now is strength training and bodybuilding, all of which have taught me a lot about myself which I try to spread through a health & fitness club I started at my high school. A champion bodybuilder of his time and a professional in disease control, Eugen Sandow, wrote a book called Life is Movement over a hundred years ago in order to voice his thoughts on the increasing maladies in our world. Sandow makes connections such as how if the government and youth were more well-informed in what made someone a truly healthy being which includes knowing which foods should be eaten and how to exercise properly then everyone would be strong enough holistically to prevent disease without the dependence on medicine. I have dreams of becoming a physician since I love helping people out and knowing more about the human body. Would I have enough power as a physician to influence the world in the way I want? How can I go about this large goal when I am a physician? What will support me?
Thanks,
Alexander N. #doctor #science #biology #health #physician
2 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Alexander,
A doctor can influence the world making a difference on it. Here are some tips that can help you to think better of it:
Treating people with love and respect, listening to them carefully in order to help them;
Treat the person's holistic way, not just the disease;
Seeking new methods and techniques to better serve patients;
Do volunteer work, serving underprivileged people in neighborhoods and disadvantaged communities;
Love what you do, believing in the work as an opportunity to do the good and bring hope to people through the quality of life and health;
Be different, making the difference. Be the change you wish to the world.
Have a successful career!
I LIKE U R QUESTION
Charlotte Geiger
Charlotte’s Answer
That’s an incredibly inspiring vision, Alexander! It’s clear that you have a passion for health, fitness, and preventive care, and it’s impressive that you’re already thinking about how to make a difference on a large scale. As a future physician, you absolutely have the potential to influence how people view and practice holistic health, much like Eugen Sandow did in his time. Here’s how you can create your own version of Sandow’s dream world while pursuing a medical career:
1. Embrace Preventive Medicine as Your Foundation:
As a physician, especially in fields like family medicine, sports medicine, or public health, you will have direct access to patients who seek advice on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.
You can focus on educating patients about how strength training, balanced diets, and regular physical activity are essential for preventing chronic diseases.
Integrate Sandow’s philosophy by emphasizing holistic wellness, not just treating illnesses after they arise.
2. Use Your Medical Degree to Build Credibility:
A medical degree will give you authority and credibility to promote health initiatives.
You can influence both individual patients and larger communities by providing evidence-based advice on preventive care and fitness.
Consider pursuing a specialty that aligns with your vision, such as:
Sports Medicine: Directly combines fitness with healthcare.
Preventive Medicine: Focuses on public health and disease prevention.
Lifestyle Medicine: Uses lifestyle changes as treatment.
3. Build a Platform Beyond Your Practice:
Start a social media presence or blog as you go through your medical journey. Share your own fitness routines, nutrition tips, and how medical knowledge can support holistic health.
Develop programs within your community, like fitness workshops or health seminars, where you combine your medical expertise with your passion for fitness.
Consider writing your own book or guide, inspired by Sandow’s "Life is Movement", but updated with modern medical insights.
4. Advocate for Health Policy Changes:
Use your platform to advocate for policies that promote fitness and preventive care in schools and communities.
Work with public health organizations to promote physical activity as a disease prevention strategy.
Consider earning an additional degree or certification in Public Health (MPH) to strengthen your impact on healthcare policies.
5. Collaborate with Other Health Enthusiasts:
Connect with other physicians, fitness experts, and health advocates who share your vision.
Form a network of professionals who can support your ideas and projects, making your message more widespread.
Host collaborative events that merge medical knowledge with fitness practices.
6. Lead by Example:
As a physician, your personal fitness journey will inspire your patients.
Practice what you preach—continue strength training, boxing, and staying fit, demonstrating the connection between physical strength and health.
Encourage patients to build movement into their daily lives as a fundamental part of health.
7. Develop Educational Programs:
Create a curriculum for schools or community centers that teaches kids about exercise, nutrition, and long-term wellness.
Partner with schools or fitness centers to teach holistic health.
Use your credibility as a physician to promote fitness as preventive medicine.
8. Inspire the Next Generation:
Mentor young athletes or students interested in combining fitness with healthcare.
Share your story—how your passion for fitness shaped your path to becoming a physician.
Encourage young people to value their health early on, just as you did.
9. Stay True to Your Vision:
Remember that building your vision takes time. Stay committed to combining medicine with fitness even as you progress through medical school and residency.
Keep Sandow’s philosophy alive by continuously educating yourself about how fitness impacts disease prevention.
Be willing to adapt your approach as new medical insights and fitness trends evolve.