I was introduced to several skilled and inspiring Integrative practitioners years ago, who gave me the opportunity to experience the profound healing potential of Integrative Medicine directly, in the lives of patients, and in my own life. Firmly convinced that Integrative Medicine is the future of healthcare, I completed medical school and residency in traditional Allopathic programs, with the overarching professional goal of serving as a bridge between Western Medicine and Integrative Medicine. While Western Medicine, with all it's cutting-edge technology, has much to offer all of us, it falls short in addressing the root causes of many chronic conditions, most of which stem ultimately from imbalances in our diets, our lifestyles, our minds, and on the emotional and spiritual levels. This is exactly the realm where Integrative Medicine excels, as the focus is on restoring balance to ourselves and to patients on all levels, from the physical to the mental to the spiritual, with an emphasis on small, but continual and meaningful, changes to our diet and lifestyle and through fostering mindfulness. Within the domain of Western Medicine, I am most drawn to primary care, psychotherapy, palliative care, and patient education, and within Integrative Medicine, I am most drawn to Ayurveda, mindfulness, and Integrative approaches to anxiety and depression.