Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Alicia Shelly, a board certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician. She is also the host of the Back on Track: Overcoming Weight Regain podcast. For more than 7 years now, she has been helping people lose and maintain weight to achieve better health.
Today Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Shelly about her medical journey, obesity medicine, and tips for how to stay in shape with a hectic schedule.
- [00:34] Dr. Shelly’s Medical Journey and Background
- [06:25] Why Internal Medicine?
- [14:33] Obesity Medicine
- [18:22] Staying Healthy with a Busy Schedule
- [25:50] Dr. Shelly’s Passions Outside of Medicine
- [30:42] Dr. Shelly’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Why Internal Medicine?
Dr. Shelly wanted to become an OB-GYN because of her interest in women’s health. Unfortunately, she was unable to match. She considered family medicine as an alternative but could not bear seeing children sick. These events eventually led her to internal medicine where she discovered her preference for primary care practice. Dr. Shelly enjoys building relationships with her patients and getting to know them. To her, being a physician means caring for people at their lowest point.
Obesity Medicine Board Certification
At one of her summer research programs, Dr. Shelly worked with an attending physician who practiced obesity medicine. It was this experience that opened the door for her. In her own life, Dr. Shelly struggled with her weight so she was personally drawn to the field. After residency, she became a board certified obesity medicine physician. It’s not just about a temporary exercise regimen or meal plan, obesity medicine is about lifestyle change using evidence based techniques. Dr. Shelly observes that obesity medicine is relevant, no matter what specialization you are in.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle in Medicine
The first two years of medical school are fairly structured, so it’s easier to set aside time for exercise and leisure activities. As your schedule becomes more busy and unpredictable, it’s important to find alternative ways for self-care. Find new ways to incorporate movement into your day. Take a 10 minute walk, use the stairs more, or increase your daily step count. Another thing to be mindful of is your diet. Include more vegetables and fruits. Make healthy choices whenever available. Get as much sleep as you can during off hours. Small habits like these can positively contribute to your overall health.
Follow and reach out to Dr. Alicia Shelly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Got questions, feedback, or suggestions? Send a message to Dr. Erkeda DeRouen’s Instagram or MedSchoolCoach’s Instagram.
