Ask the Author: Aarti Patel
Answered Questions (10)
Aarti Patel
Thank you for your question! Going into medical school, I wish I had known that business skills are important for going into private practice. Most people in school (myself included) thought to themselves, I'll get really good at assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and the rest will take care of itself. If you want to have your own practice, there is a lot more to "the rest." I didn't learn enough about that part during medical school. Patients want to have a good experience as customers who are spending hard-earned money on services, just as much as they want to feel better. The two actually go hand in hand.
Patience and not giving up (both of which I'm still growing through) have helped me get where I am as a naturopathic doctor and as a writer. I ask myself: How can I do this my way? Naturopathic medicine has the unique ability to make health care more simple, artful, and long-lasting for people. It's also a challenging field because it's not completely integrated into mainstream health care. Each doctor is unique, so I'd say think about what kind of practice best fits you, your strengths, and your interests.
Patience and not giving up (both of which I'm still growing through) have helped me get where I am as a naturopathic doctor and as a writer. I ask myself: How can I do this my way? Naturopathic medicine has the unique ability to make health care more simple, artful, and long-lasting for people. It's also a challenging field because it's not completely integrated into mainstream health care. Each doctor is unique, so I'd say think about what kind of practice best fits you, your strengths, and your interests.
Aarti Patel
Thanks for your question! Writing had always felt like forbidden fruit to me in school. I wanted to have fun with it, but I didn't get good grades or feedback about my writing. The first story I remember writing was an illustrated one about a fight between a cat and dog. I was excited about it, but my teacher was less enthused. As school progressed, I thought, "Why bother?" Years later in grad school, I authored and illustrated a study guide for one of my classes, and poof---writing and self publishing began to surface in my life. Overall, I write because I like creative projects and because I'm both curious and confused about the way the world runs. Writing is as therapeutic as it is challenging.
Aarti Patel
Where did my favorite pen go?
Aarti Patel
Big Dan and Little Ann. Their story is really heartwarming, I'll never forget it.
Aarti Patel
Bring who you are to your work.
Aarti Patel
You can draw material from any of your life experiences, talents, challenges, and musings! Writing can reveal to you the undercurrents of your own thoughts, which can feel inaccessible sometimes in busy day-to-day life.
Aarti Patel
I wanted to answer the question: What is health? In my own words, rather than referring to lines from a medical or clinical textbook.
Aarti Patel
Much of the inspiration stems from facing challenges in life and what I learn along the way from that. It also comes from just looking around and thinking about how I would describe what I'm seeing. My health-related books are sparked by my own and my patients' journeys in health care.
Aarti Patel
I'm preparing a collection of short stories for print and updated ebook publication. I also have a book of my compiled health blog posts in the works. Stay tuned!
Aarti Patel
I want to enjoy the process, so sometimes I'll take a break for relief and a fresh dose of inspiration. I'll also put on headphones at times and let the music become a soundtrack to whatever I'm writing. Taking notes helps too, or approaching the work as if I'm the only reader...which at that point, I am.
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