In a world where adversity often limits the bounds of human potential, one man's journey from a village in Ethiopia with no electricity or running water to now the forefront of American medicine redefines the very essence of possibility.
On this episode of The Health Feast (Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube), Po and Dr. Rak welcome Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM, a triple board-certified endocrinologist now practicing in rural North Carolina.
Dr. Nida’s early life in rural Ethiopia was marked by incredible challenges which he ultimately overcame through the relentless pursuit of education. Now, Dr. Nida applies his unique life experiences and medical expertise to transform the health of his patients through Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr. Nida is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Lifestyle Medicine. He practices both endocrinology and lifestyle medicine in Reidsville, NC, a rural part of the state. On his profile page, you’ll find numerous patient testimonials. Patients frequently express deep gratitude for Dr. Nida’s care, describing him as a transformative figure in their health journey. They praise his empathy, attentiveness, and the personalized care he extends, highlighting how he makes each patient feel valued. His approach transcends conventional medicine—it’s a deeply personal commitment to the well-being of each individual he serves.
In our conversation, Gebre recounts the remarkable path that brought him from walking hours to school to pioneering advances in diabetes management. We discuss the pivotal moments of his youth, the impact of making daily treks to access basic education, and how these experiences fueled his passion for medical science.
In our conversation, we also delve into the specifics of Gebre’s approach to medicine—how he empowers his patients to take control of their health with what he calls the power encounter and the innovative strategies he employs to encourage sustainable lifestyle adjustments. We explore how Gebre integrates lifestyle changes into traditional medical treatments to combat diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Beyond his medical pursuits, Gebre’s commitment to embodying his health principles is evident in his impressive running career. He has completed 35 marathons and is currently preparing for his sixth Boston Marathon, which he is running April 15, 2024, the day this episode originally aired.
And I think you’ll agree after listening to this conversation, Gebre’s kindness, sincerity, and genuine care for others make him not only a remarkable physician but also a cherished friend and ally in the movement to revolutionize healthcare.
Prepare to be inspired and empowered in this power encounter with Dr. Gebre Nida.
Live Well and RAK On,
Dr. Rak
Takeaways
Perseverance and determination are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and open doors to opportunities.
Community support and mentorship play a crucial role in helping individuals reach their full potential.
Gratitude and a positive mindset can help navigate difficult circumstances and fuel personal growth. Lifestyle medicine is a powerful approach to healthcare that focuses on empowering patients to take control of their health through healthier living.
Lowering systemic inflammation is key to healing the body and preventing chronic diseases.
Prioritizing self-care, including exercise and a healthy diet, is essential for healthcare professionals to lead by example and effectively promote lifestyle medicine.
Addressing chronic diseases requires a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and social connections.
Timestamps:
00:00 A Glimpse into a Challenging Childhood
00:56 Meeting Gebre: A Journey of Transformation
06:15 Gebre’s Origin Story: From Rural Ethiopia to Medical Excellence
08:18 The Struggles and Triumphs of Pursuing Education
12:25 The Journey to Becoming a Board Certified Physician in the U.S.
37:57 Embracing a New Perspective on Medicine and Health
45:30 Challenging the Status Quo: A Doctor's Transformation
51:20 Revolutionizing Diabetes Management with Lifestyle Medicine
52:03 The Power of 10-Minute Consultations
52:56 Preparing for Patient Encounters: A Personalized Approach
55:13 Empowering Patients in Rural North Carolina
55:49 Overcoming Systemic Resistance to Lifestyle Medicine
01:04:25 Personal Journey: From Burnout to Empowerment
01:11:09 The Impact of Lifestyle Medicine Beyond the Clinic
01:11:47 Balancing Professional Commitment and Self-Care
01:25:26 The Future of Medicine: A Call to Action
01:28:33 Closing Thoughts: Food as the Foundation of Health
Online Platforms:
Connect with Dr. Nida on LinkedIn
Guest Bio:
Gebreselassie (Gebre) Nida, MD, is a full-time general endocrinology practitioner in North Carolina. He is board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. In addition to his focus on diabetes, Dr. Nida is trained to diagnose and treat weight problems and thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, parathyroid, and gonadal dysfunctions. His specialty also allows him to diagnose and treat osteoporosis, cholesterol abnormalities, and other metabolic syndromes.
He was born and raised in Ethiopia, where he attended undergraduate and medical school. He did his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in Michigan.
Dr. Nida always attempts to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered assistance in patients' healthcare decisions. He practices evidence-based medicine and, as much as he can, engages patients in sometimes serious discussions to clear up myths and misinformation.
Dr. Nida is a member of many medical societies, including the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, North Carolina Medical Society, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He is the chair of the Cone Health lifestyle medicine steering committee.
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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
From Hardship to Healing with Dr. Gebre Nida