Divya Patel
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice, Kosha- Mindful Meals, is focused on nutrition coaching and supporting individuals to lead a nutritionally sustainable lifestyle consisting of whole foods, mostly plant based. My clients are mainly referred by primary care providers once they are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol. By providing one on one counseling, we collaborate and establish a simple, practical whole foods plant based, nutrition plan based on client's individual health needs and goals.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I have been a registered dietitian for over 15 years working in a public health. I wanted to provide help to families with a personal nutrition plans by connecting with them, using current nutrition research related to plant based diet. I completed Lifestyle Medicine certification, and started helping families who are seeking to make lifestyle changes and improve their overall health. I am passionate about cooking nutritious, vegetarian meals and teaching others to meet their health goals.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I had a client, who was a vegetarian and she was diagnosed with pre diabetes. She was judging her eating habits, her lifestyle and started her sessions by blaming herself. I worked with her with compassion and worked on a plant based nutrition plan with her by making individualized meal plans with her. After 8 weeks, she had lost 7 lbs, her A1c levels and cholesterol levels were normal. She felt empowered by changing her lifestyle in a practical ways and is able to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Most of my clients are referrals from cardiologist or clients themselves. My private practice is not accepting insurance at this time, being a newly established practice, I am still learning about it. It limits the number of clients I receive. On the other hand, it also gives me enough time to work on each client's individual plans and follow ups with limited clients at a time. Being in Private practice, one of the hardest thing is to have limited network with other practitioners.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top three tips I would give.
- I would suggest to surround yourself with other people who are encouraging, inspiring and supportive.
- Find a mentor, preferably established entrepreneur, and ask many questions, get curious about their journey. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and be prepared to make some mistakes and learn from them.
- As your business grows, be sure to pass on kindness to others and be available to mentor someone who may be starting his/her private practice.