Wellness Reimagined: Dr Sulagna Misra Of Misra Wellness On 5 Things That Should Be Done To Improve and Reform The Health & Wellness Industry

An Interview With Maria Angelova

Increase residency spots: One glaring issue is the shortage of residency positions, which limits the number of trained physicians entering the workforce. This shortage exacerbates the existing healthcare crisis, particularly in underserved areas. For example, in rural communities, residents often face long wait times and limited access to medical care due to the scarcity of healthcare professionals. Expanding residency spots can ensure a more robust healthcare infrastructure and address disparities in access to care.

In our world of constant change, and with life moving faster than ever, topics such as mental health, self-care, and prevention have become popular buzzwords. People are looking to live healthier lives, and there is superb care out there that is being offered. At the same time, there are misconceptions about the meaning of self-care and exercise. Many opt for quick solutions — surgery, pills — to dull the problem without adequately addressing the underlying cause. Meanwhile, many parts of the industry are unregulated and oversaturated. People with years of training are competing with people with weekend training. Many providers are overworked, overwhelmed, and underpaid. The general public is not educated about asking the right questions when selecting a wellness provider. In the face of all this, what can be done to correct the status quo? In this interview series, we are seeking to hear from a variety of leaders in the health and wellness industries who agree that the wellness industry is in need of an overhaul and offer suggestions about what can be done moving forward. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sulagna Misra.

Dr. Sulagna Misra, MD, BCMAS, founded Misra Wellness®, a DPC practice in Los Angeles, California, focusing on weight loss, men’s health, and integrative and aesthetic medicine. As a triple Board-Certified Physician, Dr. Misra delivers comprehensive healthcare services. Raised in New York City, she previously practiced at Mount Sinai Hospital and is now dedicated to patient advocacy and promoting health and care through personalized consultations and continuous communication, guided by her tagline “Feel, Heal, Reveal.”

Thank you so much for doing this interview. It is an honor. Our readers would love to learn more about you and your personal background. Can you please share your personal backstory? What has brought you to this point in your life?

Well, first off, I never really saw myself heading into medicine. It wasn’t my passion, you know? Being Indian, there’s often this predetermined path set for you, and I was told, “Su, you’re going to be a biochemist.” I pushed back against that because I didn’t want to follow that route. I’ve always been more inclined towards creativity — I even considered joining the FBI or the Navy — but life had other plans. After some soul-searching, a year off, dabbling in real estate, and pursuing my artistic side with exhibitions and music — opera, Broadway, techno — I found myself in a Caribbean medical school. It wasn’t what I envisioned, but I made a deal with my mother that I’d give it a shot, and if it didn’t click, I’d pursue my art/music career.

But fate intervened — my computer crashed upon landing, and then my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Suddenly, my perspective shifted. I realized I needed to understand the mechanisms of cancer to support her better. So, I stuck with medical school, caring for my mother while juggling my studies.

Initially, I aimed for anesthesia and landed a one-year opportunity at a hospital, but when my mother’s condition worsened, I couldn’t leave her side. She, too, was a Physician and deeply involved in the medical community. Serendipitously, I managed to extend my tenure to three years, aligning with my mother’s needs.

Tragically, my mother passed away towards the beginning of my residency. I faced another challenge when I had to use vacation time for bereavement — a system flaw that left me scrambling to balance work with major personal and community loss.

Throughout my journey, I encountered the harsh realities of the medical field — the pervasive culture that often neglects and penalizes seeking treatment for mental health, the pressure to constantly prove oneself, and the systemic abuses that start even before medical school. It’s a system that pits us against each other, essentially allowing nurses to practice medicine without the same rigorous training, and the focus seems more on corporate and administrative profit than patient care.

There are countless issues plaguing the medical profession, from bureaucratic hurdles like prior authorizations to significant crises like cyberattacks disrupting patient care and physician compensation. It’s a multifaceted problem, deeply rooted in profit-driven motives, administrative inefficiencies, and a lack of focus on patient well-being.

There’s so much more to unpack here, but it’s clear that systemic change is overdue.

What is your “why” behind the work that you do? What fuels you?

It’s disheartening to witness the exodus of my colleagues, each one already mentally checking out. In the next five to ten years, maybe even sooner, the shortage of doctors will reach critical levels — we’re already teetering on the edge.

Consider this: my profession now holds the unenviable title of having the highest suicide rate. We weathered a pandemic, yet we’re left with a dwindling number of physicians. We’re undervalued, underpaid, and treated as expendable. The burden we shoulder in terms of both responsibility and liability is immense. It’s infuriating to see society prioritize trivial expenses over essential healthcare needs. Your hairdresser gets paid, and your cable bill is settled, but when it comes to compensating your doctor for preserving your health (or preventing death) — the very foundation of your well-being — suddenly, there’s hesitation.

We’ve long preached that without health, nothing else matters. Yet, the reality is starkly different. True healthcare is faltering, overshadowed by a system prioritizing profit over people. That’s what fuels my fire — the urgent need to reclaim the essence of healthcare, restore dignity to the medical profession, and ensure no one’s health is sacrificed at the altar of corporate interests.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting new projects you are working on now?

Currently, my focus lies in addressing the alarming gaps in the healthcare landscape, where genuine health and care are conspicuously absent. I’m passionate about raising awareness regarding the stark reality that many doctors, including myself, aren’t truly practicing medicine anymore.

There’s a pervasive presence of fraud across various sectors, with insurance companies emerging as major players. It’s become evident to me that insurance, across all domains, has transformed into a form of racketeering, using coercion tactics, such as threatening non-payment if certain criteria aren’t met, that are nothing short of terrifying. Issues such as pre-existing conditions not being covered and the daunting prospect of patients avoiding essential care due to financial concerns are prevalent and deeply concerning.

My efforts are directed toward shedding light on these critical issues and advocating for systemic change to ensure that genuine healthcare remains accessible and equitable for all.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Well, I wouldn’t necessarily label it as “funny,” but one memorable misstep I made was signing a lease one day before COVID-19 closures took place, oblivious to the impending chaos it would unleash. However, I don’t subscribe to the notion of mistakes in the traditional sense.

Life has a way of unfolding, and sometimes the unexpected occurs. I prefer to view these experiences as opportunities for growth, recognizing that challenges and setbacks can catalyze learning and transformation. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, I approach such situations with curiosity and a willingness to adapt.

I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences to empower others, turning moments of adversity into opportunities for collective learning and progress. It is that thought process that brings me here — I never expected to have a brand or leadership role within medicine in this way.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview. From where you stand, why are you passionate about the topic of Reimagining The Health and Wellness industries? Can you explain what you mean with a story or an example?

As a member of various physicians’ groups online and offline, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our profession is being besieged from all sides. We’re struggling to make ends meet, with many of us resorting to “side gigs” or alternative career paths just to survive. Whether it’s delving into utilization review, real estate, retail, or entrepreneurship in medical devices, the common thread is that we’re no longer solely focused on practicing medicine. Direct Primary Care (DPC) stands out as a beacon of hope in this landscape, offering a model that allows for a balance between professional fulfillment and financial stability while also possibly alleviating physician burnout.

Let me illustrate with a concrete example. Consider the exorbitant costs associated with medical services when billed through insurance. I’ve seen bills for routine lab work amounting to thousands of dollars, only to negotiate the price down to a fraction of that through DPC — sometimes as low as $150 for an entire men’s health or weight-loss panel. The stark contrast begs the question: where does all that money go? It certainly doesn’t benefit the patient, nor does it adequately compensate the physician. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the healthcare and insurance industries.

My passion for reimagining health and wellness stems from a deep-seated belief that the current system is unsustainable and unjust. Through advocacy and collective action, my physician colleagues and I are striving to shed light on these disparities and push for meaningful reforms. If we fail to act now, we risk a future where the shortage of doctors becomes critical, leaving communities without access to essential healthcare services. That’s a future none of us want to face.

I now also have a “patient advocacy” membership where I guide patients on various health matters, but I’m not the prescribing physician — I am the overseeing physician ensuring they are receiving appropriate care and also challenging costs. This is a niche consultation membership program I created within Misra Wellness to ensure all patients across state lines receive proper physician-led care.

Why physicians cannot practice across state lines beyond a pandemic — we were allowed during the pandemic — is unknown to me, especially when Locums Tenans, where people hire physicians sort of a-la-carte on an as-needed basis. Physicians should be allowed to practice their certification across all state lines, as medical guidelines do not generally change from state to state — CDC and WHO are national and international bodies, as are all certifying bodies — and physicians now need to own their credentials and certifications and not be forced to pay for them and resubmit applications, deadlines, etc. for things we have already achieved.

When I talk about Reimagining the Wellness industry, I am talking about reimagining it from the perspective of the providers as well as from the perspective of the recipients and patients. Can you share a few reasons why the status quo is not working for both providers and patients?

The current system fails both physicians and patients in numerous ways. Take, for instance, the pressure to conform to aesthetic standards within the medical field. I’ve encountered friction when attempting to market my services on platforms that prioritize before-and-after transformations, akin to those seen in plastic surgery. Obesity, however, is not merely a superficial issue — it’s a multifaceted medical condition with complex underlying factors, often intertwined with other serious health conditions.

Moreover, the system perpetuates unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary burdens on physicians. For instance, the emergence of specialized boards and additional exams for obesity medicine introduces redundancy and diverts resources away from more pressing healthcare needs. This not only complicates the treatment process but also creates barriers for providers who have long been managing obesity and its related conditions within the scope of primary care. It also allows those who have no idea of what obesity even is to “treat” it, causing further patient morbidity and mortality, skewing studies, and sustaining corporate profits over patients’ health.

It’s evident that the current approach fails to recognize the expertise and capabilities of primary care physicians, including internists, family medicine practitioners, pediatricians, and geriatricians. These professionals are well-equipped to address obesity and its associated health concerns without requiring specialized interventions. By streamlining care and empowering frontline providers, we can better serve patients and ensure more effective, holistic healthcare solutions.

Why do you think there is a good opportunity now to improve and reform the health and wellness industry?

The health and wellness industry holds a significant position as the fourth-largest contributor to the global GDP, with trillions of dollars flowing through its veins, particularly in the US. However, amidst this financial prosperity, the essence of true healthcare and wellness is being diluted. It’s a landscape where profit margins often take precedence over patient well-being and the pursuit of wealth overshadows the pursuit of health.

Now more than ever, there’s a pressing need to confront these disparities and reorient the industry toward its core principles. The allure of financial gain has drawn attention to the current system’s shortcomings, prompting a growing chorus of voices advocating for change. It’s time to reclaim the narrative and ensure that healthcare isn’t just about generating revenue — it’s about restoring and nurturing health for individuals and communities.

Can you please share your “5 Things That Should Be Done To Improve and Reform The Health & Wellness Industry”?

1. Increase residency spots: One glaring issue is the shortage of residency positions, which limits the number of trained physicians entering the workforce. This shortage exacerbates the existing healthcare crisis, particularly in underserved areas. For example, in rural communities, residents often face long wait times and limited access to medical care due to the scarcity of healthcare professionals. Expanding residency spots can ensure a more robust healthcare infrastructure and address disparities in access to care.
2. Reduce administrative burden and fees for physicians: Physicians are burdened with excessive administrative tasks and fees, diverting valuable time and resources from patient care, and even lobbying Congress for change to be made — something physicians are very interested in doing but have zero time for. I’ve personally experienced the frustration of navigating complex billing systems and bureaucratic red tape, which detracts from the primary focus of providing quality healthcare. Streamlining administrative processes and reducing unnecessary fees would alleviate this burden, allowing physicians to devote more attention to their patients’ needs.
3. Improve support with insurance hurdles: The current insurance landscape is rife with hurdles and obstacles that impede patient care. For instance, prior authorizations and complex billing procedures often delay or deny essential treatments, leaving patients stranded in bureaucratic limbo. I’ve encountered numerous instances where patients cannot access necessary medications or procedures due to insurance roadblocks. By enhancing support services to navigate insurance challenges, we can ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care without undue barriers.
4. Enhance reimbursement and benefits for preventative care: Prevention is the cornerstone of a thriving healthcare system, yet preventative care initiatives are often underfunded and undervalued. For instance, reimbursement rates for preventive services are typically lower than those for acute care, disincentivizing providers from prioritizing preventive interventions. This shortsighted approach neglects the long-term benefits of preventive care in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. By incentivizing and adequately compensating providers for preventive services, we can shift towards a more proactive and holistic approach to healthcare.
5. Center medicine around physician and patient: At its core, medicine should revolve around the relationship between physician and patient, with their needs and well-being at the forefront. Unfortunately, the current healthcare system often prioritizes profit margins and administrative efficiency over patient-centered care. I’ve witnessed instances where patients feel marginalized or disempowered within the healthcare system, leading to dissatisfaction and distrust. Refocusing medicine on the physician-patient relationship and emphasizing shared decision-making can restore trust and dignity to the healthcare experience.

From the recipient and patient side of the industry, can you please share a few ways that patients and recipients should reimagine what the wellness and healthcare industry should provide?

True wellness encompasses more than just physical activities — it must also include mental and emotional well-being. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a valuable framework, illustrating that basic needs such as shelter, nutrition, sleep, and safety must be met before individuals can focus on higher-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization. However, in today’s fast-paced society, the pyramid of needs often feels inverted, with individuals prioritizing superficial self-improvement activities without addressing foundational needs.

Furthermore, the erosion of trust in the doctor-patient relationship has disillusioned many individuals with conventional medicine. Instead of viewing doctors as trusted allies in their health journey, patients may perceive them as mere dispensers of medications or proponents of intrusive, expensive, or unnecessary treatments. It’s crucial to rebuild this trust and foster open communication between patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine and collaborative decision-making.

In an era dominated by instant gratification, it’s essential to recognize that true healing takes time and patience. Rather than seeking quick fixes or relying solely on medications, patients should embrace holistic approaches prioritizing long-term health and well-being. By adopting a more nuanced understanding of wellness and healthcare, patients can empower themselves to take control of their health journey and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

What do you think are the biggest roadblocks to reforming the industry? What can be done to address those hurdles?

The biggest roadblocks to reforming the healthcare industry stem from entrenched interests and systemic deficiencies prioritizing profit over patient well-being. One significant obstacle lies in the presence of stakeholders who profit from healthcare without possessing a genuine understanding of medical principles or patient care. This disconnect perpetuates a culture of exploitation and undermines the integrity of the healthcare system.

To address these hurdles, a fundamental shift is needed in the composition of decision-making bodies and the allocation of resources within the industry. Specifically, individuals and entities profiting from healthcare should be held accountable for their actions and compelled to prioritize patient-centered care. This may involve implementing stricter regulations, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability mechanisms to ensure financial interests align with ethical healthcare practices.

I’m very passionate about the topic of proactive versus reactive self-care and healthcare. What do you think can be done to shift the industries towards a proactive healthcare approach? How can we shift the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike?

Shifting towards a proactive healthcare approach requires systemic changes at every level, starting with education. We must prioritize mental health and holistic well-being in school curricula, reintegrating activities like play, creative writing, and physical education to nurture both intellectual and emotional development. We can instill proactive self-care habits from a young age by fostering a more balanced educational environment that values creativity and emotional intelligence alongside traditional academic subjects.

Moreover, we must address the broader cultural mindset surrounding self-care. Too often, self-care is equated with indulgence or superficial activities rather than viewed as a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. To shift this mindset, we must promote a more nuanced understanding of self-care that encompasses mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Practitioners should prioritize preventive measures and patient education, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to maintain their health.

Additionally, we must address systemic barriers that hinder access to proactive healthcare, such as limited insurance coverage for preventive services and the scarcity of mental health resources. By advocating for policy reforms and investing in preventive care initiatives, we can create a healthcare system that prioritizes proactive interventions and empowers individuals to take control of their health journey.

Ultimately, transforming the healthcare industry requires a collective effort to reshape societal attitudes and dismantle systemic barriers. By prioritizing holistic well-being, investing in education, and advocating for policy reforms, we can cultivate a culture of proactive self-care that benefits both individuals and communities.

Thank you for all that great insight! Let’s start wrapping up. Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

Absolutely! I have a couple of favorite life lesson quotes that deeply resonate with me. The first is my tagline, “Feel, Heal, Reveal.” This resonates with me because it encapsulates the journey of transformation and growth individuals undergo in their pursuit of wellness and my willingness to meet my patients wherever they are on their “wellness journey”.

“Feel” represents the process of identifying and acknowledging one’s challenges or issues. It’s about understanding and embracing the emotions and experiences that shape our journey.

“Heal” signifies the ongoing process of healing, which is unique to each individual and encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It acknowledges that healing is a journey, not a destination, that requires patience, self-care, resilience, and — in most situations — time.

Finally, “Reveal” symbolizes the culmination of this journey, where individuals emerge as empowered and transformed versions of themselves. It’s about embracing our newfound strength and authenticity and sharing our stories with the world.

Additionally, I have a sentence in my signature that holds profound meaning for me: “If we replace the ‘I’ in illness with ‘we,’ then illness becomes wellness.” This quote highlights the importance of community and support in the healing process. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that healing often occurs within the context of relationships and connection. By coming together as a community, we can overcome obstacles and cultivate a culture of wellness where everyone’s needs are valued and supported.

These quotes serve as guiding principles in my approach to healthcare, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and resilience. They remind me of the transformative power of healing and the importance of fostering supportive communities that uplift and empower individuals on their journey toward wellness.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

Oprah. I feel like I don’t need to explain that one.

The Kardashians would be really interesting, too, because they are a unique family that brings different perspectives, especially in the wellness space. Kourtney has been striving for wellness for many years, and I’m curious what they think of the medical space as they get older, especially “Momager Kris.” Khloe has spoken for different pharmaceutical ads, and Kim suffers from Psoriasis and had several pregnancies littered with problems while giving birth to four beautiful children.

The entire family faces constant trauma and is also largely representative of the US culture as a whole for almost two decades now. Rob being the only boy brings a unique perspective with his weight gains and celebrated losses — one that deeply resonates with me — and the Jenner sisters probably have quite a unique perspective as well! I’m being sort of cheeky here, but I wonder if any of them have insurance?

I appreciate your time and valuable contribution. One last question, how can people reach or follow you?

I’m always available for a call, and you can follow me on Instagram. Hopefully, soon, I’ll have more to come!

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.