Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrisette Dharma.
Hi Chrisette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dr. Dharma’s journey to becoming “The Nagging Dr.” is not just a professional path; it is a deeply personal story of resilience and transformation. After facing a near-death experience in a riptide in Hawaii, which resulted in a broken foot, she emerged with a profound new outlook on life. This pivotal moment underscored for her the vital role that an active and healthy lifestyle plays in both recovery and well-being. It fueled her passion for wellness and strengthened her commitment to helping others embrace a vibrant, healthy life.
With a passion for health and wellness, Dr. Dharma is not only a dedicated physician but also a wellness advocate. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, scuba diving, skiing, and traveling with her husband and two children, embodying her belief that a balanced life is essential for both physical and mental health. Dr. Dharma is a Red Raider and attended Texas Tech where she majored in zoology and minored in dance, she even tried out for the Spurs Silver dancers and lucky for us did not make the team. Dr Dharma was a professional dance instructor at Arthur Murry Dance studio and taught waltz, foxtrot, and salsa.
Dr. Dharma is a Board Certified physician with the American Board of Family Practice, a distinction she has held since 1999. She earned her MD from the University of TX Health Sciences Center in June 1996 and completed her residency at the St. Paul Family Practice Center in June 1999.
Dr. Dharma has received several notable recognitions throughout her career. She was awarded the title of Best Doctor by D-Magazine multiple times, and she also received the National Teacher of the Year award from both the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Alpha Chi Omega Medical Honors Society. Additionally, she was honored as the Volunteer Teacher of the Year by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP). In 2003, she received the Who’s Who Doctor Award and has been nominated for exemplary teaching awards for two consecutive years. Over the years, she has served as a Medical Director at several organizations, including Southwest Medical Center, Doc Arnette Foundation, and Clinical Training Network.
Dr. Dharma currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern, a position she has held since starting practice for over 25 years. In addition to her accolades, Dr. Dharma has provided concierge medicine services for a select clientele; however, she prioritizes making herself available to ensure quality care for all patients.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been quite challenging. Initially, I faced setbacks in my college applications despite having strong grades. The issue seemed to stem from my performance on standardized tests, which we attributed to test anxiety. However, once I started college, I excelled academically, maintaining a GPA above 4.0. Yet again, when it came time to take the MCAT for medical school, I struggled. This led me to seek help from the counseling center, and after undergoing an evaluation, I discovered, as a senior, that I had severe dyslexia.
Receiving this diagnosis was a significant turning point. It provided clarity as to why I had struggled with timed tests throughout my educational journey. I experienced a mix of surprise, disappointment, and frustration at having navigated so much of my education without knowing about my learning disability. With the appropriate accommodations, I retook the MCAT and performed exceptionally well, drawing on my knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
Ultimately, this experience shaped my path as an entrepreneur. I learned that everyone possesses different skills and approaches to problem-solving. My strengths in creativity and strategic thinking carried me through many challenges, but it wasn’t until I had my diagnosis that I found the key to overcoming the barriers I encountered.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a board-certified family medicine physician, which means I have a broad range of knowledge across various medical fields rather than specializing deeply in one specific area. I believe this requires a unique level of courage, as it necessitates continuous learning and the ability to navigate the discomfort that comes with uncertainty. Managing imposter syndrome is part of the journey.
Currently, I juggle multiple responsibilities. I operate five companies: Southwest Family Medicine Associates, Southwest Mind Body, Southwest Clinical Research, and our nonprofit arm, Southwest Cares. Additionally, I opened Elevate Therapeutics, a holistic biohacking spa located at one of our facilities.
In addition to running these businesses, I also work within them to ensure their success. I practice medicine two days a week and serve as a principal investigator at our research company for another two days. Moreover, I teach as an assistant faculty member at UT Southwestern, where I mentor third-year medical students rotating through our clinic. Lastly, I oversee marketing, social media, and community patient engagement efforts to promote our services and drive business growth.
I have been in practice for 25 years, and I take great pride in having grown my brand from a single physician to a team of 13 female doctors. Our practice employs approximately 75 staff members, some of whom are located internationally in India and the Philippines. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering innovation, I have navigated challenges such as insurance cuts, inflation, and the impact of COVID-19. Listening to my team has been instrumental in elevating our business to levels I once only dreamed of. Being a woman-owned and operated practice gives us a unique perspective that emphasizes a heart-centered approach, while also demonstrating financial success through creativity and innovation.
What distinguishes me as a physician and has contributed to our growth is my ability to stay attuned to market trends and evolving patient needs. By viewing our patients as consumers, we adopt a more product-oriented mindset that changes how we engage with them, ultimately enhancing their experience and satisfaction. This shift in perspective has been pivotal in the success of our practice.
While these aspects set me apart as an entrepreneurial private practice physician, my passion for medicine remains rooted in the personal interactions with my patients. I prioritize maintaining this connection, which is often lost among colleagues who shift their focus solely to the business side of practice. I manage the business to support my ability to practice medicine independently.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is an art, and there’s often no straightforward path to finding the connections that can propel you to the next level. For instance, I once helped a woman who was in the hallway during my residency, unaware that she was an attending physician. My kindness in that moment led her to invite me to work with her, ultimately resulting in her selling me her entire medical practice upon her retirement—for just $10. This experience taught me that mentorship can come from the most unexpected places, and it’s essential not to overlook anyone, as those you initially seek out for help may not be the ones who truly elevate your career.
Another example involves a patient’s grandson, who needed a summer job. He started with us by helping around the office and eventually spent nearly eight years with us, progressing to become a billing and collections manager. This illustrates that connections can develop in surprising ways, so I encourage you to engage with the friends and acquaintances of family members; you never know the potential outcomes.
I make it a priority to attend various events and maintain an open heart and mind while meeting new people. My approach isn’t solely about what others can offer me, but also about considering how I can assist them. I believe that authenticity can foster meaningful connections in any interaction.
Pricing:
- Motivational speaking for events $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenaggingdoctor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaggingdoctor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenaggingdoctor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenaggingdoctor
