Hi this is Dr. John Fulginiti, your friendly neighborhood wound care surgeon.
Like the superhero I am riffing off of, I have developed an alter ego: Health and Wellness Practitioner. Why would a secure surgeon, with a stable career, nearing retirement age, choose to switch gears?
How I landed here ...
On the face of it, you might say it’s because I am crazy. That would be fair since there is a kernel of truth there! I’ve done this sort of thing before:
Medical School at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, followed by residency was a 12 year investment! I've also been married for 30 years to my incredible wife Sarah. We have 5 children. Between running a private surgery practice for 12 years in Pennsylvania and Ohio and being on-call every other night, I know what it is to live an amazing but crazy life. Then marriage for 30 years and 5 kids.
Then I moved my family from Ohio to Florida where I attended seminary, earning a master's degree in Christian Thought (Philosophy and Theology Studies) while continuing to work full time. Oh, and just for fun I started a think tank, The Institute for Human Flourishing.
So I’m not new to disruptions, changes and craziness!
But why now?
It begins with my underlying concern for health, well-being and for helping my fellow humans creating an environment in which they can flourish. You see, in some way, every piece of my career path stems from the desire to embrace life, wholeness and happiness - not just for me and for my family but for the people I'm called to serve.
Medically directed and supervised health and wellness care is sorely need today. The evidence is all around us. Daily, I see it at the nursing homes as I care for residents with severe wounds. They need my help to heal. Some never do. As I provide that care, I think about how their story could have been different had I met them 5, 10 or 15 years earlier ... At a time when they had a chance to be healthier, to learn how to flourish in life and avoid the needless chronic illnesses that steal their ability to live well.
How many of us know someone struggling with obesity, diabetes or hypertension? Or someone who has heart disease or cancer? Maybe you have one or more of these conditions. While these conditions are common, they are not normal. Our health is in a crisis that traditional healthcare cannot fix.
I firmly believe there is a way forward, a way to regain health, vitality, wellness for you and your loved ones.
For me, even with decades of medical experience and training, I wasn't well. As hard as it was to admit, I have been obese most of my life. I had to shop the “husky” section when I was in grade school. I was fit in high school as a result of wrestling and other sports, but the stresses of medical education, followed by running a practice and caring for my family took their toll on me. My weight began to creep up. I even had some episodes of atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat).
I was physically and emotionally burned out. A pre-diabetic with high cholesterol and a family history with both heart disease and cancer - the two leading killers in the US - I knew I had to make a change. I'm proud to say - despite the crazy schedule, 5 children, demanding career - I have been on a journey to reclaim my health and wellbeing for about two years. And I feel great! My weight is down, blood sugar and cholesterol normal, no heart problems. I’m active and vigorous. For that, I am very thankful.
I now have two grandchildren, so I want to be around for them for a long time! Isn’t that what we all want? To be healthy and available to our families and loved ones, to engage with the world around us and pursue meaning in our lives? This is what I want for myself and for you .
I am committed to serving you, to helping you change your story, so together, we can reduce preventable, chronic diseases and illnesses in our community.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a call with me.
are you also a infectious disease? and are you still providing health care in Florida?