I would like to introduce you to a Joy Spreader, Asha Shajahan, MD, MHSA. When asked how she likes to spread joy in the world, she shared the following:
My favorite way to spread joy is by giving back to others. My legacy is every life I’ve touched. We have all been blessed with various talents. I believe that we should give back what we’ve been given.
I used to feel like I had nothing to offer the world. But I realized there will be a time when your personality comes to serve the energy of your soul. This is when you align with who you are and what your purpose is in the world.
My journey to becoming a community medicine physician helped me fulfill my passion which is giving back to others through service. I created innovative ways to meet people where they are to make their lives healthier. Whether it was through art, nature, writing, podcasting, or service – I learned how to connect and to empower people to live happier and healthier lives.
Being a physician doesn’t change who you are, but reveals who you are; it’s a life changing experience. You get the honor of being invited into the most personal parts of people’s lives – see their joy, sorrow, struggles, and vulnerabilities. There’s a sacred bond between doctor and patient. I believe that wellness is outside the walls of a clinic or hospital; rather it’s in our everyday life. I also believe that being healthy is a right not a privilege- and that most of our health outcomes depend on our social determinants of health- where we live, work, play and pray. Therefore, it’s important to build health equity in our community. One person, one community at a time, our deepest desire is to make a positive impact in the world begins together.
