As an interventional gastroenterologist, I lead a cutting-edge Third-Space Endoscopy Program at a premier U.S. healthcare institution. There, I treat complex and advanced gastrointestinal diseases—including cancers and precancerous lesions—using the latest endoscopic techniques. Alongside these high-acuity procedures, lifestyle medicine has become integral to my practice.
My journey toward this holistic approach began with personal health struggles: chronic sinusitis, allergies, and recurrent ear infections that required three ear surgeries. Raised on a traditional Jain diet rooted in non-violence, I avoided meat, eggs, and root vegetables, but relied heavily on dairy—believing it acceptable and healthy. Despite my medical expertise, persistent health issues kept me dependent on medications until I learned about the inherent violence in dairy production and its conflict with Jainism’s core principle of compassion. Eliminating dairy and adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle transformed my health, reducing allergies by over 95% and eliminating the need for medications.
Motivated by this transformation, I pursued board certification in lifestyle medicine to bridge gaps often left by conventional medical training. Today, I integrate evidence-based diet and lifestyle interventions alongside advanced endoscopy to successfully treat both malignant and benign gastrointestinal illnesses. Many of my patients experience additional remarkable benefits: reversal of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure; sustained weight loss; greater energy; and improved mental clarity.
Beyond clinical care, I have authored and presented research at national and international conferences, including two articles examining the role of diet and lifestyle in reducing the risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers. I also share these insights with Jain communities at JAINA and YJA conventions and various Jain centers, guiding them toward dietary choices more closely aligned with the principle of non-violence. Additionally, I mentor young physicians to see the power of combining modern innovation with mindful living.
My path—from disease-focused physician to advocate for plant-based living—has shown me that true healing extends beyond procedures. It embraces prevention, compassion, and transformative diet and lifestyle change.