Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Monica Shah.
Hi Dr. Shah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a first-generation Indian-American woman that is striving to break cultural barriers and inspiring women to live life to their fullest potential.
I was born and raised in beautiful Tampa, FL where my parents relocated over 30 years ago to create a better life for our family. My father moved to the states to finish his medical doctorate training and as I grew older, he became one of the biggest sources of inspiration for me. Growing up in a family of physicians, hearing about my family’s day and all that they encountered was part of the normal dinner table conversation. Despite this being a part of my upbringing, I was never pushed to pursue medicine. In fact, I started off my education pursuing broadcast journalism and mass communications, a passion of mine since I was young. However, it was not until my first year of college, when I went on my first medical mission trip as part of a religious retreat, that a new fire was ignited inside of me. That trip truly changed my life, making me realize that I had a bigger passion and purpose in life. Thereafter, I pursued a career in medicine. I knew I wanted to be a part of the solution for so many people in need.
I graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in Biomedical Science and double minor in Public Health and Mass Communications. I then went on to complete medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, residency in Internal Medicine and then fellowship in Rheumatology through the HCA Hospital System.
During this time in medical school, I also went on to compete in the Miss India Florida Beauty Pageant where I became title winner in 2015. It was a revolutionary moment for me to not only represent beauty but also brain. It opened doors to my career in modeling and allowed me to grow my platform.
Most recently, I caught the eye of South Asians around the country in my role on Bravo TV’s Family Karma. With my recent TV debut, I wanted to represent strong, independent, intelligent Indian women in the Entertainment industry. With these life-changing experiences, I continue to grow my platform with the objective to redefine the modern Indian woman. It has been a great chance to see and be a part of. I think that we are evolving and beginning to normalize that women can be more than the box they are put into based of society’s standards.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been the farthest from a smooth ride. I encountered a variety of challenges pertaining to each of the different aspects of my journey.
In regards to my medical career, I faced challenges starting out in medical school. No amount of school prior to had prepared me for the high intensity of medical school. The learning curve was steep, so much so that I was working through trial and error to figure out the best studying methods and exam readiness. This came with long hours of studying, up to 12 hours a day sometimes. Then a new slew of challenges came in my professional training during residency and fellowship. This included encountering proving my capabilities in a male-dominated environment, working 100+ hours a week, and dealing with death for the first time as a provider.
In regards to my modeling career, I faced pushback, rejection, and denial because I did not look like the girl next door. I prided myself in representing women of color, ethnic background, different bodytype with other career ambitions. To this day, I strive to represent inclusivity and diversity. Little girls show grow up knowing that there are women out there that look like them. That being different has a place in this world.
In regards to my reality television experience, I faced challenges an entirely different set of challenges. Having my personal life put out there for the world to see comes with repercussions I had not yet faced- bullying, criticism, and judgment.
Despite all of this, I am so grateful for the challenges. It made me realize how strong I am and helped me evolve into the woman I am today. The sweet isn’t as sweet without the sour. Through all of these challenges, I had the biggest transformations in mindset that I now use to help empower and motivate others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a Tampa-based Rheumatologist. I received further training in the diagnosis and treatment systemic inflammatory conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases — they can affect joints, muscles, bones causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. Common conditions that I treat include OA, Gout, RA, Chronic Back Pain, Lupus, Osteoporosis. I am most proud of being able to restore functionality in the lives of my patients. I get them back to moving so they can live their fullest, happiest life, Part of why I love this field of medicine is the doctor-patient relationship. Although there are significant scientific breakthroughs on a daily basis, there is no cure yet for most of these conditions. So that means I get to be a part of my patient’s life long term, being their biggest advocate and source of support.
What sets me apart is that I like to think of myself as a multi-dimensional woman. I don’t place myself in one box. I am a doctor, motivational mentor, and model. I strive to not only help my patients but those that are part of my social medial community through providing education, empowerment, and inspiration. I also like to showcase that beauty and brains can coexist, and women can still hold other careers despite being a physician.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Living out my fullest potential. My parents were immigrants that sacrificed so much to come to this country, to give me all the opportunities. I say this and wholeheartedly believe it – I would be doing them a disservice if I didn’t make the most of every opportunity. Throughout this journey, I hold on to three important reminders:
1. Nothing is impossible. No dream is too big.
2. Manifestation also requires hard work.
3. When you believe in yourself, everyone will too.
With these reminders, I strive to empower, educate, and inspire women to also fulfill their fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Email: mdshah211@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dr.moniica
- Facebook: Monica Bella Shah
- Twitter: @drmoniica
