Darshan Shah, MD, MBA, ABFM, ABIHM

Darshan Shah, MD, is a father, Ashtanga Yoga practitioner, entrepreneur, and Board Certified Family Physician who practices Integrative and Holistic Medicine in Austin, Texas.  Aside from being a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine he is also certified in Mind-Body Medicine through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.  While in residency training in Dallas, he began practicing Ashtanga Yoga at the T Boone Pickens YMCA, under the tutelage of his wife.  Very quickly, he noticed how this helped him reduce his background anxiety level and improve his response to emotional and physical stress.  This catalyzed exploration into nonpharmacological treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression and stress.  Darshan has since found a very effective, evidence-based model through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) and shares the techniques he has learned in one-on-one, and group settings. In his personal life, the Mind-Body Skills he has developed have significantly improved his ability to be present and enjoy life, with the side effect of keeping him more healthy and happy. He believes that stress is the most important risk factor for chronic disease that we can do something about in our lives, and developing skills to reduce stress is the most important medicine we can give ourselves today.

In his private practice, Whole Health Austin, Darshan teaches patients Mind-Body Medicine techniques that increase their self-awareness and improve their response to stress.  Much of the joy he derives from his practice comes from empowering people to realize, for themselves, the beautiful innate capacity of the human body to heal and be whole.

Creativity is another important aspect of his practice style.  At times, he facilitates healing using nonpharmacologic approaches such as Low Level Light Therapy using the BioFlex Laser System.  Other times, he employs supplements, herbs, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  Though dietary and lifestyle changes are a mainstay of Dr. Shah’s practice, he does not shy away from technologically advanced treatments.  For example, he provides physiologic insulin infusion treatments for those with Type I and Type II Diabetes that help rapidly restore sensitivity to insulin.  Ultimately, the path chosen is patient directed and physician guided, integrating emotional, spiritual, and physical healing modalities.

Often overlooked, cultivating community is fundamental in eliminating isolation–isolation being a large contributor to stress and maladaptive behaviors.  Along these lines, Darshan collaborates with his wife, Priya Jhawar, who runs Ashtanga Yoga Austin, to create a community focused around self-awareness, wellbeing and resilience.  He also co-chairs Integrative Providers of Austin, a group that brings together physicians who are practicing Integrative and Holistic Medicine in the local area.

Lastly, with respect to his entrepreneurial adventures, Darshan is privileged to be involved in some very enjoyable ventures that align with his ideas on wellness, including the climbing gym Austin Bouldering Project (austinboulderingproject.com) and the Functional Energy Bar company, Crafted Energy (www.craftedenergy.com).

Juli is a Family Physician by trade and an Unbreakable Single Mom by passion.

She is the founder of Unbreakable Moms – an online business empowering single mothers to take control of their lives.

During her struggles with PCOS, she discovered the healing powers of nutrition and of the mind.

This led to her study of Integrative Medicine through the AIHM fellowship and opening a concierge DPC practice (julimd.com)

But there was still a big problem.

Her patients didn’t have the skills to take care of themselves, even with an integrative approach.

After her own battle as a full-time single mother raising her infant during residency, (www.unbreakable.mom/residency) she discovered something beautiful.

You cannot change your external circumstances.

But you can change from within.

Juli unleashed her superpowers of self first, responsibility, growth mindset among many others.

And became UNBREAKABLE.

Now Juli shares those skills with other Unbreakable Moms. 👊

UnbreakAbility goes beyond resilience.

To be UnbreakAble is to maintain equanimity and THRIVE even in the face of adversity.

Juli has a goal to inspire 1M single mothers to unleash their UnbreakAbility.

Read more at www.unbreakable.mom/residency

Family Medicine Physician, & Functional Medicine Practitioner

Owner of DirectMed by Dr. Katriny Ikbal

Dr. Katriny Ikbal is a board certified family physician with a passion for patient care. She is a graduate of UT-Austin with a B.S. in Nutrition, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, and UT Southwestern Austin Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Ikbal is currently training with the Institute for Functional Medicine and plans to become certified in the near future.

Before founding DirectMed in 2015, Dr. Ikbal spent several years working in urgent care. This is where she realized the need for family medicine built around more meaningful patient/doctor relationships focusing on long term health through wellness and prevention. She is devoted to delivering the best and most affordable care possible and firmly believes that optimal care requires continuity with direct access. DirectMed takes care of many local businesses in addition to individuals, couples and families in the greater Austin, TX area.

DirectMed is truly a ‘family’ practice where each patient receives the time and attention they deserve. Neer Patel is Dr. Ikbal’s husband and Practice Manager responsible for business and integration of technology which helps strengthen its patient relationships.

Outside the office, Dr. Ikbal is heavily involved in the community. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the world through travel. Dr. Ikbal became a new mother in 2015 and delivered her second child in 2017. First-hand experience of parenthood has brought her a whole new appreciation of all the parents and children she cares for.