Meet the Medics
Dr Sonia Gandhi
MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DPD,
Dip BSLM/IBLM
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Hello! I’m Sonia. I graduated from The University of Glasgow’s medical school in 1997. After gaining experience working in various specialities for 3 years in hospital medicine, I decided to embark on a career in general practice and qualified as a GP in 2001.
My interest in the holistic aspect of health from the perspective of both disease and good health, propelled me into a life-long journey of learning.
Whilst also working at Hillingdon Hospital as a GP Clinical Assistant in Dermatology, I gained a merit from Cardiff University’s Diploma in Practical Dermatology in 2008. Further work as a GP with a specialist interest in Dermatology at St Charles Hospital (Chelsea & Westminster Hospital’s community outreach clinic) made me view the management of skin conditions from a holistic perspective.
The link between skin and lifestyle led me to study nutrition in detail with e-Cornell University and Winchester University gaining certificates in nutrition and healthy living, and plant-based nutrition.
In 2020, I certified as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician with The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, after gaining the Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine, and applying this knowledge has enabled me to witness first-hand the benefits of lifestyle medicine in both the prevention and management of chronic disease in both my patients and family members.
Once a month, I host a voluntary community walk as part of the “Walk with a Doc” programme, in a bid to get more people to enjoy the benefits of walking.
Furthermore, as part of the friendly and wonderful team at “The Lifestyle Medics”, I hope to share this passion and knowledge of the benefits that our lifestyles can have on our health and wellbeing.
Hello! I’m Manisha. I graduated from Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School in 1994 and completed my GP training in 1999. I have a special interest in Women's Health and Lifestyle Medicine. I currently work in the NHS and have also provided health screening and lifestyle advice to the private sector.
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My interest in Preventative Healthcare sparked whilst working as a volunteer for an NGO in India. One of the many projects we were involved in provided outreach clinics to the villages from a mobile van. I observed how healthier lifestyle choices including a good diet, exercise and social interactions have a huge impact on one's health and mental wellbeing. I strongly believe that providing individuals with education on the benefits of healthier lifestyle choices empowers one to make choices towards better health.
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I am a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, a Certified Yoga Teacher, a Transformational Coach and teach meditation and breath-work.
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I have experienced and witnessed the benefits of mindfulness, breath-work and yoga on the body and mind, and have co-authored a course on Mindfulness in Adolescents available on the FutureLearn platform.
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My vision is to create a healthier nation with individuals reaching the peak of their wellbeing through healthier lifestyle choices.
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I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful team, bringing years of expertise and knowledge together empowering you to achieve the best health for you.
Dr Manisha Kotecha
BSc (Anat), MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DPD,
Dip BSLM/IBLM
Hello! I'm Ute. I am originally from Austria, but have lived in the UK since 2005. I moved to London to pursue a research immunology PhD at King’s College London in the dermatology department of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital. After obtaining my PhD, I worked as an NHS registrar in various London hospitals. After the birth of my second child, I took a hiatus from medicine to look after the family full time.
Over the last few years I have nurtured my passion for yoga and mindfulness by training as a yoga teacher (300 hours). I’ve strived to put my medical knowledge to good use and have taught Anatomy and Physiology to yoga teachers in training. I have also developed a special interest in menopause and studied how yoga and lifestyle changes can help with women’s health. I am now teaching menopause yoga classes and workshops, in addition to regular yoga classes.
I focus on the impact of lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, nutrition and our ability to deal with stress on health, well-being and disease prevention.
Lifestyle Medicine has been a natural career step for me; it is an area where my interests and expertises merge. Therefore I am undertaking the Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine in addition to the University of Winchester’s Plant Based Nutrition Course.
My natural approach is reflexively science-based but also holistic. A lot of people lack up-to-date, validated and scientifically sound information on how to lead a healthier life. I strongly believe that with an evidence-based approach we can empower people so that they ultimately can make their own choices on which lifestyle changes they may want to adopt for better physical and mental well-being.
Dr Ute Swanson
(maiden name Laggner)
MD (University of Vienna), PhD (King’s
College London), FRCPath1, 300h Yoga Teacher, 30h Menopause Yoga Teacher