Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Wada.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After years of slightly off labs, worsening fatigue, and an inability to wear contact, it took a comment from my dental hygienist letting me know that my mouth tissues looked dry for the light bulb to finally go off.
Something really was wrong.
When I summoned the courage to ask my internist to order some labs, the anxiety mounted- I’m healthy. I’m invincible. I’m too busy to be sick.
She echoed my internal dialogue – you are fine. You are just a tired mom.
After returning to work after my second baby, I felt so stiff and hunched over while sitting and talking with my patients all day. This had become my new normal at 35.
I increased my exercise. Tried yoga. Used ibuprofen but mostly toughed it out. That’s what moms do. That’s especially what doctor moms do.
Although I mostly see patients with allergies and immune deficiencies in my clinical practice- the sneaky secret is these conditions go side by side with autoimmunity. Every day I witness the toll autoimmune conditions take on the body.
I am privileged to have patients feel safe enough to share with me the toll these conditions take on their quality of life. The fatigue. The pain. The loss of control. The gaslighting they have experienced from friends, family, and healthcare professionals.
For many, the frustration of living without a name to describe the symptoms is just as problematic as the impact of the symptoms themselves.
It turns out I had systemic Sjogren’s, an autoimmune condition that affects up to 1 in 100 people, 90% of whom are women.
Now over 3 years in, I take daily meds and most days follow the principles of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle to keep my condition under control.
But of all things, it took my going back to school, Life Coaching school, to learn how to not feel like I am being held hostage by the everpresent uncertainty of living with chronic illness and to emerge from the personal and professional burnout that was adding to my body and mind’s struggles.
Too often we leave medical offices feeling frustrated, confused & powerless.
Because of everything I learned and went through as a patient, I have made it my mission to use my privilege as a physician to empower us to thrive in systems that at times feel like they are built to overwhelm.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
About 6 months after my initial diagnosis, I developed acute liver failure. Not only was I yellow and itchy, but I was also scared for my life.
In the months leading up to my flare, I thought I was doing everything perfectly. Green smoothies exercised intensely and slept well. I had this belief that if I figured out the “secret sauce” I would be magically back to normal.
After dozens of blood tests and a liver biopsy, it is suspected that a superfood supplement I was mixing into my green smoothies contributed to my liver injury.
Thankfully, I have recovered fully and now advocate for sustainable and science-supported strategies for those of us living with chronic inflammatory diseases. Rather than trading a long list of pharmaceuticals for an equally long list of supplements, I advocate for using the best of modern medicine along with lifestyle. This philosophy of Both, and is a guiding principle in my life and my practice.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to my thriving clinical practice as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, I am also a certified life coach, podcaster, speaker, and the reigning Dr. Midwest America 2023.
As a coach, I help busy families struggling with allergies & autoimmunity rediscover balance in their lives through simple sustainable & science-supported systems. My business partner, Jen and I recently launched: BeLONG: the Nourished Anti-Inflammatory Community- a not-so-secret society for busy women desiring a high quality of life in spite of their chronic illnesses.
What sets me apart is my vision to be a change-maker in the healthcare industry in helping heal the patient-physician relationship and help others navigate the healthcare and wellness industries so we all can feel more educated and empowered in our decision-making.
I am most proud of my recent TED talk, “3 Strategies for a Successful Medical Appointment”, winning 1st runner-up in the Dr. America Pageant, and will soon be celebrating the 1st birthday of the Crunchy Allergist Podcast!
What do you think about luck?
I feel very strongly that my privilege along with my hard work and determined spirit has led considerably to the “good luck” I have experienced.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drkarawada.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/crunchyallergist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/crunchyallergist
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/crunchyallergy
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@drkarawada
- Other: https://www.drkarawada.com/podcasts/crunchy-allergist-podcast
Image Credits
Ashlie Layland, Layland Photography
