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What inspired you to pursue a career in health and fitness medicine?suffered from chronic diseases. I realized that as physicians, we could only help mitigate symptoms but not reverse the lifetime of poor lifestyle choices. This became even more evident during my general surgery residency, where patients often had to undergo multiple invasive abdominal surgeries because of improper dietary habits or comorbidities, making recovery difficult. This inspired me to focus on a medical specialty that helps people optimize their health and physical functionality, prevent disease, and reverse aging.How did you become interested in the connection between beauty, fitness, and health?They are all interconnected. Physical beauty has historically been an indicator of good health, and although the ideal physical appearance has changed over time, it always reflects society%u2019s view of health and fitness. I also value the psychological aspect of fitness and health%u2014when people feel confident, their inner beauty shines through. I believe that when individuals are proud of their lifestyle choices, they not only feel their most beautiful but also their most empowered.What do you find most rewarding about your work as a physician? It%u2019s a privilege to earn people%u2019s trust as a physician. The most rewarding aspect is making meaningful connections with patients and having the opportunity to make a dynamic, positive impact on their lives.What is the biggest challenge you face in your practice?Convincing patients to implement and adhere to lifestyle modifications, rather than immediately resorting to medications, is one of the biggest challengesHow do you stay updated on the latest developments in health and fitness medicine?I regularly review the latest literature on PubMed and keep up-to-date using platforms like UpToDate and OpenEvidence.How do you plan your workouts for maximum effectiveness?I set aside a specific time of day when I know I%u2019ll be uninterrupted and focused. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb, time my workouts, and carefully time my rest periods between sets. I prefer training alone, using the time to focus on mind-muscle connections, breathing, and form.What%u2019s your favorite type of workout?A lower body training day in an empty gym, around midday, after three meals and a double espresso, lasting 60 minutes.Do you prefer weight training, cardio, or a combination of both?I believe both have their time and place. I enjoy all forms of physical activity and try to approach each one with purpose. Staying unbiased allows me to give my all, no matter the activity.How do you avoid workout plateaus?Avoiding overtraining is key, and sometimes switching gyms can help. Changing up tempos, sets, reps, incorporating new exercises, or finding a workout partner (or letting go of one that%u2019s holding you back) are also effective strategies.How do you track your progress in the gym?I use check-in photos and take full-body measurements weekly32 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 54