Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Gilberg-Lenz. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my training in conventional medicine after a liberal arts education and spending time on my own in the SF bay area exploring life and options. I came into medicine very idealistic and open-minded and never lost my free spirit or “seeker” personality. After training at USC School of Medicine, and then doing my ob-gyn residency at Cedars Sinai Med Ctr. I pursued my own yoga and meditation practice, this led to an interest in Eastern and traditional holistic medicine that was supported by my experience that although western med is a true miracle, it doesn’t often look at root causes, address lifestyle and it completely fails to acknowledge the healing power of love. From the very earliest parts of my medical training, I witnessed how faith and spirituality influenced outcomes.
In my nearly 20 years in practice, I have continued to go deeper into various areas of medicine that are less popular – with an integrated (east and west) approach that combines western medicines, surgery and practice with mindfulness, herbs and social support – yes! My experience and support as a woman who has not only cared for tens of thousands of women but has also been pregnant had breast cancer, gotten divorced and am currently in peri-menopause which is about as real world as it can get! I share with my patients both what the medical evidence says and what has worked for me. I am now moving from my practice and many years as a media-medical expert into the realm of self-care retreats as I partner with Forty Thrive to create a community of education and sustainable support to optimize health on all levels. I am also moving into the plant medicine world of hemp-derived products and thrilled to offer my patients information and guidance in this area that is so promising for so many thorny women (and other) health issues such as pelvic and menstrual pain, sexual dysfunction and sleep.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all! Life throws a ton of curveballs – I mentioned a few in the last question – I had kids while doing my medical training – doing 80-100 hour work weeks and being pregnant, let alone breastfeeding and raising kids was at times soul-sucking – I struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression as a result. I also struggled with imposter syndrome and perfectionism for years! I felt like I was supposed to be the ultimate mom, doc, partner, daughter, friend and community member and didn’t know how to take care of me first! My stress as the sole financial provider in my family was brutal and the only thing that actually got me to slow down was the wake-up call of cancer – I don’t recommend this approach to anyone! But for me, it forced me to take a beat and a very long break – I pretty much stopped doing any and everything that was not essential – I wound up re-assessing everything and ended my 19 year marriage, stopped all my outside projects and rested up – soon, my creativity returned and with it my passion to explore and learn and share. But I now understand that I always have to be #1 in order to provide anything of substantial value and authenticity to others including my family and closest loved ones.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about you, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg- lenz, Greenbuddhi, Women’s Care of Beverly Hills – what should we know?
I wear many hats – in addition to being a partner at a busy medical practice (Women’s Care of Beverly Hills – can you link?) with a fulltime ob-gyn practice focussing more and more on perimenopause and menopause from multiple medical traditions and the mother of an 18 and 21 year old, I’m also a media-medical expert and integrative medicine and wellness entrepreneur. My latest venture is Green Buddhi – Buddhi is the Sanskrit term for “wisdom” and reflects my background in Ayurveda – the traditional medical system of India. My respect for the complete person – mind body and spirit – infuses everything I do from conventional medical practice with a twist to regular media appearances (catch me weekly on Fox News Top 30 news show!). The mission of Green Buddhi is to empower us via science-based self-care and education. I’m so excited to launch this newest project starting with November 4, 2018 “Self Care Project” here in LA (bit.ly/SELFCARELA) and online courses will follow. I’m also moving more into the most effective and modern applications of plant-based medicines, like cannabis and thrilled to teach others how to navigate all of these exciting but at times, overwhelming and confusing opportunities.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
So many! My parents for modeling risk-taking and adventure seeking-world travel exposures early in my life made me curious and open. My time at Wesleyan University exposed me to the rigors of academia in an environment that demanded excellence and creativity – diversity of opinion thought and expression was triggered – I found my tribe because I’ve NEVER done it the “right” or “normal” way and that was not only ok but encouraged. My patients starting at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic and LA County-USC hospital and continuing to today have been a huge source of inspiration to me. Their generosity and love make it all worth it. Dorit Dyke was one of those patients who led me directly to Ayurveda and my dharma-other patients started my media career because they saw something in me that I didn’t even know existed – the ability to take complex health issues and communicate them in a clear, fun and relatable way. I’m incredibly grateful. Mentors and teachers such as the late Dr. Dru Carlsen, Dr. Lawrence Platt, & Dr. Marc Halpern have shaped my life and career in countless ways. They gave me permission to be me when I was not yet sure it was “ok” – I’ve never fit in but they understood and supported me.
Contact Info:
- Website: greenbuddhi.com womenscareofbeverlyhillsmedicalgroup.com thedrsuzanne.com
- Instagram: @askdrsuzanne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Suzanne-Gilberg-lenz-119175348184909/
- Twitter: @askdrsuzanne
Image Credit:
Rene Bowen Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
