In this episode, I take a step back from the usual discussions on interventional pain medicine to share something deeply personal. Recently, I was diagnosed with oral cancer—an unexpected and humbling moment that has given me a new lens through which to look at health, wellness, and the work we do every day in medicine.

This experience has reminded me of two important truths:

1. Health is never guaranteed. It requires intentional, daily choices.

2. True wellness goes beyond treating disease. It’s about prevention, proactive care, and balance—physical, emotional, and even spiritual.

We’ll explore how evidence-based medicine and wellness intersect, and why these conversations need to expand beyond procedures and medications. That means screening for silent diseases, prioritizing exercise and nutrition, managing stress, and building sustainable habits that allow us to live fully—not just avoid pain.

As a physician, as a patient, and as someone who has lived both sides of the exam room, I want to use this chapter of my life to expand the dialogue. My hope is that this conversation will not only resonate with those struggling with chronic pain, but also with anyone who needs the reminder that wellness is an ongoing journey—one that requires attention before the crisis, not just after it.

Takeaway: Wellness isn’t an abstract idea. It’s something we can integrate into pain medicine, into our personal lives, and into the daily decisions that shape our future health.