Surgery is no comfortable experience. It can be painful and debilitating, but it can be a lifesaver. Many of us go through surgery at some point, and it is essential not to let it bring us down. Although surgery can be incredibly hard on the body, it can be beneficial, and by employing the right strategies for recovery, surgery can leave us better than we were before. Well-known physician and best-selling author Dr. Ari Bernstein MD has recovered from his fair share of surgeries and continues to excel both mentally and physically.
Dr. Bernstein, a native of Long Island, NY, is an investor in Fruit Street Health, a telemedicine company on the path to changing the future of healthcare. As an entrepreneur and influencer, Dr. Bernstein takes his own health just as seriously as his patients. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” says Dr. Bernstein. “It is important for physicians and healthcare service providers everywhere to take their own health seriously so that they are at the top of their game.” It’s a trying profession, and optimal performance starts with self-care.
Having to overcome four back surgeries put things into perspective for Dr. Bernstein. “Back surgeries are incredibly invasive and painful. Your body is put through so much in the name of healing and recovery,” explains Dr. Bernstein. “That is when I realized a healthy lifestyle and attitude was my first line of defense. Once you understand that, nothing can take you down.” Dr. Bernstein believes that the healthier you are going into something as challenging as back surgery, the easier it is to recover.
“Excelling isn’t necessarily about pushing yourself too hard when you are down,” says Dr. Bernstein. “It is about honoring your body and letting your mind and body work together. If you feed your mind with negativity, your body is going to react. If you treat your body negatively, your mind is going to react.” Dr. Bernstein could have given up after each back surgery, but instead, he brought his mind and body together to create a formidable force refusing to keep himself down.
“I treat my patients the same way I treat myself,” says Dr. Bernstein. “I prove to them that they do have power in their recovery by sharing my own experiences with surgeries and pain management.” Mind is a powerful tool, and Dr. Bernstein isn’t afraid to use it. “Medicine is my career, but at the end of the day, my passion is helping people. I know what it’s like to be down physically, so first and foremost, I extend my hand to my patients to lift them up.” Dr. Bernstein leads by example with his revolutionary approach towards life.
