We had the good fortune of connecting with Latania Booker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latania, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“With but a thought, I am over the threshold of becoming”
-Rachel Snyder.

This quote is so powerful. Everything we achieve in life starts with a thought and this quote reminds me that I can have, be, and do anything I can imagine.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As an internal medicine physician and marathoner, I am passionate about exercise and nutrition. As I continue to educate myself in proper nutrition, I am learning more and more about how the food we eat affects our health. All that I’ve learned about the link between chronic disease and nutrition has prompted me to completely change the way I practice medicine. Instead of focusing on diagnosing disease and treating it with medications, I’ve decided to use lifestyle modifications to prevent disease. My own personal fitness journey, has taught me ways to optimize my physical health, mental health and overall well being through natural strategies. Lifestyle modifications such as optimizing nutrition, managing stress, improving sleep and being more physically active can effectively treat many common medical conditions that doctors often prescribe medications for. As a physician trained in traditional western medicine, I was taught to identify disease using patient history, exam, lab tests and imaging then treat that disease with prescription medications and/or surgery. These come with risks and potentially harmful side effects. As I continue to educate myself and improve my own health, I’ve learned non-traditional techniques for managing common medical conditions that do not include prescriptions or surgery and could also benefit my patients. My goal is to help patients optimize their overall health and well-being and help them to reduce and/or eliminate prescription medications. As a board certified internist who has more than 11 years of experience in hospital medicine, occupational medicine and urgent care, I am well versed in the presentation as well as conventional treatment of many chronic medical conditions. My experience, training and new approach to treatment is unique and is what makes me innately different from many of my colleagues. I am sincere in my desire to help people live a full, active and healthy life without the burden of chronic disease, physical limitations and medications. As a marathoner, I consider the ability to run as a privilege which I do not take for granted because I know how easily it can be taken away by an accident or illness. Running gives me so much joy and has allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people. If I can help others get better sleep, feel more energetic and help them to participate in the activities that they enjoy, then I’ve fulfilled my duty as a physician.

What advice can you give our readers about starting a business?
In 2014, I resigned from my role as medical director of an occupational medicine and urgent care practice to go into private practice as a hospitalist. I learned a lot about how to run a business through that transition. I had to do everything from getting my business entity recognized by the state, opening a business checking account, hiring a certified public accountant, managing my books, keeping up with payroll, paying taxes and then some. Running my own practice also taught me how to keep records, organize those records and interact with others to create business relationships. There has been a lot of trial and error and I have made many mistakes but I don’t regret any of it. I learned from every mistake and every single business transaction whether is was good or bad. I have learned some practical lessons when it comes to being a business owner and some more spiritual lessons. First off, when you start a business, you need a mentor in your field who can guide you through the steps of starting and running a successful business as well as advise you on the dos and don’ts. You also need to have a solid team to support you. This team should include legal counsel, a financial advisor, a CPA, a bookkeeper and a marketing/PR advisor. From a more spiritual perspective, I’ve learned that you must have a clear vision, you must believe in yourself and your vision and you must keep your mind and spirit uplifted with positive thoughts. It’s also helpful if you surround yourself with positive, like-minded people who will keep you motivated.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Unfortunately, I feel like there is so much in Houston that I haven’t even discovered yet. That said, I love coffee, outdoor running trails and good food. My all time favorite coffee house is Bean Here Coffee in Missouri City. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and they always make me feel at home. Memorial Park, Hermann Park and Buffalo bayou park offer excellent running trails! Of the three, I’ve spent most of my time in Hermann Park, followed by the Memorial park, but I’ve only seen runners on Buffalo bayou trail and I must say, it looks so inviting. I love so many Houston area restaurants but if I had to pick three that are unique to the area, I would say BB Lemon on Montrose or Washington (their menus have different offerings), Jupiter in Sugar Land and Vino and Vinyl in Sugar Land.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout could only go to one person, my husband Ron Booker. He is the one person who believes in me when I doubt myself, encourages me when I feel hopeless and loves me in spite of my shortcomings.

Website: www.moveovermedicine.com
Instagram: @doctor.tania
Facebook: @movefunctionalwellness

Image Credits
Token Photography