Unlock the Secrets to a Healthier Lifestyle: Exploring the Intersection of Internal Medicine and Wellness – Coronado Times

Dr. Gina Casian is gearing up to open **Choose Healthy** in Coronado on July 5, 2025. This new practice will be by appointment only on weekends and focuses on integrative lifestyle medicine combined with internal medicine. Her goal? To prioritize patient care and address the gaps in our healthcare system.

Dr. Gina’s journey into medicine began in her Romanian hometown, surrounded by healthcare providers in her family. Her childhood was happy, but it took a tragic turn when she lost her father to lung cancer. At just 15, that loss ignited her curiosity about medicine. “Losing my dad was life-changing. I wanted to understand this illness,” she recalls. This experience drove her to pursue medical education, eventually completing her internal medicine training in Michigan before moving to San Diego.

Her path took another turn during her own struggles with fertility. After enduring three miscarriages, she realized the importance of lifestyle changes. “I was living unhealthily with fast food and stress,” she reflects. Preparing for pregnancy, she made significant lifestyle changes and found new passions, including yoga. “It was a game-changer for me,” she shares.

Balancing work with family life during the pandemic was tough. While working as an essential worker, she felt overwhelmed but transformed her stress into motivation to run—ultimately completing eight marathons. “I realized I could do more,” she states, and that drive inspired those around her, including her husband, who took up ultramarathons.

Dr. Gina’s approach revolves around **lifestyle medicine**, which focuses on key areas like nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. She’s currently getting certifications in mindfulness meditation and nutrition to deepen her knowledge. “I want to help my patients understand how to improve their lives before turning to medications,” she explains.

Choosing Coronado for her practice was easy. “This place feels like home,” she says, enjoying the peace and warmth of the island. From her humble beginnings to now, Dr. Gina expresses gratitude for the journey she’s taken. “America gave me my family,” she adds, reflecting on her past.

At **Choose Healthy**, Dr. Gina emphasizes preventive care. She believes health starts well before illness. “Sleep is the foundation,” she advises, highlighting the impacts of poor sleep on overall health. She also encourages patients to cut down on processed foods and prioritize self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she says.

Dr. Gina’s values guide her practice and life. “My health comes first because it allows me to care for my family,” she explains. She finds strength in growth—both personal and professional. Finally, she views home as a feeling rather than a place, reinforced by loving connections. “As long as my loved ones are with me, I can feel at home anywhere,” she says.

With 20 years in internal medicine, Dr. Gina knows that each patient’s experience matters. Her practice will begin with a complimentary visit to understand their concerns, followed by a thorough evaluation. “I want my patients to feel heard and valued,” she adds.

As Dr. Gina prepares to launch Choose Healthy, she embodies empathy and commitment. Her story is a reminder that challenges can lead to growth and inspiration. For more about Dr. Gina and her work, you can visit ginacasianmd.com.

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