273. Move to Heal: Exploring the Medicine of Motion with Dr. Amy Valasek

Whether you're a physician, a parent of young athletes, or someone exploring your own healing journey, this episode is a reminder that healing isn't always found in a prescription pad, it might be found in motion. Episode Summary: Have you ever felt there had to be more to practicing medicine? That healing could happen beyond prescriptions and procedures? In this powerful and heartwarming episode, we welcome Dr. Amy Valasek, a Presidential Award winning pediatric sports medicine physician, group fitness instructor, and mom of two athletes, as she shares how she integrated movement and joy into her medical practice. Reuniting after 20 years since medical school, host Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and Dr. Valasek dive into the transformative power of physical activity—for themselves, their patients, and their families. Special Guest: Dr. Amy Valasek is a physician at Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine and an associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Class of 2005), she is board-certified in sports medicine, a Les Mills certified instructor, and winner of the 2024 President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Community Leadership Award.   🔑 In This Episode, We Explore: Dr. Valasek's journey from traditional sports medicine to incorporating Les Mills group fitness classes into her clinical care How she overcame resistance and embraced innovation in healing The emotional and psychological benefits of group movement for patients and for Dr. Valasek, herself. Insights for parents of youth athletes and her philosophy on multi-sport participation The healing power of movement for people of all ages from kids to those with chronic illnesses     🏃‍♀️ Movement as Medicine: Dr. Valasek's approach challenges the status quo of medical practice by bringing patients into fitness spaces and out of purely clinical spaces. From youth athletes to entire communities, her work exemplifies how movement can be a healing modality in and of itself.   🧠 Takeaways for Healers & Listeners: Movement is medicine for mind, body, and spirit Resistance to change is normal and curiosity can lead the way There's room in medicine for joy, creativity, and connection 🔗 Connect with Dr. Amy Valasek: [email protected]   🌟 Join Our Community: Mindful Healthcare Collective – Join us on Facebook or at mindfulhealthcarecollective.com to explore mindfulness and healing with fellow healthcare professionals Want us to lead or host a healing workshop or retreat? Contact Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang or Dr. Jessie Mahoney to bring wellness to your colleagues. Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us - virtually and/or in-person. Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com Work with both of us in person at The Mindful Healers Annual Retreat www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast www.awakenbreath.org  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.