Inventing a New Kind of Pharmacy | Dr. Swathi Varanasi | Integrative Health Expert & Co-Founder of Element Apothec

Dr. Swathi Varanasi is creating the kind of healthcare she wished existed - one rooted in science, inclusivity, and plant-powered wellness. As an integrative health pharmacist and entrepreneur, she’s bridging the gap between evidence-based medicine and holistic care. She shares how she co-founded Element Apothec, how she’s changing pharmacy from the inside out, and why more women of color need a seat at the funding table. We talk about entrepreneurship, community impact, and how she stays grounded while paving a new path. Chapters: 00:00 Dr. Swathi Varanasi’s mission 01:20 Why she left traditional pharmacy 03:00 What is integrative health? 05:10 Starting Element Apothec 07:30 Plant-based medicine and evidence-based care 09:00 Bringing equity and inclusion into wellness 10:30 Getting her first funding 12:00 How to lead with curiosity 14:15 Being the first in her field 15:45 Self-care for founders 17:00 Navigating burnout in health spaces 18:45 Building credibility in alternative wellness 20:00 Educating patients and changing mindsets 22:30 Partnering with patients, not prescribing to them 24:00 Launching the first integrative health residency 26:30 LinkedIn and unexpected opportunities 28:00 What she’s working on next The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices