Preconception, Fertility, and the Future of Women’s Health Using Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rashmi Kudesia

Show NotesIn this week’s episode of Routes of Healing, Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa sits down with Dr. Rashmi Kudesia, a triple board-certified physician in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, obstetrics and gynecology, and lifestyle medicine, whose work bridges advanced fertility care with prevention, education, and whole-person health.Together, they explore the deeper dimensions of reproductive medicine not only the science of conception, but the emotional, relational, and cultural layers that shape how people experience fertility, infertility, and family-building. Dr. Kudesia shares her path into medicine, her early fascination with embryology and women’s health, and the ways her work has evolved to include lifestyle medicine, preconception care, and a more humane, empowering model of patient support.This conversation moves through the gaps in fertility awareness, the importance of preparing the body before pregnancy, the role of nutrition, stress, sleep, and metabolic health in reproductive outcomes, and the need for culturally relevant care that honors the realities many women and families carry. They also discuss how infertility can impact identity, why education is one of the most powerful tools in women’s health, and what it means to care for patients with both scientific precision and deep compassion.Whether you are trying to conceive, curious about preconception health, supporting someone navigating infertility, or simply interested in a more integrative and empowering future for women’s health, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and hope.If you’re inspired by our exploration on Routes of Healing, a physician-led podcast uplifting the wisdom and lived experience of integrative and lifestyle medicine doctors, subscribe to receive new episodes weekly.Key Topics & TakeawaysWhat drew Dr. Kudesia into reproductive endocrinology and infertilityHow embryology, women’s health, and lived experience intersect in fertility careWhy fertility is never only about hormones, diagnosis, or proceduresThe importance of preconception health and proactive preparation for pregnancyHow lifestyle medicine supports fertility through nutrition, sleep, stress care, movement, and metabolic healthThe emotional and relational impact of infertilityCultural expectations and family pressures surrounding fertility and childbearingThe need for better fertility education and reproductive literacyThe role of compassion, empowerment, and patient education in women’s healthChapters00:00 — Introduction and Welcome01:15 — Why Fertility Conversations Matter03:02 — Dr. Kudesia’s Path Into Medicine05:28 — Early Fascination with Embryology and Women’s Health08:11 — Why She Chose Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility11:04 — Fertility as More Than a Medical Diagnosis14:26 — The Emotional Weight of Infertility17:40 — Identity, Family-Building, and Social Expectations21:08 — What Preconception Health Really Means24:33 — Lifestyle Medicine in Fertility Care27:14 — Nutrition, Inflammation, and Metabolic Health30:21 — Stress, Sleep, and Reproductive Outcomes33:06 — Why Women Need Better Fertility Education36:42 — Cultural Context in Reproductive Medicine40:10 — Supporting Patients with Compassion and Clarity44:37 — Empowerment Through Knowledge48:20 — The Future of Whole-Person Fertility Care51:05 — Where to Find Dr. Kudesia52:00 — Closing ReflectionsAbout Today’s GuestRashmi Kudesia, MDReproductive Endocrinology & Infertility • OB/GYN • Lifestyle MedicineDr. Rashmi Kudesia is triple board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, OB/GYN, and Lifestyle Medicine. She has been caring for patients at CCRM Fertility Houston since 2018, where she has received multiple annual clinical recognition awards and serves as Director of Patient Education and Sugar Land Site Director, as well as Assistant Clinical Professor at Houston Methodist Hospital.After graduating magna cum laude from Brown University, she received her M.D. with honors from the Duke University School of Medicine. Her OB/GYN residency at New York Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center was followed by a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine–Montefiore Medical Center, alongside a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Methods.She subsequently served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as well as Medical Director of the Brooklyn office of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York.Dr. Kudesia is a Fellow and active member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has served in multiple local and national leadership roles in organized medicine, including currently as District XI Section 4 Chair, and is a public advocate for reproductive health. She has presented scientific research at national and international conferences, published in leading peer-reviewed journals, and received multiple awards and grants for her work.She is also the author of Understanding Fertility Awareness Methods: Gaining Control of Your Fertility.Find Dr. KudesiaInstagram: www.instagram.com/rkudesiaBook: https://a.co/d/eQqKmYM🌐 Connect with Your HostDr. Siri Chand Khalsa, MD MSLifestyle & Integrative Medicine Physician • Culinary Medicine • AyurvedaWebsite: drsirichand.comInstagram: @doctorsirichandCulinary Medicine Blog: drsirichand.com/blogCommunity: https://vishuddha.comVishuddha: A Media Agency for Conscious Clinicians & Wellness SeekersVishuddha is a media and creative agency dedicated to amplifying the voices of integrative and lifestyle medicine clinicians who are transforming how we understand health and healing.We provide media representation, book development, public speaking coaching, podcast strategy, content creation, and course development—alongside classes and workshops for wellness seekers committed to intentional, conscious living.Rooted in whole-person healing, Vishuddha helps clinicians translate their wisdom into impact, design offerings that matter, and bring conscious, transformative work into the world.Ready to share your wisdom? Explore how we can support your vision at Vishuddha.com.⚠️ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.Keywordsfertility, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, preconception health, lifestyle medicine, women’s health, fertility awareness, IVF, OB-GYN, metabolic health, nutrition and fertility, stress and fertility, sleep and fertility, reproductive health education, culturally responsive care, South Asian women’s health, integrative fertility care, whole-person medicine, Routes of Healing, Dr. Rashmi Kudesia, Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa