Submitted by: Megan Wood, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Sharp Grossmont Hospital

In alignment with its commitment to "inspire communities through movement and conversation," Sharp Grossmont Hospital launched its new community engagement initiative, Walk With a Doc, in April. This innovative nationwide program is being led locally by Sharp-affiliated physicians Dr. Kaveh Bagheri and Dr. Ara Klijian.

Scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month, Walk With a Doc aims to foster a stronger connection between the community and healthcare professionals. Each session begins with a brief educational talk focusing on vital health topics such as diet, lung and heart health, and the benefits of regular physical activity. Participants then walk with doctors and other hospital staff at Briercrest Park in La Mesa to continue the conversation.

“This program gives me the opportunity to speak with community members and answer some of their basic health questions,” says Dr. Bagheri. “At our last walk, I spoke with participants about their primary care, what their medical condition is and answered some of the questions that they had in a much more relaxed environment, rather than a doctor’s office.”

By integrating practical health guidance with physical activity, Walk With a Doc seeks to strengthen patient-physician relationships while providing a unique opportunity for the public to take tangible steps towards better health in real-time.

For additional details on how to participate in upcoming Walk With a Doc events, visit sharp.com/health-classes/walk-with-a-doc-2868 or call the Sharp Community Resource Center at 619-740-4214.