Episode 2: Becoming the Kind of Doctor I Want to Be | Dr. Amanda Scott on Lifestyle Medicine and Whole-Person Care

In this episode of Routes of Healing, host Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa sits down with Dr. Amanda Scott, a board-certified internist and lifestyle medicine physician redefining what modern medicine can be. From her early studies in physical anthropology at UCSB to medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr. Scott’s path has been guided by curiosity, connection, and a passion for whole-person care.

After more than a decade in primary care, including serving as Medical Director of the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic and later as a Lead Physician and Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA Health, Dr. Scott realized that healing required more than procedures and prescriptions. Her transition into lifestyle medicine reflects a deeper commitment to prevention, plant-forward nutrition, and behavior change grounded in compassion and evidence.

Together we explore Dr Scott's unique journey through medical training in Ireland, the challenges of student loans, and the importance of building trust with patients, especially in indigenous communities. Dr Scott shares her transition from traditional medical practice to a more holistic approach, emphasizing the significance of lifestyle medicine in patient care. We dig into PSLF, burnout recovery, and building a consultative practice that centers on plant-forward food, sleep, movement, stress management, resilience, and the healing power of community.

• How physical anthropology shaped Dr. Scott’s approach to healing
• Lessons from training in Ireland and working within tribal health systems
• The transition from traditional primary care to integrative practice
• The importance of behavior change, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing
• How plant-forward nutrition and movement support resilient living
• Creating a practice that aligns with personal values is important.
• The healthcare system is evolving, and so must the roles of physicians.

00:00 Investing in yourself as a clinician

00:40 Welcome and podcast intro

02:45 Growing up in Pasadena and discovering anthropology

07:30 Medical school in Ireland and global perspective

15:20 Returning to California and life on the Central Coast

20:45 Student loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness

24:48 Lessons from the Chumash Tribal Health Clinic

31:09 Recognizing burnout and rediscovering alignment

34:43 Discovering Lifestyle Medicine and the Six Pillars

41:36 Creating Santa Barbara Lifestyle Medicine

45:56 Explaining integrative care to colleagues and community

52:27 Coaching, therapy, and investing in your own growth

55:24 Where to find Dr. Scott online

Amanda Scott, MD

Board Certified in Internal and Lifestyle Medicine | Founder, Santa Barbara Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Amanda Scott grew up in the foothills of Pasadena and earned her degree in Physical Anthropology from UCSB before attending the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She has served as Medical Director of the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic and as Assistant Clinical Professor and Lead Physician at UCLA Health. In 2024 she became...