Episode 1: Why I'm Stepping Back to Focus on My Health

Originally aired on YouTube [June 3, 2025]. Audio version includes full conversation.

After 20+ years in medicine and three years into building my business, I'm stepping back from teaching to focus on my own health using the same Eastern medicine principles I teach others.

I'm Dr. Barbara de la Torre - Board-Certified Family Medicine physician, Medical Acupuncturist, and Qigong Master. I help healthcare professionals, organizations, and motivated individuals bridge Eastern and Western medicine, but like many of you, I'm better at helping others than helping myself.

I'm returning to daily qigong, Korean Hand Therapy, and lifestyle practices that I know work because I've used them before. I'm documenting this process not to sell you anything, but to show what it really looks like when a physician practices what she preaches.

🎯 WHAT TO EXPECT:

- authentic healing journey updates

- Honest conversations with fellow practitioners

- Real-time demonstration of Eastern medicine principles

- No perfect guru promises - just sustainable self-care in action

Episodes are released in monthly batches.

Connect:

🌐 Website: ThirdOpinionMD.org

📺 Video series: YouTube.com/ThirdOpinionMD

✍️ Substack: @BarbaradelaTorreMD

📧 Newsletter: ThirdOpinionMD.org/newsletter

Full video version at YouTube.com/ThirdOpinionMD

"We're taught to sacrifice our health for others while the system disregards our wellbeing entirely."

After helping you navigate healthcare for three seasons, I realized I wasn't navigating my own. I was pushing through exhaustion and modeling the depletion I warned against.

This season documents my real journey back to health plus honest conversations with practitioners choosing a different way. Originally created for Third Opinion MD YouTube, now available in podcast format for your commute, walks, or whenever you need audio inspiration.

Featuring:

• Personal reflections on healing
• Raw practitioner conversations
• What actually helps
• The paradigm shift healthcare needs

For healthcare providers running on empty and anyone ready for real transformation.

"Choosing your health isn't giving up. It's the beginning of everything."

-Dr. Barbara de la Torre, MD

Founder, Third Opinion MD®

Host, Third Opinion MD Podcast

Episodes are released in monthly batches.

🌐 Website: ThirdOpinionMD.org

📺 Video series: YouTube.com/ThirdOpinionMD

✍️ Substack: @BarbaradelaTorreMD

📧 Newsletter: ThirdOpinionMD.org/newsletter

In season 3 finale (Episodes 8 and 9), Ramey reflects back on her journey to form her unique Health Strategy.

She now understands health in a whole new way. The key ingredient is noticing.

In Episode 9, Ramey completes her Health Strategy consult, and reflects on all the components that inform her health now and in the future.

She understands the power and value she brings to her health through balancing lifestyle, relationships, and nutrition.

Ramey gains confidence on how to tap into her best medicine.

She draws from what she needs, whether it's Western or Eastern medicine, and she plans to use more self-care methods.

Season 3 is a narrative that was born from the inspiration that my mother started. She was also the number one fan who supported me to think outside the healthcare box and ask questions.

Christina was the pioneer who offered new ideas about healthcare before people were ready to hear them.

But I think you're ready to hear them now.

Health Strategy at Third Opinion MD is about manifesting a quiet revolution in healthcare. I’m continuing a family legacy to spark a wave of change in the way we practice medicine, how you can care for yourself, and how you can navigate the healthcare system.

It’s about searching inward for your strength, discovering your innate ability to heal, and expanding the window to be in charge of your health again.

So, here's to my mom. Episodes 8 and 9 were published on the 15-year anniversary of her death, but she will live on with what we do together.

My client, Ramey, reached a point where she wanted to go deeper than that with the Health Strategy Consult program. Season 3 is about pulling the curtain back so you can learn the process with Ramey on how to form a unique health strategy.

Thank you for Subscribing/Following the podcast and leaving a review! It means the world to this independent podcast host and producer.

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Book a Complimentary consult meeting with Barbara de la Torre: https://www.ThirdOpinionMD.org/contact