About Me

Why did I choose to pursue Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine?

During my time as a paediatric resident, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing in the way we approached healthcare for kids. Medicine, as I observed, had become so reactive, focused on treating illnesses as they came, while the bigger picture of what shapes any child’s health often got lost. This gap made me question: what if we could do more to prevent these illnesses in the first place?

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which really reinforced the same concern. I saw how much a child’s environment and daily habits influenced their ability to cope and recover. After the pandemic, the challenges only grew. There was an alarming rise in the double burden of malnutrition, both undernourishment and obesity, alongside more mental health issues, younger cases of type 2 diabetes and other preventable conditions. It became clear: the way children live, eat, sleep and move has never been more important and their existing lifestyle shapes their future health.

This quest for a macroscopic approach to health led me to Harvard University, where I pursued a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Nutrition and Maternal-Child Health. I wanted to learn how to go beyond treating one child at a time and start addressing the bigger systems that influence children’s health. Harvard equipped me with the tools to bridge the gap between clinical care and public health, empowering me to drive meaningful, system-wide change for children and families everywhere.

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine, for me, is a forward-thinking and evidence-based approach that goes beyond illness. It empowers families to establish a strong foundation for lifelong well-being. It is about shifting the focus from reaction to prevention and helping children not just survive but truly thrive

– Dr. Michelle Shah

My Mission

To redefine paediatric healthcare by merging the principles of medical science with lifestyle medicine, empowering families to nurture children who are not just healthy but thriving. We believe in creating a ripple effect - one healthy child leads to a healthier family, a stronger community and a brighter future.

What is Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine?

Many chronic diseases in adults today can be traced back to lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, physical inactivity and difficulties with emotional resilience, often rooted in patterns established during childhood. Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine works with families to identify these risk factors and provides targeted strategies and tools to raise healthier, more resilient children.

We take a holistic, 360-degree approach to child healthcare, prioritising the root causes of illnesses: lifestyle choices. This proactive method prioritises the creation of a strong foundation for lifelong health rather than simply treating illnesses as they arise.

We combine evidence-based medicine with personalised care with a strong emphasis on prevention and education, empowering families to prioritise long-term well-being.

Why Dr. Michelle Shah?

Dr Michelle Shah is India’s first Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine Specialist. With an MD in Paediatrics, a Lifestyle Medicine Diplomate (DipIBLM, UK), and a Master of Public Health (Harvard University), Dr. Shah brings unparalleled expertise to her practice.

Dr Shah is also a 2x TEDx Speaker and is transforming paediatric healthcare by integrating the science of medicine with the preventive power of lifestyle medicine. Her vision is to shift the focus from treating illness to a macroscopic view of children’s health, ensuring they thrive at every stage of life.

At the forefront of a growing movement for proactive, lifestyle-driven care, particularly, Dr. Shah’s practice champions a unique, personalised approach. She goes beyond addressing symptoms and empowering families with the tools and strategies to nurture their children’s full potential physically, mentally and emotionally.

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