A Grandmother’s Battle Ignites a Passion
In her teenage years, Dr. Karen Ohanessian faced a family crisis that would shape her future. Her grandmother’s breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatments left a profound impact on young Karen. Witnessing the toll of the disease and its treatment sparked a deep curiosity about the human body and the science of healing. This pivotal experience ignited her passion for understanding medical treatments, leading her to pursue a career in pharmacy.
The Role of the Pharmacist: A Community’s First Line of Defense
Dr. Ohanessian views pharmacists as the accessible frontline when individuals face health concerns. “People often find it easier to stop by the pharmacy for guidance than to schedule a doctor’s appointment,” she notes. This accessibility allows her to assist the community in managing chronic diseases and medications effectively. Her goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions, enhancing their quality of life.
Embracing Preventative Care Through Nutrition
During her pharmacy education, Dr. Ohanessian developed a keen interest in preventative care, particularly focusing on lifestyle modifications and nutrition. She believes that many chronic diseases are preventable with proper knowledge and early intervention. This belief has shaped her patient care approach, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and proactive health choices to improve long-term well-being.
Integrating Pharmacy and Nutritional Therapy
One of Dr. Ohanessian’s significant achievements is blending her expertise as a pharmacist with her role as a nutritional therapy practitioner. This integration enables her to guide clients in preventing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. By supporting clients through weight loss and lifestyle transformations, she helps reduce their long-term health risks, aligning with her mission to empower individuals in taking control of their health.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
Dr. Ohanessian’s professional journey began with volunteer work at a pharmacy during her undergraduate studies, confirming her passion for the field. Early in her career, she faced challenges such as public speaking and handling rejection. Through perseverance, she gained confidence in public speaking and learned to view rejection as a redirection toward better opportunities. These experiences have fostered personal and professional growth, enhancing her fulfillment in her career.
Launching a Sustainable Meal Plan Initiative
Currently, Dr. Ohanessian is collaborating with her sister on a new venture aimed at expanding their impact on chronic disease prevention. They are developing meal plans featuring clean, organic, and sustainably sourced foods. Set to launch in the next two months, this initiative provides practical, healthy eating options to support long-term wellness and reduce chronic disease risks. This project reflects their commitment to empowering individuals through nutrition and physical activity.
Leadership Through Understanding and Motivation
With over 15 years of experience in various pharmacy settings, Dr. Ohanessian has learned the importance of effective management and understanding individual motivations. She emphasizes creating environments that encourage growth and improvement by recognizing and nurturing individual strengths. Her leadership approach focuses on empowering others to excel, leading to greater success and satisfaction for both her team and clients.
A Legacy of Compassion and Knowledge
Dr. Ohanessian aspires to leave a lasting impact by making meaningful differences in others’ lives. Whether through attentive patient care, chronic disease prevention, or medication management guidance, her goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health. She hopes to be remembered for her compassion, knowledge, and genuine commitment to improving well-being.
Advice to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Ohanessian advises her younger self: “Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back from dreaming big. Trust your intuition and prioritize what’s best for you, even if it requires sacrifices. Dedication and clarity will pay off, allowing you to build the future you envision. Remember, you can’t be there for everyone else unless you’re there for yourself first.”
Connect with Dr. Ohanessian
To follow Dr. Ohanessian’s journey and gain insights into her work, you can connect with her on Instagram . Her upcoming meal plan initiative will also be featured on her website, The Pharmacist Nutritionist.
Dr. Karen Ohanessian’s story exemplifies how personal experiences can fuel a passion for helping others. Through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to preventative care, she continues to inspire and empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
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