Mile-long “Walk with a Doc” provides more than just exercise for Houston community

WellMed at Katy clinic organizes doctor-led walks combining exercise with education

Dr. Neetee Gadgil, a family physician at WellMed at Katy in Houston, Texas, teamed up with her daughter, Sahana, a senior at Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas, to launch a local chapter of the “Walk with a Doc” program. Inspired by Sahana’s passion for community service, this wellness initiative combines physical activity with health education.

Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, originally developed the program to encourage closer relationships between doctors and the community, providing a setting where participants could address health questions informally. “Sahana introduced me to the program and encouraged me to get involved since a physician’s participation is necessary. We launched the first student-led chapter about a year ago, during Sahana’s junior year of high school,” Dr. Gadgil said. Together, they coordinate monthly walks in their local area, sponsored by WellMed at Katy.

During these monthly gatherings, participants enjoy a one-mile walk while engaging with guest speakers about various health topics. Promoted through flyers, social media and Sahana’s high school network, these walks are increasingly gaining popularity and attracting a diverse group of community members.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, promote physical activity and discuss health in an open setting. After a short talk, participants have the chance to ask their health questions directly to the speakers,” Dr. Gadgil said.

Each event features a brief educational talk by Dr. Gadgil or another health expert, followed by a question-and-answer session. The topics are wide-ranging, addressing everything from heart health to nutrition, reflecting the varied interests and needs of the participants.

Volunteers, including Sahana’s peers, contribute their time and help spread awareness through social media, earning service hours in the process.

“We actively promote the Walk with a Doc program to ensure the entire community, not just our patients, has an opportunity to participate. Each walk focuses on different health issues, with experts providing quick, insightful lessons. It’s been an effective way to engage the community in preventive health care,” Dr. Gadgil said.