Meet Dr. Nina Watson: Physician Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Nina Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Nina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As I board-certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in breast imaging, I’ve dedicated my career and business to improving access to life-saving screening, prevention, and early detection of breast cancer. I believe that patients should have access to high-quality breast imaging care, no matter where they live. I strive to be part of the solution to healthcare inequities and disparities by working in underserved areas and communities across the country. That’s why I made the decision to become a traveling physician licensed to practice in 10 states, rather than sticking with one hospital or practice. As an independent contractor, locum and per diem physician who practices where I’m needed most, and owner/founder of Modern Radiology — a teleradiology breast imaging service — I have the freedom and autonomy to care for patients near and far, who might otherwise not get the care they need and deserve. This freedom has also allowed me to build my brand as a wellness and fitness advocate and consultant on a wide range of health and wellness topics, including burnout prevention.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a little girl growing up in Mississippi, I had big dreams of becoming a physician. I also had some obstacles and nay-sayers along the way. But I didn’t let them stop me from attending Yale University School of Medicine, completing my residency training at Columbia University affiliated Harlem Hospital Center, and reaching my goals. I learned that if you really want something, you have to work for it, which often means working around barriers or moving them entirely. I’ve kept the same approach in my business. While most doctors choose the security and stability of a private practice or an employed hospital position, I decided to become a traveling physician, consultant, and speaker. That’s a rarity in this profession, and most people didn’t think it could be done. But I’m doing it and have created a unique niche not many are able to fill. It wasn’t easy getting here; I had to learn to be an entrepreneur, as well as a physician. I also had to learn to speak up and advocate for myself. All the hard work and barrier-breaking have been worth it. I’m able to live life on my terms, control my own schedule, and reach more patients. What I want the world to know about me is the same thing I want people to realize about themselves: That you have the power to do what others say you can’t.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great spots in Atlanta, but if we only had a few days together, I’d hit these spots up for sure. On Friday night, we’d head for dinner at Two Urban Licks Restaurant (https://www.twourbanlicks.com) to sample their amazing wood-fired cuisine, excellent downtown views, and some live blues. I’d make sure we save enough room for a scoop (or two) of Jeni’s one-of-a-kind brown butter almond brittle ice cream, at Krog Street Market (https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-krog-street-market/).

Saturday, we’d wake up early and work off that ice cream with a hike to the top of Stone Mountain (https://www.stonemountainpark.com/), for some breathtaking panoramas. After working up an appetite, I’d treat my guest to a healthy but delicious breakfast at Kale Me Crazy (https://kalemecrazy.net/) — I’m partial to the avocado toast with a squeeze of siracha on top.

We’d follow up with some shopping and strolling in Downtown Decatur (https://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/visit/page/shop), where the people-gazing is just as fun as the window-gazing. Bags in hand, we’ll head for Sushi Avenue (https://uploads.strikinglycdn.com/files/65f5c151-89c5-4acd-be8d-5bcc5a5f2b60/lunch-merged.pdf?id=219151) for some Kitsune Udon. The end to this perfect day would be dinner and live music at BQE’s (https://www.bqelounge.com/), where I’ll insist we both get the velvet chicken ‘n waffles.

Our last day together will kick-off at the Flying Biscuit Café (https://flyingbiscuit.com/locations-2/midtown/) for breakfast — extra cranberry apple butter, please. From there, we’ll amble down the BeltLine (https://beltline.org/), swing by a few art galleries and soak up all the beautiful flowers at the Aboretum. We’ll cap off the visit with a round of putt-putt at Ponce City Market (https://poncecityroof.com/skyline-park). By the end of the weekend, my guest will completely understand why I’m in love with this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The teachers and educators from Hattiesburg Public School District in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will always have a special place in my heart. These amazing women and men supported, encouraged, and believed in me from kindergarten up and continued even after graduating high school. They groomed me for success, so that now I am able to fly.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/DrNinaWatson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrNinaWatson

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DrNinaWatson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNinaWatson

Image Credits
K. Marie Photography