We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rita Deattrea Beckford, M.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Rita Deattrea, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I intend to have a global impact on the health and wellness of our generation as the host of my own syndicated show. People don’t need another book or manual on how to get healthy, They need real life examples! We look to our leaders and icons to model. It is my greatest joy to share my passion and knowledge of health and wellness in action; cooking, biking, hiking. weight-lifting, spa hopping and traveling all while raising a family, doctoring and puppy. I want to change the way we view health as a society. Wellness is significantly influenced by our lifestyle choices. I am partnering with some of the world’s most recognizable brands to spread this great news! We each possess the power to transform our own lives with our food selections and levels of activity! Our health is our greatest wealth!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My brand is all about LOVE! My entire health and wellness career started as a opportunity to help my Grandma Rose with her debilitating diabetes while I was a 19 year old engineering student at Northwestern University. She said she needed help understanding her many medications. She had no idea why she was about to be forced to use a dialysis machine 3 times a week ( how would she watch all her daytime shows)? She felt she could use a doctor in the family and my siblings and I were the first generation in our family to attend college.
Although engineering was proving to be an intellectually stimulating field with lucrative summer internships, the chance to be able to help my grandmother’s health was a once in a lifetime opportunity. What did I have to lose? I loved my grandmother with all my heart and couldn’t even fathom my life without her. Perhaps, I could help her live long enough to watch me get married, have children and grandchildren of my own. That night, I went to bed so excited I was on a mission, love is the most powerful force in the Universe. I went to see my advisor the next day and all of my core engineering classes met the requirements for pre-medical studies. I sat for the medical school entrance exam the following year of college and the rest is history.
Grandma Rose is the framework for every patient and client interaction I have as a doctor, speaker, author and business owner. I find it humbling to earn another’s trust to assist them with their health. I lead with love and it always directs me to the highest choices in business. Maya Angelou said it best, People will often forget what you say. They will even forget what you do. However, they will never forget how you made them feel. This is my greatest intention in business. Make everyone feel as if they are the most important person on planet when I interact with them, because truly, to someone, they are!
My favorite aspect of my business is speaking engagements. I love when I share something exceptionally vulnerable and by the look on people’s faces you can tell they feel validated and not so alone. I love live audiences and connecting with people. It is my true passion!
Nature is my sanctuary. I love being outdoors and breathing the fresh crisp air amongst all the trees. It centers me.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nature is my sanctuary … Atlanta has a plethora of nature gems. One week is not enough time! My favorite place to bike is Big Creek Park in Roswell. The terrain is diverse for all riders, There are plenty of hills for mountain bikers and lots of long winding paths for the speed demon road cyclists. Climbing Stone Mountain is a must and all the hidden off beaten paths along the lake are perfect for first time hikers. Upbeet is the best stop for scrumptious salads with fresh pomegranates, kiwi and mangoes and over 50 toppings of vegetables, beans and seeds. The absolute best ice cream in the world is available in multiple locations throughout Atlanta: Jeni’s Ice Cream. Brown Butter Almond Brittle is the the flavor to savor! The Coca Cola experience and The Georgia Aquarium are both must visit spots. No trip to Atlanta could ever be complete without visiting the MLK center and the actual home of Martin Luther King Jr. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is everything to me ! They have been my number one fans and test market group. My husband has been my best friend since medical school 27 years ago when he asked me to be his study buddy. He proofs all of my materials and makes sure I am prepared for every interview, talk or event . My sons , Kenny and Kyle , keep me up to date on pop culture and make sure I understand the best ways to engage on the myriad social media platforms. They push me to be my absolute best ! My parents instilled in me faith in God and a responsibility to achieve greatness in any field, project or role. I owe them my fearlessness and incredible courage! My sister and brother have been so supportive and encouraging since kindergarten and it has only gotten stronger over the years. My ancestors are my greatest inspiration! Knowing so many suffered and died so that I might have a better life, gives me the fuel and passion to continue to strive for excellence and to impact future generations.
Website: www.TheBeckfordFormula.com
Instagram: DrRitaBeckford
Linkedin: Dr. Rita Deattrea Beckford, M.D.
Twitter: @BeckfordFormula
Youtube: DrRitaBeckfordMD
Other: TikTok: DrRitaBeckfordMD