We had the good fortune of connecting with Phindile Chowa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phindile, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Eswatini in Southern Africa. My dad’s Zambian, my mom’s Swazi. We moved to America when I was 9. In Eswatini, with a high HIV rate, I witnessed illness and death early on. My grandma had a stroke in her 50s, which deeply influenced my commitment to healthcare and quality care. I watched my mom care for her after a stroke from high blood pressure left her disabled. I saw her in a government hospital, sitting with neglected AIDS patients, and I was shocked by the disregard she experienced. It was my first encounter with healthcare inequity, and I vowed to fight for equity. That’s when I decided to become a doctor, and health equity has been my driving force ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I own EMCare2U, a Concierge Medical Practice serving Atlanta. I’m a Harvard-trained, board-certified physician with 11 years of ER experience. The COVID-19 pandemic made me realize the opportunity to increase efficiency in healthcare, so EMCare2U was born as my way to bring forth more meaningful and sustainable change. I treat patients at home to make care more accessible. As a long-term solution, I offer telemedicine and a flexible membership for continuous support. In addition to my practice, I co-host the “Hey Doc, Lets Chat” podcast, discussing healthcare issues for Black women, with the goal of empowering listeners. I attribute all of my success to hard work, faith, and a supportive community. My goal is to inspire future generations of women.

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.
Because I love to eat, and I love to salsa dance — my recommendations would be a reflection of both. For breakfast, my go-to spots are Snooze, Silver Skillet, and Le Petit Marche. When it comes to brunch, I recommend trying Local Three, Folk Art, or Buttermilk Kitchen. For dinner, consider Ecco, Rumi’s Kitchen, or Barcelona. Don’t miss out on dancing at Sanctuary on Friday night.  I’d also suggest taking them to some rooftop bars in the city for a drink and relaxation. A spa and wine day at Chateau Elan could be a great option too. Or perhaps, enjoy a leisurely walk on the BeltLine, where they could grab some coffee at Chattahoochee Coffee Company. Lastly, consider some yoga and hiking during the fall. Atlanta offers a neighborhood for everyone, and there’s so much diversity and plenty to do in this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, the real MVP in my story. I have never met a more hardworking person in my life.

Website: https://emcare2u.com

Instagram: @emcare2u and @drchowa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phindile-erika-chowa-md-54765540/

Other: My podcast instagram is @heydoc_letschat. Also available at apple podcast and Spotify podcast platforms.

Image Credits
Katya Vilchyk https://www.katyavilchyk.com

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