Women In Wellness: Dr Nicole Williams of The Gynecology Institute of Chicago on the Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
I adore intermittent fasting. It’s easy to do, and you get a big bang for your buck. I started practicing this well before it was en vogue, about 15 years now, and the results are clear. Second, I recommend drinking enough water. That is pale yellow urine, not clear. Third, the average adult needs at least seven hours of sleep! Fourth, always take some time to get some nature to help with your mental health. Finally, write down what you are thankful for to keep life in a positive perspective.
As a part of my series about the women in wellness, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Nicole Williams.
Dr. Nicole Williams is an OBGYN and owner of the Gynecology Institute of Chicago, with three locations serving the area. Since July 2013, Dr. Williams has successfully operated this practice specializing in alternative and traditional medicine while caring for thousands of patients. Dedicated to the welfare of women’s reproductive health through preventative and surgical care, she is also the author of This Is How You Vagina, an easy-to-understand guide for women and men alike who seek to understand the form and function of vaginas.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
I grew up in a two-parent household in East St. Louis, Illinois, surrounded by the most loving village of people. I came from a place where the kids were valued, treasured, and expected to do well. This community, combined with my curiosity, was the driving force behind me to go into a profession where I could use my hands and mind. I was always curious about the human body and how and why things worked. This developed into a love for medicine and, more importantly, a passion for helping those in need so they can feel valued and treasured as well.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most “interesting” things that happened to me occurred when I was trying to secure an SBA loan. I had already been in business for seven years with a track record of steady growth. After nearly a year of submitting and resubmitting documents, I realized that the lender had NO desire to give me the loan. I reached out to other associates about verbiage I should use and then sent a follow-up email to change my approach. Three days later, my loan was approved. The main lesson is never to take no for an answer, continue pushing and then push harder, and, last but not least, leverage your network!
Can you share a story about the biggest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started, I realized it was easy to fall prey to the equipment representatives that come to your office. They come in with charts and graphs, promising you a massive return on your investment. You want to make money, but it will take time. You have to do your homework and due diligence!
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
My main focuses are fibroids, sexual health, and international health. I was the first woman in Illinois to perform the highly technical Acessa procedure surgery for fibroids, and I have performed over 500 of these procedures. Additionally, I have traveled to 15 countries, performing health screening, fibroid surgery, and prenatal care for women.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.
First, I adore intermittent fasting. It’s easy to do, and you get a big bang for your buck. I started practicing this well before it was en vogue, about 15 years now, and the results are clear. Second, I recommend drinking enough water. That is pale yellow urine, not clear. Third, the average adult needs at least seven hours of sleep! Fourth, always take some time to get some nature to help with your mental health. Finally, write down what you are thankful for to keep life in a positive perspective.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Know that sugar is the first and most addictive drug, and avoid it whenever possible.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1. This is not an instant success
2. Take your time
3. Do your due diligence
4. Trust no one (except your mom)
5. Don’t be afraid of criticism
When you are starting, you are so anxious to become successful. However, these five things would have saved me from stress and anxiety because achievement takes time!
Sustainability, veganism, mental health and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Environmental change is the dearest topic to me. Throughout my travels, I am beginning to see the effects of the industrialized world on the developing world. If more of us were aware of how our decisions affect others, we would do better.
What is the best way our readers can follow you online?
Readers can stay up to date with my latest information at www.nicolewilliamsmd.com !
Thank you for these fantastic insights!
Women In Wellness: Dr Nicole Williams of The Gynecology Institute of Chicago on the Five Lifestyle… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.