Harminder Kaur

PRIMARY CARE- VAMC Washington DC

• MD – D0058497
• ECFMG- 1991
• Flex- 1993
• DEA – BK4299308
• CDS – M53760
• NPI – 1083702799
• United Kingdom License

• As a Primary Care Physician and Obesity Specialist, my goal in life is to be of service to mankind by contributing towards health and wellness of people, practicing good medicine with emphasis on maintaining perfect health and prevention of disease through education and practice. Graduated summa cum laude from Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur University, India. After completing 12 months of Internship at the Alma Mater, I travelled to Zambia to gain experience in the outside world and to be with my parents. Worked in Kitwe General Hospital for about a year in the Department of Pediatrics. Learned a lot about life during this period which has always stayed with me. Seeing a child die of hypothermia due Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, Malaria or Measles can never be forgotten. At the same time, I used it as an opportunity to get more enthusiastic about medicine and help the destitute.
• Moved to the United Kingdom in 1985 for further training in medicine. Completed residency and successfully took the MRCP in 1991 from The Royal College of London. This was by far the most important career training I received, which taught me how to be compassionate, benevolent and yet a very professional doctor. There is no other place than being in the English system to learn the art of clinical diagnosis and management by using the power of good clinical history and examination.
• We came to the USA in 1992. Completed medical residency at Albany Medical Center, NY. Board certificated in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Having practiced Primary care for 15 years I developed a strong interest in wellness and weight management. We developed a scientifically strong program using the 5 A’s approach to evaluate and help every client. To prioritize education, shared decision making and help clients learn to achieve smart goals and celebrate small successes was key. The office was organized with a holistic approach where patient came first.
• The Covid-19 Pandemic has put our service, resilience, and perseverance to the test. It was better to adapt and continue being a physician during these times. In March 2020, it felt like the world was collapsing, but as the opportunity increased to apply oneself in the form of service, it made every minute gratifying. Mitigating the risk of COVID-19 by helping patients reduce their body fat and improve diabetes, is the most meaningful work I have ever done.
• At present I am a primary care physician at the Washington DC VAMC. It was my dream to work with veterans who have selflessly served humanity and the nation. I come from a family of Veterans of the Indian Airforce and Army, and I know what it takes to be on the front lines. Every day I am learning new things and dedicating my career to the health and welfare of brave men and women.

• Successful leader is a good follower, and currently I am a primary care provider at the veteran’s hospital. I can take care of some medical aspects but there are many other facets that have enriched by knowledge bank like the diseases related to war, toxic exposures in the military, PTSD and other mental health conditions, chronic pain due to orthopedic problems and many more. Learning the daily work from more experienced people is my priority. Each patient is a new story of its kind and a new experience, my job is hands on, and I can never know it all.
• I had a private practice in Primary Care Medicine. I learned the skill of organization, prioritization, and time management. I am an experienced team player and know how to work with people at their level of understanding. I manage my associates and assistants with respect and efficiency. Self-empowerment and enabling others with knowledge and education leads to a successful organization.
• During the Pandemic I learned every skill to work at a Covid hospital. I have donned and doffed, dealt with Covid emergencies and counselled patients during their hard and lonely times. I have learned the skill of starting a covid clinic, running a call center and an Infusion Center at the field hospital in Baltimore.
• Practicing Sikh medical Doctor, originally from Punjab, India, currently residing in Montgomery County Maryland. Being a Sikh makes me a family person with a strong work ethic and I work hard at whatever I do. My most important value is to share all I have with others in need and all my work described is part of my gratitude to humanity.
• Co-founder of a non-profit organization, Helping Heart Coalition. Our mission is to promote mental health awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. We aim to provide mental resources. By fostering collaboration with faith groups we aim to develop culturally sensitive programs in diverse languages and help houses of faith create safe havens for individuals who suffer in silence. We want to equip communities with the tools to support those in need and connect individuals to vital resources by aligning efforts with organizations already working in this field. The goal of Healing Hearts Coalition is to expand our reach, empower communities, build a world where mental health is prioritized, and ensure no one suffers in silence. We have applied for a large grant from SAHMSA in collaboration with American Diversity Group for Mental Health Awareness Training in the community.
• Co-founder of a youth lead non- profit organization, Sikh Kid 2 Kid. The mission of this organization is to “Eradicate Ignorance with the power of Education”, working at grass roots level with educators and students hence the name Sikh Kid 2 Kid, teaching about who a Sikh is, and about the Sikh religion and culture. This ground-breaking work has led to the development of a Maryland State approved “Religious literacy program” for Educators in all 6 major Religions of the World working with partners like Montgomery County Public Schools, Hindu American Foundation, Montgomery County Faith Community Working Group- Education Subcommittee, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, and many others. The Sikhism Workshop is specifically pioneered by the youth of Sikh Kid 2 Kid organization, leading to building bridges, strengthening student – teacher understanding, youth empowerment and a platform for youth voice.