Physicians in north central Indiana have an opportunity to lead by example by demonstrating the importance of staying physically active.

District 11 President Rose Paul, MD, will begin a Kokomo “Walk with a Doc” program on July 12 at Indiana University-Kokomo. Dr. Paul intends to lead walks every second Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Dr. David Sabgir, MD, began Walk with a Doc in 2005 in Columbus, Ohio, after becoming frustrated with his inability to change behavior in the clinical setting. Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. He was shocked by the turnout and knew he could make an impact. 

In 2009, Walk with a Doc became a 501(c)(3) and focused on building a program that could easily be implemented in other cities nationwide. As a result of these efforts, Walk with a Doc now has more than 500 chapters around the globe.

Kokomo is the 12th Indiana community to adopt Walk with a Doc, joining programs in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Angola, Crown Point, Highland, Lawrenceburg, Michigan City, Rensselaer, Sunman and Vernon.

"Walk with a Doc takes care of everything, including liability," Dr. Paul said. "They have three pack rates. I took the maximum one (mega pack) with 100 T-shirts and 50 pedometers. What I love about the program is that it provides everything you need. If one wants to start a walk with the basic pack--it is very doable."

Walk with a Doc has grown with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A healthcare provider gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. Healthy snacks, coffee, and blood pressure checks are optional in a Walk with a Doc event.

"Walk with a Doc” is a walk for health for the participant and the doctor involved," Dr. Paul said. 

Dr. Paul will distribute flyers for the walk at the district 11 annual meeting on Thursday, May 15, at the Kokomo Country Club. The Walk with a Doc chapter also plans to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Foster Park in Kokomo on September 13.

Anyone interested in starting their own chapter can visit the website. ISMA physicians currently participating in Walk with a Doc include:

Fort Wayne:
Kimberly Schelb, MD
Kenan Alibegovic, DO
Sharon Singleton, MD
 
Kokomo:
Rose Paul, MD

Sunman:
Suzanne E. Martini, MD
 
Terre Haute:
Thomas Orman, MD
Robert Ehresman, MD