In today’s fast-paced world, conversations about health often revolve around pills, prescriptions, and fleeting solutions. But Dr. Sonal Bhatia, the Founder and CEO of Ojas Vida, believes in something deeper—healing that restores balance, empowers individuals, and addresses the whole person, not just their symptoms. Her vision for Ojas Vida is simple yet profound: to help people “Heal. Transform. Thrive.” by combining the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with the precision of modern science.
Sonal Bhatia: From Medicine to Mission – Dr. Sonal Bhatia’s Early Journey
Dr. Sonal Bhatia’s story is one of courage, resilience, and purpose. Born in Mexico and raised with a unique cultural lens, she grew up feeling different—but instead of letting that difference hold her back, she transformed it into a powerful source of empathy and drive. Inspired by her grandfather, an Ayurvedic healer, she witnessed early on the life-changing power of compassion in healthcare.
Her path led her into medicine, earning her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. But during her residency, tragedy struck when a close friend developed breast cancer and passed away. The experience left her questioning whether modern medicine was enough. “We can prescribe what we have, but what about what patients truly need?” she reflected.
This pivotal moment reshaped her aspirations. She realized that science and medicine must go hand-in-hand with empowerment and education.
A Distinguished Career in Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Bhatia took this passion to the pharmaceutical industry, where she served at Pfizer for over 17 years. Rising to become Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Specialty Care, she played a key role in advancing treatments for rare diseases, cardiology, and gene therapy.
Her work wasn’t just about developing medicines—it was about bringing hope. In 2022, she was recognized for her inspirational efforts in supporting rare disease patients and ensuring equity in access to care. Whether leading global teams or serving as a board member for the American Heart Association, her leadership style centered on empowerment: giving people the autonomy, mastery, and purpose to create impact.
Yet despite her achievements, something was missing. Traditional medicine saved lives, but it often overlooked the root causes of imbalance in people’s lives. That realization sparked her next great chapter.
Sonal Bhatia: The Shift to Integrative Wellness
Driven by a personal exploration into Ayurveda and the rediscovery of her grandfather’s healing legacy, Dr. Bhatia began studying integrative medicine in depth. She pursued a Master of Science in Integrative Health and Ayurveda at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (2023–2025).
Her studies confirmed what she already knew in her heart: true wellness goes beyond prescriptions. It requires addressing the mind, body, and spirit together.
Ojas Vida: A New Era of Healing
In November 2024, Dr. Bhatia founded Ojas Vida, a modern wellness platform designed to bridge the wisdom of Ayurveda with evidence-based science. The name itself—Ojas—represents vitality and life force, a fitting symbol for a company dedicated to unlocking human potential.
What Ojas Vida Offers:
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Personalized Coaching: Guiding individuals to restore balance, manage stress, and boost vitality.
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Corporate Wellness Programs: Helping organizations integrate mind-body practices into the workplace to enhance engagement, leadership, and organizational health.
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Holistic Education: Teaching individuals how to live seasonally, manage energy, and embrace resilience in everyday life.
Through her platform, Dr. Bhatia shares her insights across LinkedIn, Instagram, and public forums, inspiring people to see health not just as the absence of disease, but as the presence of vitality, joy, and wholeness.
A Leader Who Inspires Change
Beyond her role as a physician and entrepreneur, Dr. Sonal Bhatia is a mentor, speaker, and advocate for equity in healthcare. She actively supports initiatives like STEM Goes Red, encouraging young women to pursue careers in science and live their dreams.
As a mother of two, she embodies balance in her own life—whether traveling, reading, or crafting new ideas (and cocktails) in her New York City home.
Her message to the next generation of physicians is both practical and empowering: “Don’t assume your journey ends in an office. If your path doesn’t feel right, pivot. Define your purpose and lead it, even if it hasn’t been tried before.”
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