Love and passion brought gastroenterologist Dr. Aparna Mele to Berks County – love for her husband, fellow physician and partner, Dr. Carl Mele, and a passion for helping others (something she was inspired to do while volunteering with Mother Teresa). Since beginning work with Digestive Disease Associates Ltd., Wyomissing, in 2007, she has founded both a non-profit organization and an annual wellness event, both of which seek to entertain and educate people about their literal inner workings. Naturally, her favorite people to care for are her children, Nisha, 9, and Luca, 7, with whom she and her husband like to garden, cook, exercise and create joyful moments.
Q: What led you to gastroenterology?
It’s very interesting. As a doctor I never know what I’m going to get, so each case allows me to use my training and the tools we have to help. It’s a procedural specialty, which I enjoy. It allows me to get to know patients and work with my hands to help, rather than just prescribing pills. And there is so much that can be done to prevent disease, so I am a proponent of assisting people in living healthy, vibrant lives.
Q: And that’s how the wellness fair Guts & Glory came about?
Exactly. It’s designed to be a celebration of good health. I like to say it’s about becoming beautiful from the inside out. Our society is focused on metrics, like weight or BMI, but the truth is there are people who are a size 2 who eat out of a vending machine and are unhealthy, while someone size 10 may be very fit and eat out of the garden. The fair aims to educate people to enjoy eating everything but to do it wisely and healthfully.
Q: And your non-profit, My Gut Instinct?
I founded that prior to Guts & Glory as a response to a Gallup poll that found Reading is the ninth most obese city in the entire U.S. As a nutritional and digestive doctor, I want to do my part to change that for the better.
Q: You’re from Florida but went to college and trained in Pa.; is that how you found Berks?
That’s right. I went to University of Pennsylvania and then George Washington University [in D.C.] and back to medical school at Thomas Jefferson [in Philadelphia], and I did a fellowship in Hershey. My husband and I met at Jefferson. He was a few years ahead of me, so I knew when I began practicing I’d come work with him here. I couldn’t go work for the competition! And I love it here, for many reasons, but especially for the people. They are the most warm, welcoming, loyal and generous people. I’m grateful for living here and being part of their journeys because that is what life is: a journey of physical, mental and emotional experiences.
Q: Caring for the whole person – that is the best medicine.
Yes. I am the child of two physicians, and they were great role models, but I went into medicine to help people on a deeper level. I had the opportunity to work with Mother Teresa in India. She inspired me with her advice that the best way to help people is with your hands. I learned I really wanted a career of service to others. I hope I make her proud. Life is precious and I want to do what I can to help people live their best, longest lives.
By Michelle E. Biggerstaff | photo by John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics
