Scripting Strength through Adversity

What if I told you there were pharmacy students who lead by example- not just in WANTING to do so, but actually PRACTICE that integrity through the actions they take in their personal and professional lives? 

Healthcare professionals already putting what they learn and preach into practice by putting in the WORK to make their #health a priority.

To invest in their OWN health, so that they can bring their very best selves to the patients they serve, and inspire those with whom they work to do the same for themselves?

THAT is what #TheFitPharmacist movement is: a community for inspiration, collaboration, and sharing our journey in staying fit in Pharmacy!

By sharing our struggles and successes, we can help empower each other to live our best lives and lead by example!

Every Friday for over a year, I’ve been featuring an individual who embodies this lifestyle to help YOU on your own journey!

This week's #FitPharmacistFriday feature story is pharmacist Dr. Melvin Mathew Makil, PharmD!

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger” - Friedrich Nietzsche

A FitPharmacist is a pharmacist who is able to leverage the profession’s greatest skill set: that is the ability to collect data, analyze it, and then eventually individualize it to maximize his or her health and wellbeing. 

Similar to treating a patient's condition, there is no “magic pill” or a “one size fits all” to obtain fitness. A Fit Pharmacist will subsequently be able to translate this to those around them. 

MyStory

At around 8 years old I started to lose control over my health and this spiraled out of control to a point where I was roughly 245 lbs (~111 Kg), wearing a size 42 inch pants, and an XL shirt during my P3 year of Pharmacy School. A lack of confidence, focus, knowledge, and to some extent finances are several of the reasons I would say contributed to the unhealthy lifestyle.

In Pharmacy school I can recall several occasions where fast and junk food options as a result of the three C’s- Comfort,Convenience, and Cost - were chosen. In between school, work, and the attempt to have somewhat of a social life, exercise was at default non-existent. To add to the above, sleep was at an all-time low, where it could range anywhere between 4 to 6 hours a night. 

Enough was enough! 2014 New Year’s like several times in the past, a resolution was made to become a healthier version of myself. That same year I lost 70 lbs (~32 Kg)! 

What made this year a success as opposed to numerous attempts in the past was prioritizing health and making it as consistent as possible. 

Watching what I ate (in particular sugar) and ensuring a “no excuse” reason to go to the gym was what made the difference. 

In 2015, I graduated with my Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree, Passed the NAPLEX and MPJE Exams, began my career as a Pharmacist, and returned back to school for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). A year then went by where a healthy lifestyle took a backseat to finishing those dreadful student loans and paying tuition. 

New Beginnings!

In 2017, I discovered CROSSFIT and was instantly hooked. CrossFit offered what I needed; a time efficient, structured, and programmed exercise. CrossFit covers many domains of fitness such as agility, endurance, flexibility, speed, and strength. Not to mention, having a great community of people to surround yourself with is always a plus! 

To this day, I continue to make personal progress in every domain, and I am the healthiest I have ever been.

Fitness is something I strive for every day. Priorities change day by day, but it has definitely taken a high priority and is a part of my new lifestyle. Fitness ties into overall health and well-being, and has only benefited other realms in life. My hope is that we all realize the value of leading a healthy lifestyle and this transcends to all of those that surround us!

About the Author

My name is Melvin Mathew Makil and I work as a Clinical Hematology Oncology Pharmacist and a Clinical Research Pharmacist at a University Hospital and University respectively in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I had completed Elementary School in New Jersey, Middle and High School in Kerala India, Pre-Pharmacy Courses from Kean University, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, and am currently enrolled and on track to graduate with a MBA this May 2019 from Rutgers University. On the side I’m a Sports Supplement Brand Ambassador that has a cricket protein blend!

Best ways to connect with me:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makillinit007/

Linkedin: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/melvin-makil-664b6662/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melvin.makil