The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices. Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home.
This month we’re meeting Dr. Kai Koch, Lifestyle Medicine Doctor at Marylebone Health Group.
Can you tell us a little bit about your work at Marylebone Health Group.
My primary role at MHG is as a lifestyle medicine doctor. Lifestyle Medicine is one of the most recent fields of medicine, first acknowledged as it’s own speciality in the United States in 2004, with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine forming in 2016. It’s role is to provide evidence-informed personalised approaches aimed at optimising holistic health, with key pillars focusing on movement (exercise), sleep, nutrition (and detoxification), stress management, social connection and emotional and mental wellbeing. Lifestyle Medicine can also be used to prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease, the latter being arguably the largest ongoing ‘silent’ pandemic of modern times. Following an extremely in depth history and examination, using the latest up to date evidence and behaviour change models, as well as an array of advanced investigations, I work with clients to build and develop realistic, individualised plans to reach their short, medium and long term goals. This could be from proactive prevention of disease, optimising ones overall health through to being advocates for patients and working to address complex medical issues. We are continuously developing services and following widespread interest, working to deliver to corporates in the near future.
Describe your average day.
My roles are very diverse and exciting so for me, there is no such thing as an average day. When in clinic, I like to come in early as it’s great to to catch up with the diverse multi-disciplinary team we have and find out what novel aspects my colleagues are working on in their fields, ranging from sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, sleep through to psychology. During my clinic, it is great to both meet and help clients, not just from London or the UK but from all over the world. It is a privilege to hear their unique stories and deep dive into their lives, allowing the detective and planning work to begin to help them along their journey. Outside of clinic at MHG, I have my own business in the field, Little Longevity, which I am developing. I spend time keeping up to date and reviewing latest evidence as well as teaching aspects of Lifestyle Medicine which have recently started to be incorporated in London medical schools curriculums. My main other role which keeps me on my toes is working as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine in a leading London teaching hospital, which is equally variable and diverse.
How did you get to where you are today?
After deciding late in school medicine was for me, I worked as a bio-analysis technician in 2008-9 at a leading clinical trials unit in Manchester, which developed my interest in research. After completing my studies at the University of Nottingham, I gained two degrees, a biomedical sciences degree where I got to do my own novel research, as well as my medical degree. In my early years as a doctor, building from my personal love of sport, particularly rugby and boxing, I started working as a doctor in sporting events to help improve care, which further sparked my interest for sport and exercise medicine. Whilst training to be an emergency doctor, I worked part time for two years which allowed me to complete my masters in sport, exercise and health at University College London. After seeing the effects of Covid pandemic first hand, particularly devastating for those with complex and chronic disease, I became increasingly interested in promoting holistic health. Following the masters, I published original research focusing around physical activity levels and prescribing amongst London A&E doctors, which is ongoing work. This all lead me to become a member of the British Society of Lifestyle medicine and later, the Institute of Functional Medicine to continue to build on my skills and knowledge, allowing me to put this into practice, both in the NHS and privately. I set up my own business in 2023 and joined MHG at the end of 2023.
How has Covid-19 impacted your organisation?
Post covid has opened up doors such as virtual consultations and remote monitoring technologies for clients which allows much more flexibility all round, for professionals and clients alike.
What do you like most about being based on Harley Street?
For me, the main benefit is the concentration of high quality establishments and hence greater networking opportunities that arise from this. moreover, I enjoy the cycle into this beautiful part of central London.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Harley Street Area?
The Harley Street BID allows for much more collaboration between both medical and non medical businesses which is great and definitely palpable, as is the strategy for national and international marketing. It is great to meet clients from all over the world and I think it will continue to help the area develop and advance into the future.
How does the Harley Street BID support your business?
As well as that mentioned above, our BID allows easier access to a greener and cleaner district, further enhancing the appeal to this special area of London.
How could a visitor to the area spend their time here?
As a big fan of the outdoors, I would definitely recommend getting a morning coffee from one of the many lovely independent cafes and soaking in the local architecture. My favourite green spaces are Paddington Street Gardens South, and if you have more time, exploring Regent’s and Hyde Park.
Any particular recommendations or hidden gems?
Popping into Selfridges Food-hall is a must if you’re new to the area.
If you could describe the Harley Street area in three words, what would they be?
Progressive, Collaborative, Community
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