Alex’s Background
I live and work in Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant city nestled in the picturesque region of Transylvania, Romania.
I finished the local Medicine and Pharmacy University in Cluj-Napoca (Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy) in 2012, followed by a residency in the field of Internal Medicine. This took 5 years of training to complete. During this time, I worked at the local clinics and hospitals in the city. I specialized in various fields of medicine as per my curriculum (cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, infectious diseases, and more), working with admitted patients and also in the emergency room setting.
I got my certification in general ultrasonography, and starting in 2023, I began my master’s degree in Psychosomatic Medicine. I started working as an Internal Medicine specialist in 2018, first at a Rehabilitation Center in the countryside near Cluj-Napoca. Since 2020, I`ve been working at Regina Maria Emergency Hospital in the center of Cluj, where I still practice to this day.
Area of Expertise
As an Internal Medicine specialist, I focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and neurological systems. My practice also integrates psychosomatic disturbances, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and psychological health.
Path to Medicine
Since I can remember, I have loved to spend time around people. I enjoy talking with them, learning new things, and discussing events and philosophies. On the other hand, I always liked puzzles, searching for mysteries and finding answers. Medicine integrates these two things perfectly.
Firstly you have to work with people — something I thoroughly enjoy, and secondly — you have to make a diagnosis, which is like detective work! With every patient, I have to put together tens — if not hundreds — of symptoms, syndromes and diseases, in order to find the one that fits the scenario the best.
You need to have a sharp mind to be able to analyze, compare, and evaluate while being compassionate, emphatic, and sociable. So I’d say that medicine was the natural choice when I had to pursue a career. Since working as a doctor, I can safely say I made the right choice and have gained tremendous value from this career choice.
Motivation to Join OmniBloom Retreat
I have never worked in a retreat before, but I am eagerly anticipating the retreat, having grabbed this opportunity with both hands! I love to try new things and to challenge myself. In the field I work in, I have to be up to date with new information and developments, and working with clients and potential patients in a retreat setting is a new way to sharpen my clinical skills.
More and more people want to prevent rather than treat ailments — this is a preventative medicine approach. Many people adhere to this way of getting informed, so I naturally want to be part of this kind of holistic retreat.
I view this retreat as a mutual learning experience — an opportunity to expand my clinical skills, deepen my understanding of holistic health practices, and share my expertise with others. Additionally, I look forward to connecting with fellow practitioners and the retreat participants and to gain new insights into enhancing overall well-being.
Combining the Western and Eastern Medical Practices
I always strive to maintain a broad, holistic approach in my clinical practice, drawing inspiration from Eastern medical philosophies.
I have delved into various oriental practices such as Ayurveda, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Shiatsu, finding their principles highly applicable to Western therapies.
In my practice, I frequently integrate conventional medical diagnostics like labs and X-rays with recommendations for meditation, yoga, and other holistic therapies. I prescribe both synthetic medicine and herbal remedies, and I often suggest practices like Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and acupuncture consultations. I’m passionate about embracing complementary approaches to health and well-being, recognizing the value they bring to holistic care.
My Coaching Approach at The Retreat
I would begin by compiling a file for each attendee. Our initial discussion will involve assessing their medical history, including past diseases, treatments, genetic patterns, symptoms, signs of illness, and their expectations for the retreat.
Following a clinical examination, we will explore various solutions and methods for enhancing overall health.
I will then collaborate with my colleagues to integrate their skills and expertise, maximizing the benefit for each attendee. At the conclusion of the retreat, I will conduct a final evaluation to assess the impact of the experience and provide recommendations for ongoing well-being improvement.
What Retreat Attendees Gain from My Guidance
I bring to the retreat my comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Attendees should expect personalized assessments, tailored treatment plans, guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition advice, stress management techniques, and alternative therapies such as meditation, journaling, and Ayurveda.
My emphasis will be on promoting overall health and addressing the root causes of any health issues, empowering attendees to take control of their well-being.
Top Three Strategies that Someone Can Use to Improve theis Quality of Life
Firstly, I would recommend seeking advice and guidance from a professional. It takes time and practice to manage health issues effectively. So I strongly advise consulting with a physician first, followed by a psychologist, fitness instructor, nutritionist, or whichever other relevant professionals deem fit.
Secondly, I suggest starting small by making gradual changes each day. For example, increasing water intake or incorporating walks into your daily routine. This approach helps ease the transition into a healthier lifestyle. Thirdly, prioritize regular medical check-ups. This is crucial for monitoring overall health and identifying potential risk factors early on.
In Alex’s Free Time
Enjoying Fun Activities
I’m an avid reader. I enjoy spending time in nature and being surrounded with friends. I attend drawing classes once per week, and I started learning Japanese as a way of improving my brain health.
Exploring Unique Hobbies
I recently discovered Dungeons and Dragons — a tabletop role-playing game — that involves a lot of storytelling, creativity, and interacting with people. I find it a very fun and interesting way to spend my free time. It’s like a therapy group in which people feel safe and can explore different parts of their psyche. Also, there are dragons — how cool is that?!