Dr. Jan McBarron is a distinguished bariatric physician, author and public speaker. She Graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine in 1984. A few years later, she earned a Naturopathic Doctor degree from Clayton College. Dr. Jan McBarron was inspired to pursue bariatric medicine, non-surgical weight loss because of her personal struggle with weight problems.
After thirty years in private practice, Dr. Jan Mc Barron realized she could reach more people through social media, as an author, and public speaking. She maintains an active presence on social media, where she regularly shares her experiences and insights on bariatric treatment and healthy lifestyles. Dr. Jan McBarron maintains a healthy life by traveling, exercising and spending time with her loving family. She has been happily married to Duke Liberatore for over 34 years and currently lives in Nevada. For twenty years they broadcasted the enormously successful, nationally syndicated radio health talk show, Duke and The Doctor.
What was your best subject in school?
My favorite subject was biology. I love the fact that biology has real life implications and the subject is a launching pad for many promising careers.
What was your first job?
At 16, I volunteered in the hospital as a Candy striper filling patients water pitcher. Immediately I knew helping people in medicine was my future. Subsequently I became a Registered Nurse. Within a few years of working in the hospital, I realized my next goal was to become a physician, and so then I worked nightshift as a nurse to support myself in pre-med and medical school. Earning my Medical Doctorate degree thru Drexel University College of Medicine provided me the opportunity to establish my private medical practice Georgia Bariatrics, specializing in non-surgical weight loss. I also served as Medical Director and Formulator for Vita Logic, a natural vitamin supplement company, and served as a Professor of Nutrition at Columbus State University.
How did you get started in the industry you currently work in?
My favorite subject was biology. I love the fact that biology has real life implications and the subject is a launching pad for many promising careers.
What was your first job?
At 16, I volunteered in the hospital as a Candy striper filling patients water pitcher. Immediately I knew helping people in medicine was my future. Subsequently I became a Registered Nurse. Within a few years of working in the hospital, I realized my next goal was to become a physician, and so then I worked nightshift as a nurse to support myself in pre-med and medical school. Earning my Medical Doctorate degree thru Drexel University College of Medicine provided me the opportunity to establish my private medical practice Georgia Bariatrics, specializing in non-surgical weight loss. I also served as Medical Director and Formulator for Vita Logic, a natural vitamin supplement company, and served as a Professor of Nutrition at Columbus State University.
How did you get started in the industry you currently work in?
As a medical doctor, we all choose a specialty for many reasons. I chose bariatric medicine because it combined my quest for knowledge and the desire to serve and transform lives. I established my private practice in 1987. Besides offering preventive health guides, the practice always served at the forefront of promoting healthy eating, exercising, wellness and health. This is in contrast to many medical specialties that focus on drugs, disease, premature aging and death.
How have the previous jobs prepared you for the challenges ahead?
Working as a bariatric physician and professor of nutrition during the early days of my career, inspired me to be a better doctor and communicator. I gained public recognition when my husband Duke Liberatore and I co-hosted the award winning, nationally syndicated, health talk radio show, Duke and the Doctor for over 20 years. Recently, I spend a lot of time writing, public speaking, and working on the Dr. Jan McBarron Scholarship initiative. I continue to author books having written several top selling ones on weight loss, natural supplements, dieting and healthy living.
Can you describe your best day at work?
When seeing patients in private practice, one on one, my focus was always weight management, health and wellness. I always encourage people because the patients often tend to be so self-critical. Next I counsel them on diet and exercise but carefully select my wording. Rather than using the word diet, I suggest they follow the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the time make better food choices and 20% of the time eat whatever they want. In addition, replace the word exercise with just get moving more every day. These goals can be achieved by making gradual, steady progress. I am always happy when I see individuals get well. This pleasure never dulls, irrespective of the number of patients I have seen.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
My career as a bariatric physician affords me the opportunity to combine humanity and medical practice. At this point in my life, I still enjoy excellent health and require no medications. I weigh what I did on my wedding day 33 years ago. I feel healthy, happy and terrific and I want everyone to reach their potential for wellness. Many people surrender responsibility for their health to the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Regardless of your diagnosis, you can be part of your healing and wellness. There is no cure for death, but you should strive to maintain the best quality of life possible for as long as possible.
Have you ever tried unconventional techniques or practices to attract clients?
No. Since establishing my private medical practice, I have always combined my clinical experience and education to engage patients positively. Even today, most of the business I receive as a writer and an eminent public speaker is as a result of the positive experiences with clients.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Having first become a registered nurse with 5 years of hospital experience I decided to become a physician. At that time a college degree in nursing was not adequate so I returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s in Biology with a Pre-Med major. When I received my Medical Doctorate, I made a life changing decision to establish a medical bariatric practice to serve the people I care about. Hopefully many people have benefited from my compassionate care and have seen their lives change for the better. These patients remain the pillar of my success.
From your personal experience, what wise words would you share with your younger self?
Having regrets is pointless. The
past should simply be a teacher to a better future by avoiding the same
mistakes. Life is what happens to you while you are planning it. Stay in the
present because that truly is all you have. Appreciate your loved ones and what
you have. Our life is what our thoughts make it. Think health, happiness,
kindness and love and those will be in your world.