Alternate career? Owning a flower shop

DR. MAMTA GAUTAM is a psychiatrist in Ottawa. Her main areas of interest are physician health and physician leadership development, with a special interest in supporting women colleagues in their leadership journey. Married to a geriatric psychiatrist (“It’s wonderful; the older I get, the more interesting I am to him!”), she is the proud mother of three wonderful adult sons. She grew up in Nova Scotia, and still loves watching the caber toss, and listening to Gord’s Gold. What book are you currently reading? I just re-read Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. It’s important, moving and impactful; a must-read for all Canadians. What is your favourite song? Anything by the Beatles. They are timeless, evoke emotion and make me want to dance. What’s your favourite movie ever? Casablanca. On the surface, this is a romance, but it speaks to that part of each of us seeking inspiration or redemption. Any morning rituals? Every morning my husband brings me tea in bed, and we chat about the day ahead. What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? Slow down, take time to travel and explore the world. I was already in medical school at that age. If you weren’t a physician, what do you think you’d love or be doing? I’d own a flower shop. It would be so fulfilling to be around the beauty, colours and scents, and be free to create. And, of course, I would chat with the customers, get to know them and probably dish out a bit of “therapy” too! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Somewhere near Siena, Italy. It would be a dream to be in the midst of all that history and beauty, have a piazza to sip coffee in, markets to shop in and amazing food to indulge in. What’s the best restaurant you’ve been to? Akelarre, in San Sebastian, Spain. The day we were there it was the best afternoon ever: overlooking the sea, the exquisite cuisine, the service, and with some of our favourite people in the world. What is one of your favourite quotes? “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi’s words remind me to take action, not just wait for things to happen. What’s the best way to de-stress? Get out in nature.

Alternate career? Owning a flower shop

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics