Patients frequently leave their physician's office with no knowledge of the doctor's lifestyle, activities, hobbies, or behavioral patterns. The doctor is casually distant, and for years, the patient has been satisfied not needing to know these aspects of their physician's life.
Dr. Jay Feldman, however, is not the typical physician; he has completely rebranded himself, using social media and real-world communication to connect and engage with others. One of the primary reasons he pursued a medical degree was to formulate these connections and use active listening to better connect with more diverse groups of people. As co-founder of Otter PR, the largest-growing public relations firm in the United States, he took this passion further by establishing well-minded connections with his client base to offer them a voice in the digital space.
Dr. Jay Feldman has no intention of masquerading. He is a self-proclaimed open book, a sentiment recited as accurate by his friends and colleagues. We have established a list of some of his more personalized, yet highly-entertaining and compelling facts about the medical-doctor-turned-business-owner. Here are three things you did not know about Dr. Jay Feldman.
1. He had a pet kangaroo
As an avid animal lover and activist, Dr. Feldman's memories of his pet kangaroo remains a highlight of his life. Pets are family members, and without his pets, Dr. Feldman believes he wouldn't even be half the person he is today.
2. Dr. Feldman was a professional beach volleyball player
While there is no shortage of medical doctors pushing activity and exercise, Dr. Feldman brings some of his own talent to the field, as well. He spent years as a professional beach volleyball star as a hobby, and at one time even thought about pursuing it as a potential career. Although he ultimately chose medicine, and eventually PR, he still frequently plays in his free time.
3. Jay loves (and highly recommends) herbal medicine
According to Dr. Feldman, herbal medicine should not be seen as controversial. In fact, he will often cite its benefits to others, advocating for herbal medicine as a remedy or preventative approach to care standards and overall wellness. He hopes to promote herbal medicine as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, but still recommends checking with your primary care physician to set a game plan that works best for you.
For Dr. Feldman, knowledge is not only power; it is also accountability and acceptance. In understanding some of his hobbies and ideas, Dr. Feldman hopes to personalize this connection with his clients, colleagues, and readers. Branding (or rebranding) one's self demands time and commitment, but also courage. Dr. Feldman is hopeful that learning a little more about him will bring a new perspective to his business, his lifestyle, and his passion for helping others - whether it is animal advocacy, sports, or highlighting the benefits of herbal medicine.
