Mike Cowan, MD
In 2018, I made a life-changing decision to leave private practice neurosurgery after twenty years in. A new and greater mission pulled at me.
The previous year, on my 50th birthday, I was told that I would need to start thyroid replacement medication for Hashimoto’s hypothyroiditis. At my sister’s urging, I read Michael Greger’s, How Not To Die.
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
I learned that my condition might actually be caused by the food I put in my mouth. I was completely flabbergasted to learn that most chronic medical illnesses are completely diet related and as such, reversible with a whole food plant based diet.
I couldn't believe that I had never been taught this in medical school or learned of it in my years of practicing neurosurgery. In my classic “Forrest Gumpian way”, I immediately gave up all meat and dairy. I had no idea what I was doing and really didn't want to tell anyone about it out of fear. Within six months of changing my diet, the hypothyroidism completely reversed itself and all my lab values returned to normal. I couldn't believe how much energy I had. Up to that point, I had always eaten a SAD (standard American diet) and used my sports (competitive cycling and running) to “eat whatever I wanted.”
I decided that I had to help others know the truth and learn how to treat themselves when their doctors don't know what else to do besides prescribe medicines.
I am a disrupter who relishes a challenge. I am a multipotentialite and a perpetual student.
I have always been disruptive since I can remember. My grandmother used to comment to my parents, “If you can figure out how to channel his energy and enthusiasm in the right direction, he will be able to achieve great things one day. If not, then he may just end up in prison.”
Well, I have come close to landing in jail a few times but, knock on wood, I have yet to spend any time in prison, so I must be doing something right!
Now I want to disrupt the healthcare system. I have a mission to share the message of lifestyle medicine with anyone and everyone who is interested. I am compelled to share the truth with the world so that all can have the opportunity to be their authentic selves and healthy.
Ruckus Health is a partnership that promotes purposeful disruption in the status quo to eliminate barriers to HEALTH(Y) CARE. Ruckus uses age old wisdom and cutting edge technology to empower patients and clients to realize and become their authentic selves regardless of socioeconomic status.
Davidson College, 1989, BA in History
Medical College of Georgia, 1993, MD
Medical College of Georgia, residency in neurosurgery
Diplomate American College of Lifestyle Medicine, 2019