At the heart of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, an inspiring initiative, Walk with a Doc, is making significant strides in enhancing community health and wellness. Spearheaded by Dr. Bridget Hittepole, this programme aims to dismantle health barriers and foster better patient outcomes. Her dedication has recently earned her recognition as a 2025 Health Care Hero in the Rising Star category by Louisville Business First, celebrating her commitment to health initiatives and improving access to care.
Dr. Hittepole’s journey with Walk with a Doc began at the 2022 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine. Inspired and supported by ULSOM’s chair, Dr. Kim Williams, she successfully launched the Louisville chapter. The programme promotes movement, nature, education, and social connections, emphasising that walking together provides insights that surpass mere advice during office visits, enabling a much deeper connection with participants.
Walk with a Doc is inclusive, inviting individuals of all ages and abilities to partake. Set in the scenic Waterfront Park, the paths are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring that families can bond over shared physical activities. The typical route is approximately 2.7 miles, allowing participants to set their pace, rest at benches, and enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River while engaging in informative discussions about health initiatives and ongoing research.
The programme’s informal nature encourages interaction between community members and physicians, fostering relationships that extend beyond traditional clinical settings. Dr. Hittepole finds great joy in witnessing families connecting, as patients and doctors engage in healthy activities together, revealing a shared humanity that often gets lost in office consultations.
For Dr. Hittepole, the most fulfilling part of Walk with a Doc is the opportunity to connect with patients outside the clinical environment. She appreciates meeting patients’ families and pets while discussing health topics that resonate broadly, allowing for the exchange of ideas in a vibrant group setting. A single office visit can feel limiting, whereas group walks extend the reach of essential health education.
Walks are held on the second Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. near the Lincoln statue in Waterfront Park, with inclement weather sessions at Oxmoor Mall. Local providers are welcome to participate and engage, and newcomers are encouraged to join. A waiver must be signed before each event, and details can be found through multiple communication platforms.
Mark your calendars for Dr. Hittepole’s upcoming Walk with a Doc event on Saturday, March 8. This initiative not only strengthens community ties but champions a vision for healthier living, welcoming all to experience the beauty of connection and wellness together.
Walk with a Doc, led by Dr. Bridget Hittepole at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, promotes community health through monthly walks in Waterfront Park. The initiative fosters connections between physicians and community members while providing valuable health education in an accessible and welcoming environment. Recognised as a Health Care Hero, Dr. Hittepole encourages participation from all ages to enhance wellness and combat health disparities.
In summary, Walk with a Doc is an impactful initiative erasing health barriers and enhancing community wellness through engaging walks. Dr. Hittepole’s leadership fosters connections between community members and healthcare providers in an informal setting that promotes health education and camaraderie. With its inclusive approach, this programme not only enriches individual health but also instils family values of physical activity, making it a cherished part of the Louisville community.
Original Source: louisville.edu
