Episode 2: Interview with Luwella Martina Edmonds from NYC
A Global Health Consultant, a Physician Assistant, and the Founder of Bhive Management Co. (a personal health management practice in New York City)
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Episode 1: Interview with
Dear Readers,
Writing and content curation allows me to meet authentic and influential writers and leaders in their fields from different nations and cultures worldwide. One of my hobbies is introducing them to my audience. I have been conducting writer interviews on Medium since 2019.
Previously, for my leadership studies at a postdoctoral level in large organizations and startup companies, I conducted many interviews with senior leaders and entrepreneurs. I gained insights into their learning patterns and shared them with the younger generation as a learning and development resource. Each interview opened a new window in my life, allowing me to connect with another kind soul on this earth.
In this story, I will introduce a new writer who is not new to writing. Luella Martina Edmonds (Elle on Medium) is a solopreneur with two MD medical directors who each own and operate their own specialty practices in NYC. As the management service, she is the face of a wellness practice that focuses on her clients’ personal health management concerns.
What I like the most about Luella is her focus on humanitarianism. My definition of humanitarianism is promoting human welfare and social reform through acts of compassion, aid, and advocacy for the well-being and dignity of all people.
Hi Luella, tell us a bit about your background.
Thank you for this opportunity, Dr Yildiz. I liked your previous interviews, and I am pleased you considered me. My full name is Luwella Martina Edmonds, but I write under the name Elle (short for Luwella). I am a proud New Yorker, a Global Health Consultant, a Physician Assistant, and the Founder of Bhive Management Co., a personal health management practice.
My company focuses on proactive wellness, navigating the US healthcare system, and achieving better patient outcomes efficiently. Our practice emphasizes the art of aging, longevity, and living well.
I specialize in Emergency Medicine, trained at Weill Cornell Medical Center in NY, and was clinically raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
I retired from Emergency Medicine in 2016 and later practiced Primary Care and Neurology headache medicine for two years before earning my Master’s in International Relations from Harvard University just before the COVID pandemic hit NYC.
In 2018, I started working with the NGO Committee on Mental Health, representing their commitment to addressing youth mental health, suicide, and gender equity at the United Nations.
When COVID-19 arrived in NYC in 2020, I supported my colleagues at Weill Cornell by working in the ER. By the fall of 2020, I was on the frontline, working at an Urgent Care in Harlem, NY.
Writing has always been on my to-do list as a means to expand conversations and share experiences. Medium and Substack have provided me with two distinct outlets to express my voice. I aim to continue learning, sharing, and exploring new ways to enjoy life.
What are your hobbies?
This is an interesting question to me because I enjoy adventures more than hobbies. Depending on where I am and the circumstances, I often pick daredevilish hobbies for the dopamine rush.
This past year, I’ve enjoyed exploring the streets of Manhattan on an electric scooter after giving up my energy-efficient Tesla Model S. My reasons vary, including my severe dislike of traffic, a loose idea of reducing my carbon footprint, and simply enjoying the freedom to get places faster than walking.
I wear a helmet, so if I were to consider a hobby, it would be pretty much anything that allows me to be untethered, go fast, and probably risk more than my father would prefer.
What are the top three books that have affected your life?
Oh, this is an easy one, as I enjoy reading and want to be a book author one day. I love everything that Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou have written.
Maya Angelou — “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Toni Morrison — “Song of Solomon”
Dr. Seuss — “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”
I read more books, but as a seeker of truth, freedom, and adventure, these three books, in particular, speak to those pillars. I am a fan of many and love to read more.
Why do you write on Medium?
I started writing on Medium a few months ago to introduce my personal health brand and discuss the issues of my clientele more publicly, of course, keeping their identity anonymous.
As a private health consultant, I have many overlapping conversations about different topics. Medium seemed an effective way to engage and educate while providing a familiar resource hub for my patients.
Now, I write on Medium for its audience. I enjoy their stories, poetry, and observations on everything from writing better articles to observing stars and the moon. Medium has become a secondary outlet for sharing personal growth stories, lessons I’ve learned, and longevity lifestyle tips that I follow.
What are your values as a writer?
As a writer, I value honesty, integrity, and humanity, especially when writing researched pieces that require a broad perspective. In my more personal pieces, I place significant value on vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy. I have a profound respect for the complexities of the human experience, and in these areas of writing, I can reach an even more authentic layer of myself, which is immensely powerful.
How do you connect with your readers?
I connect with my readers by speaking on topics I am familiar with and deeply connected to. It’s hard to speak about an issue without a personal connection to it.
I’m still navigating new writing styles and platforms, but overall, connecting with my readers is about digging deep into my personal experiences and not shying away from the messy parts.
Having practiced Emergency Medicine for 23 years, my professional life has shaped my personal life significantly. Connecting with readers is much like connecting with patients — it’s about being vulnerable and relating humanly.
Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and how do you find it so far?
I joined the Medium platform in April and instantly found you and your relatable and inspiring articles. I hadn’t started writing yet, but through your content, I found ILLUMINATION and saw an invite to write.
I read a few articles that encouraged me to start writing for real and consider publishing in this publication. I reached out after reviewing their styles and format, thinking this might be a good and safe place to start. I was right. ILLUMINATION is the first publication I’ve ever written for on Medium.com. Your editors welcome new comers like me.
It’s been exciting as every day I find new readers who inspire me to either write about a topic I’ve been stumped on or to simply digest their work. It has been a wholesome experience, and I’ve appreciated all the guidance I’ve received from Aiden, Mike, and yourself.
This publication stands out for its organization and fundamental trust, which I needed to feel comfortable writing. I later learned that ILLUMINATION is one of the biggest publications on Medium, which was also very encouraging. I can see and appreciate the growth and supportive expansion the publication is undergoing at this time.
Who are some writers you follow on ILLUMINATION?
I started following many amazing writers, including you, but more often, I read stories of Mike Broadly, DHSc, Aiden (Owner of Illumination Gaming), Don Martin, real-life writer, Kristen Kay Brady, Lawson Wallace, Kristina Kasparian, PhD, and younghock2. I start reading more stories from other writers I follow as my time allows.
Which stories have impacted you the most so far?
There is a quote from James Baldwin that says, “You write to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can’t, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world… The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even but a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.”
With that, here are the stories I’d like to share at this time:
“Difference between a Boss and a Leader” by younghock2
“5 Truths I Wish Everyone Knew About Endometriosis” by Kristina Kasparian, PhD
“I’m Done Writing Here!” by Neil Hawkesford
and your recent story
“Tiny Steps, Big Results: The Consistent Use of Micro Habits for Better Health, Joy, & Productivity” by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
How about your own stories?
Okay, I will share the titles of some of my most liked stories related to health and well-being.
Navigating the Future of US Healthcare
Why your hormones and hair loss are connected.
Low-Key, it’s Longevity Medicine
What are the success factors for you as a writer on Medium?
If I had to summarize my success factors on Medium, it would be to grow the readership, connect, and comment with depth.
Making money on this platform is part of the success factor, but for now, the success measure I’ve set in place is about producing consistent work that I connect to, publishing material that fits my style, and continually evolving that style. Because Medium is also changing, I find it easier to be flexible in my expectations.
Regardless of the platform, I assume I will grow as a writer, so I measure my growth on Medium through readership and expand on that growth to help guide my publication, The BHIVE BUZZ, on Substack.com.
What is your current focus as a new writer on this platform?
I have four focus areas:
Cultivating relationships with my personal patient panel to better support their needs. Growing a handpicked niche network of physician providers to better serve my patient panel. Expanding into the AI space to become more task efficient and grow a resource library. Promoting my personal brand through outlets that allow me to discuss and speak on topics that I believe are vital to our personal and public health approach
What do you recommend to new writers on ILLUMINATION?
As with anything, I encourage patience, persistence, and continued acts of courage, big or small. Specifically for ILLUMINATION, I advise connecting with Dr. Yildiz and editors such as Aiden and Mike for their support.
Connecting with well-established writers on these platforms is encouraging, insightful, and motivating, especially when the writing process can sometimes be overwhelming.
In general, any new writer should keep writing. Uncover your voice, develop many styles of writing, and take every bit of advisement as guidance, not validation. Your expression validates your very existence, and this is enough, always!
Are you on other platforms like Substack or Quora?
At the moment, the goal is to master one platform and then expand. For now, I only write on Medium and Substack.
What are your plans as a writer or in your profession?
My intention is to expand my voice to uplift, educate, advise, and heal. While I’ve found writing to be a therapeutic outlet for myself, my plan is to master a way of communicating emotion with education and empathy.
The overall aim is to create a space for others to think holistically, enriching their lives and improving their health and longevity.
I consider three main themes: Expand the perspective, Inspire action and influence change, and Connect. I try to think positively to prevent discouragement: “Rather than complain about the constraints, adapt and move on.”
How can your audience connect with you?
They can connect with me through my Website, Instagram (@bhivetherapyco), Facebook, LinkedIn, Substack, and of course, Medium.
Thank you for your time, Luwella. I hope many readers find your profile and wonderful stories. I wish you the best in your writing journey.
Thank you, dear readers, for exploring Elle’s profile and lovely stories and supporting her Substack newsletter. 🙏
I also introduced several other influential writers. Here are some recent samples that you may start exploring.
Interview, Wendi Gordon Interview Elle, Interview Waleed Mahmud Tariq, Interview Bill Petro, Interview Sylvain Zyssman, Interview Matthew Bamberg, Interview Øivind H. Solheim, Interview Abhishek Biswas, Interview Payal Koul, Interview Matt Lillywhite, Interview Genius Turner, Interview Shirley Willett, Interview David Mokotoff, MD, Interview Martin D. Hirsch, Interview Gill McCulloch, Interview Adelia Ritchie, PhD, An Interview Dr. Lutz Kraushaar, Interview Tim Denning, Interview Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD, Interview Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D., Interview Pernoste & Dahl, Interview Luay Rahil, Interview Melissa Kalt, MD, Interview Ayodeji Awosika, Interview Dr. Preeti Singh, Interview Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Interview Dr John Frederick Rose, Interview Yogesh Haribhau Kulkarni (PhD), Interview Hakima T A N T R I K A, Interview Mark Sanford, Ph.D, Interview Raymond M.E. Aguirre, Interview Keri Mangis, Interview John D. Leavy. You can find more interviews from my collection.
You can find more interviews from my collection.
Interviews with Writers on Medium
Featuring inspiring writers of ILLUMINATIONmedium.com
If you are interested in being interviewed, you can leave a comment on this story or contact me at ILLUMINATION’S Slack workspace. I will arrange it at your convenience.
If you are an aspiring leader, I researched leadership over the last four decades and summarized my findings in three articles that you may find helpful.
How to Be an Excellent Technical Leader
Here’s How to Recognize Distinguished Leaders.
Here’s What Young Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Exceptional Leaders.
You may learn about my technology leadership curation plans for my publication, Technology Hits, on Medium. Back to Writing / Curating Technology, Business, and Leadership Topics Using a New Profile
Here’s the latest newsletter I wrote for Technology Hits. And the one for ILLUMINATION showing our new strategy.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
I wrote many stories for new writers to guide them and find their voices easily and effectively, sharing my five decades of experience. I hope you find some stories from the attached collection.
Writing, Content Development & Marketing Strategy Guides
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. Some of my topics include brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
Here are my three Substak sites serving different audiences.
Health and Wellness by Dr Mehmet Yildiz | Substack
Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights | Dr Mehmet Yildiz | Substack
Technology Excellence and Leadership | Dr Mehmet Yildiz | Substack
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 30K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium.
Get an email whenever Dr Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium. dr-mehmet-yildiz.medium.com
Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Why I Became a Friend of Medium
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Substack.
ILLUMINATION editors, Aiden (Owner of Illumination Gaming), and Mike Broadly, DHSc also introduce writers to create visibility to their profiles and stories. Here are the recent ones that you can click on “Meet” to read their profiles. I shortened them to save space.
Meet William Spivey, Meet Karen Goldfarb, Meet Naya Monroe, MA, LCDC-I, Meet Tejus Yakhob, Meet Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Meet Jack Kammer, MSW, MBA, Meet, Joshua Mason, Meet Seda Anbarcı, Meet Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi, Meet Jozsef Kovacs, Meet Davor Katusic. Meet Thomas Allen Moon, Meet Sneha Nagre, Meet Zondra Dos Anjos, Meet Ani Vals Meet Ammara Hassan. Meet Sridhar Pai Tonse — Leadgen Coach- Tech Startups
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Always learnt something new strategies to improve our health. Another insightful interview ❤️
I liked this interview very much and enjoyed Elle's background and educational stories. Thank you for introducing her.