Houston physician Shikha Bharaktiya, MD, of Endocrinology Clinics of Texas, will lead her first Walk with a Doc Texas event on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 9 am in Memorial Park. The walk is open to all ages and will be held monthly every third Saturday. Participants are asked to meet across from the Mayor Jim McConn Memorial Softball Field on E. Memorial Loop Dr., Houston. In case of bad weather, the event will move to Galleria mall, with the meeting point at the Cheesecake Factory.
Dr. Bharaktiya and staff from Endocrinology Clinics of Texas will join community members for a group walk and health information session. “Walking is one of the simplest, best things people can do to live a long, high-quality life. Walk with a Doc makes it easy by providing the time, place, motivation (a brief health information talk), and fellow participants for a fun walking experience,” according to organizers.
The Walk with a Doc program involves physicians hosting walks in their communities where they invite patients, families, and local residents to join them for exercise and informal discussions about health topics. During these events, healthcare professionals provide support and answer questions.
Walk with a Doc Texas is part of a national nonprofit initiative aimed at encouraging physical activity through doctor-led walking groups. The program is supported in Texas by the Texas Medical Association (TMA), which represents more than 59,000 physicians and medical students statewide. TMA has been focused on improving public health since its founding in 1853.
Funding for Walk with a Doc Texas in 2025 comes from the TMA Foundation, along with support from TMA Insurance Trust and contributions from other organizations and individuals.
The event is free and does not require preregistration. Details about upcoming walks will be posted on this chapter’s Walk with a Doc website.
Walk with a Doc was established in 2005 by David Sabgir, MD, in Columbus, Ohio. More information about the national organization can be found at its official website.
