Our Story
Walk with a Doc began with a simple question.
As he began his cardiology career, Dr. David Sabgir frequently encouraged his patients to be more active. Visit after visit, he explained the benefits of walking and how it could not only reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but also diabetes, cancer, depression, and more.
Yet at each follow-up appointment, he heard the same response: “I’ll start soon.”
Frustrated with the lack of action, Dr. Sabgir tried something different. Instead of another conversation about exercise, he asked a patient a simple question: Would you like to join me for a walk in the park on Saturday?
To his surprise, that patient said yes. He began inviting other patients, and word quickly spread. On a crisp spring morning in 2005, dozens of people gathered at a park in Columbus, Ohio, to take a walk.
“As we walked together that day, something powerful happened,” says Dr. Sabgir. “We were no longer in a sterile exam room. People were smiling. We were neighbors, a community. We were moving, not just physically, but socially and emotionally.”
That morning, Walk with a Doc was born. The group began to meet weekly on Saturday mornings to discuss a health topic and take a walk together.
What began as a local gathering quickly spread as physicians and healthcare professionals across the country asked how they could bring the program to their own communities. Walk with a Doc became a nonprofit organization in 2009 and created a simple model that communities everywhere could follow.
Today, hundreds of Walk with a Doc chapters serve communities around the world, bringing people together to walk, learn about health, and connect with others.
Participants often arrive seeking better physical health, but many stay for the friendships, support, and sense of belonging that the walks create.
What began with one question continues today with the same invitation: come walk with us.
Our Mission
Walk with a Doc was started to “encourage physical activity and reduce the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.” While that is still 100% true, we have found that the simple act of taking a walk together has the power to transform lives and communities. When we walk together, each step can bring us closer to truly understanding and appreciating each other as a global community.
Today, Walk with a Doc is inspiring communities through movement and conversation. We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice are integral to our mission and we are committed to prioritizing these principles in all of the work we do.
Inspiring Communities
All communities. Walk with a Doc is a simple and sustainable program that can be implemented in any community. It is our organizational duty to ensure that individuals from every background and identity feel welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated at all of our events. We commit to continually working to identify, acknowledge, and dismantle inequities in our programming so underserved and marginalized communities have equal opportunities to participate.
Through Movement
Walk with a Doc brings people together for a common purpose – taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Walking truly is the best medicine and we want to make it safe, accessible, and fun for people around the world. The benefits are even more amplified when we have the opportunity to walk and roll with others in nature.
And Conversation
Each Walk with a Doc event is led by a volunteer healthcare provider who spends a few minutes talking about a relevant health topic. The walks are also an incredible opportunity for community members to connect, learn from each other, and celebrate both similarities and differences. These social connections are critical for a long and healthy life. We commit to creating a space of belonging where community members from all backgrounds feel safe and respected.
Our Core Beliefs:
We believe that walking is medicine! At any age and any ability level, the simple act of walking and rolling has the power to change lives.
We believe in humanizing the healthcare experience by improving patient-physician relationships and disrupting the white-coat barrier. Our physician leaders connect with their communities outside of the office and walk directly beside them on their journey to better health.
We believe in empowering members of our global community with power and agency to take charge of their own health through preventative and lifestyle medicine.
We believe that opportunities to learn about and improve health must be accessible for all, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic background, or disability status.
Why Join a Walk with a Doc Event?
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity, like walking, is one of the single-most important things we can do for both our physical and mental health. It’s good for the heart, brain, bones, lungs, muscles, and even helps prevent many chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Health Education
Our volunteer Walk Leaders are licensed healthcare providers that truly walk the talk! Each Walk with a Doc event starts with a brief discussion on a current health topic, followed by the opportunity to ask questions while the group walks together. Our Walk Leaders will deliver reliable tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Social Connection
Research suggests that building connections with others can improve your quality of life, boost your mood, and decrease your risk of depression. Walk with a Doc groups are a fun way to get to know new people, or spend time with your neighbors, family, and friends as we all share a common goal: walking TOGETHER for better health.
Time in Nature
Did you know that simply spending time in nature can have a powerful impact on your health and well-being? Research suggests that getting outside can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and improve sleep, brain function, and your immune system. Many Walk with a Doc events take place outdoors, so come get a dose of “Vitamin N”!
Who can join Walk with a Doc?
Walkers and rollers of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend these ongoing, FREE events.
What happens during a walk?
At each Walk with a Doc event, the participating healthcare provider begins with a brief discussion on a current health topic and then participants spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and conversation. During the walk, participants are encouraged to ask questions in a relaxed setting.
When is Walk with a Doc?
Each Walk with a Doc community leads weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly walking opportunities. The partnering organization chooses a day and time that works best for the population they serve.
Where can someone find the closest Walk with a Doc location to them?
Walk with a Doc is located all around the nation and the world; find a Walk closest to you by using the search tool on the Walk with a Doc website. If there isn’t a location nearby, you can take this flyer to your healthcare provider to encourage them to start a chapter.
Why participate in Walk with a Doc?
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. To learn more about the health benefits of walking, click here.
While Walk with a Doc was originally started to help people become more active, the benefits of the program far exceed a simple walk! The power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and spending time in nature combine to form an all-in-one prescription for a healthy life. To learn more about the benefits of joining a Walk with a Doc program, click here.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have questions about a specific Walk with a Doc program, search our map and reach out to the contact listed on the chapter’s webpage.
If you have questions for Walk with a Doc headquarters, you can contact us here.