Walking Women: Dr. Susan Baumgaertel — One Million Women Walking

Today’s Walking Women Interview is with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel of Washington State.

Dr. Susan Baumgaertel

“Last year I was treated for cancer and after recovery I returned to daily walking. It became so much more than just good for my body—it was a way to clear my mind, manage stress, spur my creativity, solve problems, and take delight in nature.”

Q. Susan, what inspired you to start walking and what changes (in body, mind or spirit) have resulted from walking?

A. I started walking regularly many years ago when I was in my 30s. Because of my crazy schedule as a physician, I would get up early, do a 30 minute “power walk” and then shower, get dressed and start the work day. Eventually I had to change my walks to late afternoon or early evening. I dropped off regular walking as I was often too tired later in the day after working nonstop for 12-14 hours.

My walking resurfaced over the past 10 years as I navigated my own chronic health conditions, including neurologic and rheumatologic ones that made it a challenge to walk without pain. Last year I was treated for cancer and after recovery I returned to daily walking. It became so much more than just good for my body—it was a way to clear my mind, manage stress, spur my creativity, solve problems, and take delight in nature. Looking back, walking had always provided these benefits but I just chose to finally acknowledge this front-and-center.

Q. What happens if you don’t walk?

A. I have the exceptional good fortune to now work for myself, so I can actually build my day around my walk. I do much better in the mornings or early afternoons, but I also take my cues from the weather forecast. I do not miss a day! I’ve walked carefully in a bomb cyclone (the Pacific Northwest version of a hurricane), in atmospheric rivers (drenching rain), in snow and sleet (less common), in smokey air (sadly occurring every summer now due to wildfire season), in pea soup fog (not uncommon), in mist (quite common), drizzle (Seattle’s baseline) and hot sun.

“I look forward to the trees,

flowers, birds, dogs, cats, people, squirrels, bunnies and rare coyotes.”

Q. What’s your favorite place (or places) to walk?

A. I meet up every two weeks with a close friend to walk in nearby Discovery Park (534 acres of forest trails and open vistas), but otherwise prefer to walk alone. My daily walks are in my neighborhood and I take the same route, increasing by a block or two every few months. I’m now up to 45 minutes—just enough to get away from it all, but not too long to interfere with my work schedule. I look forward to the trees, flowers, birds, dogs, cats, people, squirrels, bunnies and rare coyotes. I see the pulse of the neighborhood—who is moving, which house sold, the new landscaping, the roofing projects, the new porch, the man who grows 500 pound pumpkins, the bus stops, and so much more.

Sometimes I mix things up a bit and drive to a different regional park for a 2-3 mile walk, often pairing the trip with a visit to a bookstore to check if they need more copies of my book or to meet up with a friend or colleague for a coffee chat. Last year when I flew to Boston to speak at a conference I was able to walk 17 miles with my cousin over two days—best tour guide ever! On the flight home I got to the airport early and walked the long concourse for 45 minutes, which was better than missing a walk.

Q. What does walking mean to you?

A. Walking is my life blood and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know lots of folks love going to the gym, but I dislike using a treadmill and I far prefer being outdoors. Plus, it’s free! My senses are on full alert on my walks—the myriad bird songs (I no longer need my Merlin Bird ID app as they are all familiar to me now), the smell of wet ground, the aroma of blooming flowers, the rustle of tree branches in the wind, the light shows of clouds racing across blue skies, the thick fog wet on my face, the sounds of people and humanity—it all weaves together in a tactile symphony. When I really want to treat myself, I pop in my AirPods and play music.

I will end by saying that I have chronic rheumatologic and neurologic conditions which have challenged my physical and mental outlook over the past 25 years. Sprinkle in cancer, family dynamic changes, professional career shifts and many other stressors, and you have the perfect storm. Walking doesn’t fix anything, but it sure does make dealing with life so much better. For that I am grateful.

Susan, I am grateful for your wise words! Thank you for taking the time to share your walking story . I deeply appreciate it.

“Walking doesn’t fix anything,

but it sure does make dealing with life so much better. For that I am grateful.”

Dr. Susan Baumgaertel is an internal medicine physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. In 2021 she stepped away from direct patient care into the virtual medical advocacy arena founding myMDadvocate, a virtual consultation service for patients in Washington state. She provides telemedicine consultations and advocacy support serving as a physician consultant, healthcare navigator, personal coach and medical advocate. Common requests include referral advocacy, debriefing after medical care, reviewing test results, navigating healthcare systems, coping with chronic medical conditions, staying healthy while aging, caregiver support, cancer care navigation, and many others.

Susan also loves to support physician colleagues as a professional compass. She is adept in advising and coaching physicians who are considering different roles. She supports U.S. physicians seeking advice about shifting to a different practice style including concierge, DSC/DPC and telemedicine-based business models.

*The Menopause Menu*

Giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.

Susan has a special affinity for helping women navigate the menopausal journey, which led her to start MenopauseMenu, a free website offering evidence-based information, tips & tricks, holistic support and three active blogs with videos, podcasts and recipes. In 2023 she published The Menopause Menu, an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide, and recipe book for navigating menopause.

You can learn more about Susan and her work via her YouTube Channel.