Dr Pragati Gautama

Dr. Pragati Gautama - Integrating Acute, Chronic, and Functional Health Care

Medical training at the Royal London Medical School was an incredible foundation for my journey into medicine. It offered me the opportunity to explore a wide range of specialties, but it was the people and the real-world impact of healthcare that drew me in. My career path led me to New Zealand in 1992, where a year spent in Taranaki ignited my passion for rural health. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in nearly every rural hospital in New Zealand and a few in Australia, alongside a two-year stint in Papua New Guinea, where I learned to deliver healthcare in resource-poor, high-pressure environments.

Throughout my career, I have sought to combine diverse medical experiences with a commitment to comprehensive patient care. I’ve worked in acute settings, including Emergency Medicine and Rural Hospital Medicine, as well as in Primary Care, where I’ve built deep, lasting relationships with patients. Each area of medicine offers unique challenges and rewards, but what they all share is the fundamental goal of improving patients' health and well-being.

The more I’ve worked in both acute and chronic care, the more I’ve realized the importance of understanding the whole person—beyond just treating symptoms. This is why I’ve become increasingly passionate about functional health. For me, functional medicine isn’t just an add-on; it’s a natural extension of the care I’ve always believed in. It allows me to look at the root causes of health issues rather than simply managing symptoms. By focusing on lifestyle changes, diet, stress management, and preventative care, functional health empowers patients to take control of their own well-being.

My goal is always to provide the kind of care I would want for myself and my family. As a mother and a member of a rural community, I understand the importance of a doctor who listens, understands, and provides a holistic approach to health. I’ve personally experienced the challenges of navigating a healthcare system as a patient and as a family member, and it’s that experience that shapes the care I offer. I strive to be the kind of doctor who walks alongside my patients, helping them navigate the complexities of health, and providing them with the tools and support they need to lead healthier lives.

In my current role as Clinical Director for Rural Hospitals in Northland (Te Tai Tokerau), I face unique challenges in delivering healthcare to some of New Zealand’s most underserved populations. The area I serve is predominantly Maori, with significant health disparities, limited resources, and many social determinants impacting health. This role has underscored for me the need for a more integrative approach to health—one that blends acute care with chronic disease management and preventative care.

Functional health allows me to provide personalized, patient-centered care, addressing the root causes of health issues while supporting patients in their journey toward better health. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, preventing future health issues, or responding to an acute emergency, my approach is always the same: proactive, predictive, and personalized.

I believe that true health is achieved when we address both the immediate and long-term aspects of well-being. This is the care I offer—care that takes into account all aspects of a person’s life and provides the tools to help them thrive, not just survive.

I am incredibly excited to join the Team at Real Wellth and hope to learn from them and our patients alike !

PROACTIVE. PREDICTIVE. PERSONALISED.

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