CMA Member David Sabgir, MD is a cardiologist in Columbus. More than 20 years ago, he was inspired to launch the Walk with a Doc program that now has more than 500 chapters across 48 states and 40 countries. Last year, he launched a new endeavor -- Read with a Doc in collaboration with the Columbus Medical Association and the AMA Alliance. Find out more about Dr. Sabgir and why he believes these programs are essential for physicians and the community. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
My Uncle Mike was the only practicing physician in the family, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist. There was just something about the way he carried himself that completely drew me in. He made medicine feel like a calling and that stuck with me early on.

What brought you to Columbus, and what do you enjoy most about practicing here?
My wife and I were both born and raised here; she is from Westerville, and I'm from Worthington, so Columbus has always been home. We still have family here, which means a lot to us. What I enjoy most is the patient population and the incredible teammates I get to work alongside every day. It really feels like a community.

What are your areas of clinical/professional interest?
Preventive medicine is where my heart is. I love spending time with patients and focusing on what we can do before illness takes hold, building health rather than just reacting to disease.

What led you to launch Walk with a Doc? What do you think is its biggest impact?
I believe consistent physical activity is the single greatest thing any of us can do for our health. Walk with a Doc came out of a real frustration. I was failing to inspire my patients to increase their activity level. One day in late 2004, I wanted the patient to have to say ‘no’ to my face. I asked, “Will you meet my family and me at the park to walk?” and that changed everything.

I believe the biggest impact has been breaking down the doctor-patient barrier. When that wall comes down, something powerful happens. We get back to a human connection between physicians and the communities we serve, and from there it's off to the races.

Why did you decide to launch Read with a Doc?
Read with a Doc is essentially a physician-led book club, but it really sits at the intersection of four things I care deeply about. Books that can truly change lives, libraries and all the resources they offer, communities that are hungry for connection and meaningful information, and physicians who want to do more for their patients than a 20-minute visit allows. The responses to our three pilot programs (with Westerville Public Library) in 2025 showed us that we were on to something.

Why is it important for physicians to connect with the community outside the office or hospital?
My experience is that when I step outside the clinic, I get a much clearer picture of my patients’ real lives, what makes health possible, and what gets in the way. That perspective leads to care that is more practical and more effective. It also builds trust and helps us reach people who might never walk through our doors. Ultimately, it shifts medicine from treating illness to actually creating health.

What is one thing you would like your colleagues to know about you or your work?
Everything I do is grounded in a simple belief that health is built in everyday life, not just in exam rooms. We have a unique opportunity to show up in our communities, and when we do, we're not just educating, we are connecting. To me, it is that connection that often drives real and lasting change. I also hear from our Walk with a Doc leaders all the time that it changes them too. Even hosting one walk a year can create a real sense of purpose.

What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus?
This is the toughest question on the list because there are so many great options. I tend to gravitate toward places with live music. For a quieter night, I really enjoy the vibe at Asterisk Supper Club in Westerville or Giuseppe’s Ritrovo in Bexley.

When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Time with my wife and close friends is priority one. If we can be together for a run, bike ride, or hike, even better. And our two dogs keep things interesting when we are not out exploring.

What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
For more than 20 years, I have been writing a lighthearted Friday morning newsletter with our team (Rachael Habash and Bryan Romey) that has become a bit of a gathering place for the Walk with a Doc community. It started small and just kept going. We have a lot of fun with it.

If you could have dinner with any historical or medical figure, who would it be and why?
I would choose Martin Luther King Jr. He had a rare ability to take a complex and deeply rooted problem and turn it into a simple, actionable idea that people could rally around. His approach to consistent community engagement leading to lasting cultural and systemic change really resonates with me. I would have a thousand questions for him.

To learn more about Walk with a Doc and get involved, go to the Columbus page on their website or email bryan@walkwithadoc.org. Watch the CMA Newsletter for updates on what's next for Read with a Doc.

The first Read with a Doc program in June was well received, with dozens of attendees, questions, and active conversation.

Dr. David Sabgir, who founded the successful Walk with a Doc program, launched the new program with his first session at the Westerville Public Library on June 29 in collaboration with the Columbus Medical Association Alliance and the AMA Alliance. Dr. Sabgir discussed tools for living longer and better and the book, “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity,” by Peter Attia, MD. You can view the slides here.

Dr. Sabgir will return to the Westerville Public Library on July 27 with a focus on the power of social connection and the book, “The Connection Cure,” by Julia Holtz. Find more information and register here.

Walk with a Doc, CMA & Affiliates, and the AMA Alliance plan to expand to other libraries. They are always looking for physicians to participate in Read with a Doc and Walk with a Doc. Find out more information and get involve here.