About Laura Gabayan

Dr. Laura Gabayan is a physician, researcher, Psychology Today contributor, and the award-winning author of Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life.  Her journey took a dramatic turn in 2013 after facing a series of medical challenges that ultimately left her unable to practice as an emergency physician. Following an erroneous autoimmune diagnosis and treatment, her condition worsened, affecting her mobility and speech. By 2015, even the simplest tasks became daunting.

Over time, Dr. Gabayan transformed her pain into purpose. Embracing a new perspective, she viewed her condition as a gift that allowed her to explore life through a broader lens. Drawing on her medical and research expertise, she launched the Wisdom Research Project, conducting in-depth interviews with 60 individuals aged 50–79 across North America. Over seven months, she uncovered eight essential traits of wisdom: resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity, and curiosity.

Dr. Gabayan describes Common Wisdom as more than a self-help book—it’s a practical guide to rethinking life. She hopes readers will adopt a warrior mindset, understanding that “things are happening for you, not to you,” and that true wisdom stems from a passion for life, not external achievements.

Her mission is to inspire people to improve their lives, foster deeper relationships, and embrace fulfillment. She shares, “When things seem like they’re not in your favor, have faith. Don’t live in fear. Live in faith that things will turn around.”

Dr. Gabayan’s second book, Common Wisdom Journal, offers readers actionable tools to deepen their personal development journey. Together, the book and journal aim to guide readers toward a more meaningful, empowered life.