First of all, I am just like you.
I have been diagnosed with a metabolic condition.
I have struggled with overeating.
I am human, just like you.
It just so happens that I am also a physician.
I am trained as a Family Medicine Physician, meaning that I was trained to care for patients of all ages and stages. From birth to end of life; in the clinic and in the hospital.
During my residency at the University of Colorado - Swedish Family Medicine Residency, we would literally go from coordinating an end-of-life discussion with one patient and their family to the Labor & Delivery floor to help another patient deliver her newborn – and then we saw patients in the clinic that afternoon.
But throughout my five years practicing Family Medicine and Primary Care, I realized my true passion was in preventative health and wellness.
I saw clearly that many of the chronic (and most acute) conditions that patients came in for were related to lifestyle and/or weight management. That is why I ultimately decided to pursue additional training in Obesity Medicine and passed my boards for this speciality in Fall 2023.
This additional training has provided me with the knowledge and understanding of why we have an obesity epidemic, its impact on health and evidence-based strategies to address it on an individual and community level.
During most of this time, I also provide remote medical treatment for patients with opioid use disorder through a telemedicine platform, QuickMD. It was here that I directly saw the positive impact of leveraging telemedicine to expand access to care and improve health outcomes for patients. We could complete in 10 minutes what previously required several hours of missed work or family time. And patients were so grateful for this time back.
a patient thanks me for taking the time to listen to them - sometimes this is the first time they have experienced that from a doctor.
all humans desire love and compassion, no matter what.
establish and maintain your health so that you can live the life you desire!
During my hikes, walks and runs, I would process and reflect on my experiences.
I started to develop this dream – to open up my own telehealth clinic that would focus on preventing and treating metabolic disease through evidence-based medicine that emphasizes weight management and lifestyle optimization.
It is surreal that this dream is now a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. Now, I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your health and wellness journey!
A little bit more...
I grew up in northern Indiana.
Both of my parents were public school teachers and instilled in me the importance of education.
1996
I went on to graduate as Valedictorian of my high school. My parents always told me I could do anything and be anything I wanted. I realize not everyone is lucky enough to hear that at a young age; I hope to share that message to everyone I meet!
2010
I studied Nutrition Science for my undergraduate degree.
I also worked at Jimmy John's for all 4 years!
My sister (pictured here) graduated from IU a few years after me - go Hoosiers!
2014
Not only did I earn my medical degree, but I met my partner who is now an Orthopedic Surgeon. We both graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine.
2019
I trained at University of Colorado - Swedish Family Medicine Residency during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is here where I learned how to practice full-scope family medicine which includes pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, hospital medicine and primary care.
2019 - 2022
I was hired for my first "real" job as a physician - so exciting! I provided primary care to hundreds of patients in the North Kansas City area. Visit types included annual wellness visits, sick visits, birth control (ex: Paragard IUD), musculoskeletal concerns, weight management, depression, anxiety, diabetes, blood pressure control and much more!
2022-2024
I now see patients exclusively via telehealth to prevent and treat metabolic disease through evidence based medicine with a focus on weight management and lifestyle optimization.
Sept 2024