You have a unique background - you studied psychology at Michigan State, got two Master's degrees at UCLA, and earned a doctorate in osteopathic medicine at Midwestern University. Can you tell us more about your background and career path?
I graduated from MSU thinking I was going to move to Los Angeles and become an actress. I did well in Los Angeles and became a SAG/AFTRA member. But my father passed away while I was in California, and he always wanted me to go on to an advanced degree. I really missed academia, too, so I continued acting but worked on advanced degrees at the same time. I got a master's in physiological sciences and that led me to a master's in behavioral neuroscience. I began studying toward my Ph.D. and enjoyed my medical classes so much that I decided I wanted to be a physician. I picked up my headshots from my agent and moved to Chicago for medical school.
What led you to start your own clinic? And how does your experience in so many other fields help inform your work with patients now?
I love academia – I guess that’s how I became double board certified in Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology. I believe in the physician-patient relationship and cling to the old, personal ways of medical practice rather than those of the big practices. I love the autonomy, and I’m able to spend more time with my patients. This is what led a few of us to leave our larger practices and move to our own multi-specialty clinic.
What concerns do you most often see patients come in with?
In practice, I have come across a few conditions that really don’t have great modes of treatment, like vaginal atrophy, lichen sclerosis, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia. These can eventually plague relationships and be causes of real concern. Because I saw women coming in with issues like these so often, I had long dreamed of owning Empower InMode, a platform created by a leading urogynecologist that can help build core muscles and the pelvic floor, treat urologic and vaginal issues, and so much more. Now that I have it, I’ve seen firsthand what a huge difference it can make in women's lives, especially those that don't want to take vaginal estrogen or use high-dose steroids forever.
What makes your clinic, Empower with Integrity, stand out?
I am a physician first. Everything I do comes from a medical mindset. I am also an Osteopath, and I know that when we treat a patient, we treat the entire person. I feel that I can do all of that, inside and out.
I’m also the only physician in Tulsa with the Empower Platform. Many clinics that own InMode hire people to perform the procedures, but at Empower with Integrity, I’m the physician who actually performs the procedures. I’m also certified to offer Botox, fillers, and other aesthetic products that only med spas can sell. I enjoy offering these as an adjunct to Morpheus8, a platform that can help enhance skin from head to toe.
I enjoy treating weight loss as well. I think it can be so cumbersome to say "I need to lose 100 lbs.” That is so daunting it makes me want to eat a candy bar. I encourage patients to take each day in small increments. Today, get your heart rate up for 10 minutes, eat an apple, and be proud of yourself. You did two things that are amazing for you!
Some women may be hesitant to try aesthetic procedures. What do you want them to know?
I understand hesitancy in undergoing aesthetic procedures. I feel that the majority of what I do is not just aesthetic. I am helping people rebuild collagen and the turgor of their own tissue. It is not about creating someone you’re not. What I do is help you look and feel like you - a stronger, more youthful you!
If you had to name one thing you wished more people knew about health, what would it be?
It all comes down to the basics: good sleep, oxygen, good food and vitamins, stretching and moving.
Learn more at empowerwithintegrity.com.
"I believe in the physician-patient relationship and cling to the old, personal ways of medical practice."
"What I do is help you look and feel like you."