For Amanda and Logan Lackey, the romantic spark struck while they were study partners at medical school. “It’s safe to say that we fell in love over Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology and Gray’s Anatomy,” Amanda says.
Consider it destiny. They both felt a calling to serve others through medicine; they chose radiology since it is a challenging specialty that encompasses anatomy and physiology of the entire human system. Breast imaging in particular piqued their interest due to its direct patient care. “We liked that we could offer comfort and hope to our patients at a vulnerable time,” Amanda explains.
Today, as owners of Breast Imaging of the Ozarks in Springfield the Lackeys are doing just that — in a community they love.
Their medical training and residencies saw the couple moving several times over 11 years. When they had the opportunity — finally! — to plant roots, Springfield opened its doors wide, in the form of two fellowship-trained breast radiologist positions that opened at just the right time at Mercy Hospital.
“Springfield was the perfect size, warm and welcoming,” Logan says. “We noticed right away how local restaurants, bars and boutiques were revered. We’ve also seen a boom in local medical and wellness clinics.”
They find the most rewarding aspect of their business is reaching patients who have either never had a mammogram out of fear or who swore off them after a bad experience. “By getting women in our community regularly screened, we can catch breast cancer when it is small, localized and treatable, saving lives,” Amanda says. “We are the only practice in the area doing contrast-enhanced mammography, an emerging technique comparable to a breast MRI but at a much lower cost.”
The Lackeys designed their clinic — inspired by a Southwest spa — to put patients at ease. As a youth, Amanda enjoyed family vacations to Santa Fe and Arizona, where she says she found “a certain peace” and sought to replicate that experience by offering warm robes and refreshments, diffusing essential oils and playing calming music. “Breast cancer screening can be anxiety-producing, which is why women delay or avoid them,” she says. “Our vision was to create a welcoming space that will give women such a great experience that they actually will look forward to returning.”
As the Lackeys continue to build their business in Springfield, they alternate traveling to other hospitals’ breast imaging clinics to fill in when needed, leaving the other parent to care for their seven children, which includes two sets of twins.
Directing a busy medical practice and managing a large family takes serious discipline and dedication — well-honed qualities that Amanda credits to her time competing on the swim team at Miami University in Ohio on an athletic scholarship. After getting the kids to school, she settles into the routine of the breast center, then returns home after the school day to take the kids to their various activities and sports.
To stay fit, the couple weight-trains up to four times a week and include their children. Nutrition is important. They eat meals prepared on Sunday or enlist the services of food preparation companies such as SC Fuel. In addition, Logan adds, their rice cooker and air fryer is essential. “With seven kids and a busy work life it is imperative to have tools to whip up a quick and healthy dinner,” he says.
And from time to time they splurge on dining out: Amanda’s favorite is Cesar’s Old Mexico for margaritas and enchiladas; Logan’s go-to is the Architect burrito from Architect Coffee Company. A go to meal at home is Enchiladas - citrus margarita-marinated grilled flank steak with rich black bean enchiladas. The marinade, made with lime juice, orange juice, tequila, and brown sugar, gives the steak a zesty flavor. After a quick 15-minute marinade, the steak is grilled for 4–5 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish. The enchiladas are filled with a sautéed mixture of onions, garlic, black beans, and goat cheese, then baked with Jack cheese until melted.
“We try to live the 80/20 Rule: We eat healthy at least 80 percent of the time and allow ourselves to indulge in moderation the remaining 20 percent,” Logan says. “We prioritize animal protein and eating whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.”
To recharge, the couple swears by a daily nap — 20 minutes to an hour. In addition, Logan, an avid golfer, hits the links weather-permitting whenever he can and Amanda loves to get lost in a novel or occasionally indulge in a massage or spa treatment.
During October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the couple is even busier. Amanda is on the board of directors of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, which will hold “Hooked on Dance,” its largest annual gala in October. (The couple also are part of the foundation’s free screening mammogram program year-round.) In addition, they support the local chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, which hosts an annual walk and luncheon, and Turn the 417 Pink Soirée hosted by Urban Grounds.
Quick Fall Recipe: Margarita Flank Steak
Ingredients: Flank steak, lime & orange juice, tequila, black beans, tortillas, goat cheese, Jack cheese.
Instructions: Marinate steak in citrus and tequila. Grill and serve with black bean enchiladas topped with melted Jack cheese.
Tip: Pair with seasonal beverage.