Here to serve.
Lifestyle Medicine
Why does health have to be so hard?
Over the course of my twenty-year career as an obstetrician/gynecologist, I delivered precious babies at all hours of the day and night, and I’m here to tell you, nothing compares to the feel of a newborn baby… except the look in a mother’s eyes when she holds her new little one.
From my perch on my padded rolling stool, I doled out advice to women from all walks of life, treated illness, and gave doses of encouragement for living.
At the age of fifty, I was stronger and more fit than ever. Most weeks, I pedaled my bicycle over 100 miles. I lived the rest of my life in high gear too, neglecting sleep and rest. Then, a rare neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis brought my life to a screeching halt.
Suddenly, I struggled to walk more than a few feet. After surgery and intense medical treatment, I regained my health. Becoming a patient, I gained new insight and perspective… and tested my own advice.
As a side effect of medication, I developed diabetes. Though it went away after I discontinued the drug, my blood sugar began to creep back up. That’s when my doctor suggested radical changes in my eating. Glad I listened, because now my lab values are normal. I feel energized and healthy!
Then the pandemic hit. As a hospital administrator, the stress was overwhelming. On top of that, for the first time in my life, I knew the misery of loneliness. With the intense void of social connection, I found myself night after night eating dinner for one at my table for ten.
While my Christian faith was a solid foundation in my journey to health, I had a lot to learn about eating, sleeping, and managing stress. Lifestyle medicine was my solution.
Now, I help my patients adopt the pillars of lifestyle medicine in their own lives, mastering food, sleep, physical fitness, social connection, stress management, and how to avoid the overuse of harmful substances.
Whether you’re trying to prevent disease, treat a condition, or live with a chronic illness, lifestyle medicine can help you feel better.
There’s no promise that change is easy, but take it from me; it’s so worth it.
Experienced
I’ve been a medical doctor for thirty years. I am board-certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am licensed to practice medicine in Arkansas and Tennessee.
Proven
In lifestyle medicine, lifestyle changes are the prescription. They are as proven by science as any other treatment I’ve ever offered.
Practical
I know firsthand that lifestyle change can be incredibly hard. I’ll never judge, and I promise to offer guidance that meets you right where you are.
Empowering
You can do hard things… even at times when you feel weak. I’m honored to be part of your journey and promise to offer encouragement at every step.
No surprises
Your health is an investment and it’s worth the time and money you spend. Equilibrium Medical does not accept insurance. Straightforward pricing helps you know all costs up front. See pricing for complete information.
I'll work with your doctor
Your doctor wants you to be healthy. I’m here to help with lifestyle changes, but your doctor is still your doctor and will continue to monitor your progress.
Why do doctors prescribe a pill instead of lifestyle changes?
I have a unique perspective since I’ve been on both sides. Listen to the episode to hear my thoughts.
Some patients want a pill to fix everything, but others have realized that doesn’t really work. Doctors know lifestyle changes are needed, but often feel the pressure to see the next patient. You don’t want to sit in the waiting rooom all day.
I’ve been the patient and I’ve been the doctor and it’s just not that easy.
Read my book
As a surgeon, I made thousands of incisions and I can testify that even excruciatingly painful wounds heal. But they need proper care. The same is true for mental and emotional wounds. Have you been wounded?
“Dressing the Wound: Give Yourself the Gift of Forgiveness,” shows the benefits of forgiveness, warns of the dangers of unforgiveness, and gives you practical steps to finally be free.
“Medical studies confirm the physical and psychological benefits of forgiveness. Mayo Clinic cites people who forgive experience healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, stress, and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, stronger immune systems, improved heart health, and higher self-esteem.”Reference to an online article: “Adult Health.” Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness. Web. 23 May 2016.
Listen to my podcast
“Healthy Looks Great on You,” is a free lifestyle medicine podcast.
Knowledge is power. When you listen to my podcasts, I’ll take you to mini-medical school so you can learn about various illnesses – how to treat, prevent, and possibly even reverse disease through lifestyle medicine. But don’t worry, there’s no entrance exam and your GPA doesn’t even matter. I’ll make it easy to understand. Healthy shouldn’t be complicated.
Invite me to speak
Let’s laugh, cry, and take a new look at life together.
As an Ob/Gyn, I’ve listened to thousands of women share their innermost fears and struggles. With this rare peek into the soul, I now share life-giving advice that all women deserve to hear. I speak coast-to-coast at women’s ministry events and workshops for healthcare professionals.
Office Hours
Mondays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesdays by request
Thursdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fridays by request
*Additional times may be available upon request
Equilibrium Medical Telehealth
Insurance is not accepted.
Appointments are scheduled through online links.
Have another question? Reach out.
Dr. Vickie delivered the keynote address for the 2017 National Conference of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America—and there was general agreement that she was the best keynote that we had ever had. As she told her remarkable story, the audience was mesmerized: laughing at her humor one moment, and weeping at the next as they could relate deeply to what she had lost, and how she found her path to move her life forward. I highly recommend her as a motivational speaker for any group.
Nancy Law, Former CEO Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America