It's our 11th birthday!

11 years in independent practice...

Wow!  It’s hard to think about everything that has changed in the 11 years that Abundant Life Health Care has been open. 

I remember painting the interior walls of the office with my 2- and 3-year-olds playing in the corner.  I remember planning on being the receptionist, office nurse, and medical provider all by myself, and the first day I was open, I didn’t do anything besides answer the phone.  So I hired my first employee.

I remember being introduced to functional medicine and realizing that this is future of medicine.  And while I am still not a fully educated functional medicine practitioner, I’m learning more every year and applying it where I can.  But 10 years ago, the thought was so exciting (and it still is)!

I remember the struggles of learning to work within the insurance system and high-fiving my office manager when we got our first “big” insurance check.  I walked it over the bank and deposited it that same day.  :-)

I remember all the scheduling magic that took place while I was pregnant, out on maternity leave, and when I first came back to work.  We were booked out 9 weeks!  Gulp!  I remember I was so sleep deprived at work but the congratulations cards and gifts from my patients were so sweet and I still cherish them to this day.  The fact that patients thought so much of me to give me baby gifts was a humbling and empowering experience.

I remember when I decided to get out of the insurance game.  It wasn’t what I was planning, but I reached a point when staying in network was more work than it was worth.  So I took a deep breath, made the decision, and haven’t looked back.  I am able to do things that insurance companies consider “investigational,” but I know they are safe and effective.  I can spend as much time with each of my patients as they need, and not be constrained to 15 minute office visits.

I remember the move to our current office.  I was amazed at the amount of stuff that was collected after 7 years in one location!  Fortunately, I had curbside recycling at that office because I was recycling years worth of notes and articles from various medical seminars that I never referenced again.

I remember seeing the creek behind our current office for the first time.  I imagined lunches and staff meetings on the back deck.  I was so excited at the size of the space and the amazing piece of nature in the middle of the city.

I remember so much more.  Thank you for going on this trip down memory lane with me.  Thank you for supporting my practice.  Thank you for trusting me with your health.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to my practice.  Join me to toast the last 11 years and the next 11 years or so….