Alex Shink
March 4, 2024

Elise Atkins, MD.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

I empower people to live their healthiest lives by adopting optimal lifestyle habits, especially nutrition. Some of my clients have chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or prediabetes, whereas some simply have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, cancer or dementia. and they seek a different path. Others struggle with weight and feel frustrated and overwhelmed. I love sharing the tools needed to help my clients achieve -- and often exceed -- their health goals!

2. Tell us about yourself. 

Since learning about the power of food as medicine, my personal and professional life have been immeasurably more gratifying. As a primary care physician, I never expected to cure many diseases, but once I started sharing the magic of whole food plant-based nutrition and other lifestyle pillars with my patients, I saw chronic disease reverse before my disbelieving eyes! That was incredibly motivating for me and is the reason I established my Lifestyle Medicine and Weight Management practice.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

I work with a woman in her mid-60's who was struggling to continue running marathons. A few other practitioners led her to believe that she was simply getting too old and needed to adjust her expectations. When she first came to see me, she was surprised to learn that I was up for the challenge of helping her find ways to keep doing her favorite activity. With a change in her diet and a heaping dose of encouragement, that is exactly what she's doing now -- training for her next marathon!

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

It can be scary to leave the security of a regular paycheck and benefits for the unknowns of private practice, much like jumping from the rooftop of one skyscraper to another. You're on sure footing on the first rooftop, and you will be on sure footing once you make it to the next rooftop, but between now and then? You may have to close your eyes for a bit to avert the fear and anxiety, but I also recommend planning, planning, planning to be sure you successfully make the leap!

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

These would be my pieces of advice:


  1. The first tip I'd share with someone looking to start their own medical practice is to believe in themself. Everything else flows from that core belief.
  2. Second, I'd advise an aspiring healthcare entrepreneur to be open-minded, ask lots of questions and approach obstacles with curiosity.
  3. Finally, I'd advise someone striking out on their own to seek guidance and support wherever they can find it, including from friends, family, colleagues and paid professionals. You can create your dream practice!

6. Where can people find you?

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