Alex Shink
February 25, 2024

Marla Ablon, B.S..

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

As board-certified Lifestyle Medicine practitioner, I focus on the 6 pillars of LM: plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep and strong social connections. All kinds of folks seek my help. Some have a chronic illness they wish to manage with fewer or no medications. Some want to avoid familial diseases. Others have started down a new path towards good health and simply need some guidance. I meet each client where they're at.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

After giving birth to preemie twins, I saw the adverse affect 1 formula feeding had on them, & I took a closer look at our food system. I realized, due to good marketing, we were mostly eating edible food-like products instead of whole, natural foods. I learned about the impact these foods have on our bodies and decided to become a registered dietitian. My motivation? I have Crohn's disease, & manage it with nutrition & lifestyle. I want to help clients manage their health as well as I have.

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

There are so many! A middle-aged woman came to me overweight, taking 4 high blood pressure meds. At her check-up the Dr. told her she would need to start on more meds for pre-diabetes and high cholesterol. She came to me for help. At 1st, she said she would not go vegan. At the 2nd session, she said she'd considered what I'd said & decided to give a plant-based diet a try. Within +/-6 months she had shed 35 pounds & was off all her meds and feeling great. She stuck with it & continues to thrive.

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

I love all of the counseling and watching people meet their goals. I thrive on being in charge of my style, my space, my strategies. I love choosing the continuing education that will help my clients the most. Now if I could just have someone else do my marketing and bookkeeping!

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

The top 3 tips I would give to anyone looking to start, run, and grow a private practice today would be :


  1. Decide on a specialty and stay focused on it.
  2. Share an office space to save on rent or consider a home office.
  3. Get to know area physicians who share similar values and practices; work with them to cross-refer.

6. Where can people find you?

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