We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Thorman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I have been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2019. I started in the hospital working as a Hospitalist when Covid-19 happened. Not only did I feel the burnout of increasing hospital demands and not enough staff, but I also recognized a pattern in a lot of my patients. We were treating very ill patients with Covid-19 who were also very unhealthy individuals. I remember thinking that, as a society, we are struggling to balance life and wellness and “sick care” has taken over. I have always looked at things a little differently — as in, what is okay for my body, might not work as well for yours. We are all unique individuals and our bodies require different needs. This is when I started thinking about taking an integrative approach to healthcare. I had transitioned out of the hospital and was working for a telehealth company. I not only treated my patients for their healthcare concerns, but I also coached them on whole-body wellness including physical activity, mental rest, mindfulness, nutrition and encouraged supplement and lifestyle changes. When my telehealth company sold out to a new business, the atmosphere changed and I knew I needed to make a change for myself. That is when I had a conversation with my attorney and we came up with a business name and plan, we started my LLC, I started taking classes and learning and opened my doors about a month later. This business adventure and opening the doors to Midwest Integrative Health has been one of the most rewarding and exhausting experiences of my life, but also very fulfilling. I love helping people. I love helping people improve their health and watching them transform into completely different people – improved energy, less pain, less brain fog, less fatigue and illness, and overall, more happiness. I would not be where I am today without my patients and I am forever grateful to them for trusting me with their health and wellness needs.

Advice for young professionals – take the leap. Trust the process. Believe in yourself. If you have the passion and dedication, you can do whatever you put your heart into.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a family nurse practitioner, a busy mom to 4 (+ 2 step-daughters!) and a dog mom. We live a very chaotic life. I run on coffee and Lotus drinks. I became a nurse in 2011 and really enjoyed caring for people, however, the system has been broken for a long time. I decided to pursue my NP degree to continue to help patients live long and happy lives, beyond what I was able to do under my RN scope of practice. Opening my business has been the most rewarding part of my career. They say if you love the work you do, you won’t actually have to work a day in your life — That is how I feel about going to the clinic. I really enjoy being there and caring for my patients the way I would want someone to care for me. My clinic is a cash-based practice and offers direct primary care, hormone optimization for both men and women, lab services, wellness services, and aesthetic and skincare services.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

“Bedside manners” – at least that is what we called it in the hospital. I sit down with each patient and listen to them. I work to understand the root of their complaints. It’s a lot of investigating, but it’s also a lot of listening. Being an active listener and being able to hear what the patient is relaying is so important in this industry. All of my patient leave here feeling heard and feeling that their fears, concerns, joys or whatever it may be, is valid.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Honestly, word of mouth. When your patients or clients feel heard, understood, validated, and taken care of, they will talk about it with their friends, family and colleagues. They will share it on social media. Word of mouth has been huge for my success.

And ongoing growth – continuing to learn, grow and remain invested in this ever-changing industry has brought new clients to my clinic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.midwest-integrative.com
• Instagram: midwestintegrativehealth
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/midwestintegrativehealth
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jessica-thorman-fnp2019

Image Credits

Marketing: Alex Creasey