We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandria Lightning. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandria below.
Alexandria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.
The story of Lightning VIP began with a deeply personal turning point in my life—developing aggressive breast cancer. The experience made me reevaluate my approach to healthcare. I realized how patients, including myself, often felt dismissed and misunderstood by the conventional system, which focused more on symptoms than the whole person. I knew I wanted to practice medicine differently, emphasizing proactive health and truly listening to my patients.
With this vision, I transitioned my existing practice, Lightning Medical, into what became Lightning VIP, a concierge-style functional medicine clinic. Establishing the new direction involved several key steps:
Clarifying My Vision: I wanted a practice that offered a personalized approach, focusing on uncovering root causes and preventing illness, not just treating symptoms.
Understanding Legalities: Being in Nevada, I needed to understand the regulatory landscape for APRNs, which allowed me to operate independently.
Challenges: Navigating a cash-based model was difficult as many patients were accustomed to insurance-covered care. I had to invest time in educating them on the value of investing in their health. Additionally, balancing quality with affordability required careful pricing strategies.
What I’d Do Differently: I would have focused more on building a strong online presence early, using testimonials and success stories to attract patients. Also, outsourcing tasks like marketing and finances earlier would have freed up my time to focus on patient care.
Advice for Young Professionals:
Be Clear on Your Vision: It guides every decision and helps you stay focused.
Invest in Community and Relationships: They can be invaluable for support and referrals.
Focus on Value: Make sure patients understand why your approach is different and worth the investment.
Don’t Do It All Yourself: Hire professionals for tasks outside your expertise to focus on what you do best.
Be Patient: Building a practice is a long-term commitment, but consistency and quality pay off.
Starting my own practice was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to create a space where patients feel heard and empowered—something that became my purpose after my own battle with cancer.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Dr. Alexandria Lightning, a healthcare disruptor and founder of Lightning VIP, a concierge-style functional medicine practice based in Henderson, Nevada. My journey into this industry is deeply personal and rooted in a profound shift in how I view health and wellness. This change came about after I developed aggressive breast cancer—a life-altering experience that made me reevaluate the conventional approach to medicine. Going through the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, I saw how patients, including myself, often felt dismissed, rushed, and misunderstood by the standard healthcare system, which seemed more focused on symptoms than the whole person. I realized there had to be a better way.
That realization led me to embrace functional medicine and transition my existing practice, Lightning Medical, into Lightning VIP. I wanted to offer a different kind of care—one that emphasized finding and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. My practice is all about taking a proactive, holistic approach, helping patients to understand their bodies, optimize their health, and feel empowered in their wellness journey. At Lightning VIP, we focus on everything from hormone balance and weight loss to detoxification, gut health, and personalized nutrition. Our offerings include in-depth diagnostic testing, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, and comprehensive programs like the Metaflammation Reset Protocol to address inflammation, detoxify the body, and heal the gut.
What We Offer:
Lightning VIP’s services are designed to meet patients where they are, offering a personalized experience that combines cutting-edge functional medicine with practical lifestyle changes. We provide:
Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing: Including hormone panels, genetic testing, gut health analysis, and nutrient deficiencies.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored recommendations for diet, supplementation, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Helping patients achieve hormonal balance for better mood, energy, and overall health.
Weight Loss Support: Working with patients to overcome stubborn weight issues, especially those tied to hormonal imbalances or metabolic challenges.
Who I Help:
I work primarily with high-achieving women over 40 who struggle with weight issues and hormonal imbalances. Many of my clients have tried conventional routes without success and come to me feeling frustrated and overlooked. They want to regain control over their bodies, lose weight, increase their energy, and improve their overall quality of life. I validate their concerns, take the time to listen, and offer a depth of analysis that they often haven’t experienced before.
What Sets Me Apart:
Lightning VIP stands out for our commitment to true, in-depth care. We dive deep into each patient’s unique health story, using a comprehensive approach to identify the root causes of their symptoms. Our philosophy is built on the belief that health is about more than the absence of disease; it’s about living fully and thriving at every stage of life. Unlike many practices, we don’t offer quick fixes or temporary solutions—we aim for long-term health transformation. I pride myself on creating an environment where patients feel heard and supported, and on being a true advocate who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo in medicine.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m incredibly proud of how far Lightning VIP has come and the impact we’ve made on our patients’ lives. It’s rewarding to see people transform—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—when they finally have the tools and understanding to take charge of their health. I’m proud to be a resource for those who have been let down by the conventional system, offering them a path to feel better and live more vibrant lives. I’m also proud of the community relationships I’ve built, being featured in outlets like NBC, CBS, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and earning endorsements from figures like Shaquille O’Neal.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know:
I want anyone considering Lightning VIP to know that I’m deeply passionate about their health and well-being. My approach isn’t just about addressing symptoms; it’s about transforming lives. I want my clients to understand that while true health is an investment, it’s one that’s deeply worth it. At Lightning VIP, you’ll find a practice that doesn’t cut corners, one that’s dedicated to helping you live fully and die gently. My goal is to help you recognize the power of a holistic approach to wellness, and to guide you in feeling empowered and in control of your own health journey.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is the moment I decided to change the entire direction of my practice after being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. The diagnosis hit me hard—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. It forced me to face the reality that, despite being a healthcare provider, I felt deeply unsupported and misunderstood by the very system I worked within. Instead of letting the experience break me, I chose to let it redefine me and how I approached my work.
As I underwent treatment, I realized how much I needed a different kind of care—one that went beyond simply treating symptoms. I longed for a more holistic approach that addressed the root causes of illness and empowered patients with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. I knew that others, like myself, deserved this kind of care. This realization fueled my decision to transform my practice into Lightning VIP, with a focus on functional medicine.
But making that transition wasn’t easy. Being single, I didn’t have a second income to support me. If I didn’t keep working through the grueling chemotherapy and surgeries, I would have risked losing everything I had built. Financially, it was risky, and there were moments when I wondered if it would succeed. But I couldn’t afford to slow down, so I pushed through, balancing treatments and surgeries with running my practice.
I remained resilient because I believed deeply in my vision. I saw the impact it could have on my patients, the way they responded when they finally felt heard and seen. The experience of battling cancer and transforming my practice shaped me into a more compassionate, determined provider. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about using those challenges to fuel positive change, even when it’s difficult. And that shift, born from one of the hardest moments of my life, has been the foundation of everything I do at Lightning VIP.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
Funding my practice came from one of the most intense periods of my life—my time as a COVID-19 frontliner. When the pandemic hit, I worked in COVID ICUs, treating critically ill patients day in and day out. I was far away from home, living out of a hotel room, and working 13-hour shifts every single day without any time off. There were days when I didn’t even have proper PPE, but I kept pushing through because I knew how critical my role was during that time.
During this period, I was earning $50,000 a month, and while the work was exhausting and mentally draining, it allowed me to put together the initial capital I needed to build my practice. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had a vision for Lightning VIP and the impact it could make on people’s lives. The sacrifice, the long hours, and the risks I took on the frontlines became the financial foundation that allowed me to turn my dream into a reality. That experience taught me resilience, and it shaped the very ethos of my practice—being there for others during their toughest times, just as I was on the frontlines.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LightningVIP.com
- Instagram: @alexandria_lightning; @lightning_vip
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningvip
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorlightning/
- Twitter: @LightningVIPLV
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAlexandriaLightning
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lightning-vip-henderson?osq=Lightning+VIP&override_cta=Request+quote+%26+availability
