We were lucky to catch up with Brandy Alexander recently and have shared our conversation below.

BRANDY, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Moving to Arizona was a significant risk for me. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where I raised my three children and where most of my family still lives. At the time, I was in graduate school, working toward my Master’s in Nursing, and working as a travel nurse in NICUs across various states. As I started envisioning my long-term goals, I knew they included opening my own medical practice. Two key requirements shaped my decision on where to relocate: first, I wanted to work in a state that was NP-friendly, where I could operate independently; second, I hoped for a warmer, more temperate climate after years in Cleveland’s less-than-ideal weather. Arizona fit both needs perfectly, so—without knowing a soul there—I packed up and moved nearly 2,000 miles away, alone.

My children were grown and starting families of their own, and while I’d hoped they might join me, they were rooted in Ohio. I moved, navigating uncertainties and embracing the unknown. I didn’t even know which areas were best to live in, but I was determined to figure it all out. That was in late 2019. A few months later, my oldest son passed away unexpectedly, which profoundly affected me and put my plans for a medical practice on hold. It took time, therapy, and a lot of prayer to regain my footing. But in 2023, I finally opened Vital Medical and welcomed my first patient into my own practice. Today, I’m serving patients across three states and recently expanded services into a fourth.

The journey has been filled with challenges, and life’s curveballs tried to throw me off course, but with grace, perseverance, and tenacity, I achieved my goal. Taking that leap was risky, but it’s led me exactly where I’m meant to be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always had a nurturing nature, so entering healthcare felt like a natural path. My journey began in 1998 as a nursing assistant, and over the years, I broadened my skills through a variety of roles—I’ve been an EMT, a technician in the ER, and even managed a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 2007, I realized I needed to complete what I’d started right after high school and earn my nursing degree. I graduated in December 2010, and by 2018, I had achieved two additional nursing degrees, becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner that fall.

My focus on weight loss and wellness grew from my personal experience with body image challenges, and I wanted to help others navigate their own journeys with guidance and empathy. At Vital Medical, we empower people to transform both physically and mentally. Our approach to weight loss is holistic and health-focused, helping patients reach their goals while adopting sustainable lifestyle changes.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to listening to our patients’ unique needs and doing everything possible to address their challenges. We take the guesswork out of weight loss and wellness, offering personalized support and giving patients 24/7 access to their provider so they feel connected and truly cared for.

The transformations we’ve helped foster are what make me most proud—when patients share that they’ve lost 75 pounds, come off blood pressure medication, or feel physically and emotionally better than they have in years, I know we’re making a meaningful impact. Helping people reclaim their health and confidence is incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to be part of that journey.

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

Aside from training, I believe that compassion and active listening are essential for success in healthcare. To truly help someone, you need to understand the challenges they’re facing, and the only way to do that is by genuinely listening to them. If I had a nickel for every time a patient thanked me for “just listening,” I’d be a lot wealthier! Unfortunately, there’s a degree of mistrust in healthcare among certain communities; many people feel their provider doesn’t have time for them or simply isn’t listening. When patients feel this way, they often stop seeking care, and ultimately, it’s their health and wellness that suffer.

Being empathetic, compassionate, and attentive has helped me build trust and retain patients from near and far. These qualities are invaluable, and I hope to maintain them throughout my career. I also wish these qualities were more universal among healthcare providers, as they truly make a difference in patient outcomes

Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?

I bootstrapped my business using personal savings from my work as a Nurse Practitioner. I created a plan that prioritized keeping overhead low, and I’ve maintained that approach as I continue to grow. Every decision, from budgeting to resource allocation, has been made with the goal of sustainability in mind. As the business grows, I reinvest the profits back into the practice to fuel further expansion while avoiding the need for loans. This approach has allowed me to build steadily and remain in control of my practice’s financial future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vitalmedicalwellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalmedicalweightloss/profilecard/?igsh=MWxoOWxmcmJna3lhNg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091630255407&mibextid=LQQJ4d