We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominique Paschal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dominique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
After becoming Board Certified by the American Associates of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) I started my career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I worked for close to 4 years for some of the biggest hospitals and Medical groups in the State of Florida. I felt as though I wasn’t making an impact and my time was mostly filled with paperwork, meetings, and trying to convince the corporate world I was a fantastic Nurse Practitioner. Rushing patients in and out of the office due to 15 Minute appointments was heartbreaking for me and I decided to step out on faith and create my own Medical Practice! This was the best decision I could have ever made for my career!
I started small by researching different areas for the need of the services I wanted to provide, asking patients what was missing from Health Care in their opinion and after I gathered all this research and knowledge I developed the name of my clinic “Purposely Evolving” which means to intentionally change health care and the health of every patient that walk through our doors
There have been many obstacles and challenges when it comes to being a Nurse Practitioner and Business Owner especially when you do not have a mentor or guidance or being the first or only Nurse practitioner in your family. Being a African American woman Nurse Practitioner is one of the toughest obstacle I have faced. I have always been the only African American provider in the clinics I have worked for or the only black nurse in the hospitals on certain floors which caused difficulties, mental exhaustion, and at times frustration but I did not allow it to deter me from my dreams and purpose! No matter how exhausting and draining the racism, microaggression and cultural insensitivities were it actually pushed me to go harder so I could create a more comfortable work environment for me and my employees.
I currently have different struggles such as managing my own practice, business finances, marketing, keeping up with inventory and most importantly letting patients or potential patients know I am here to help and evolve their health! Other obstacles I face is letting my patients know I care, not rushing them in and out their appointments so I can be empathic and provide them the care they Deserve!
The Advice I would give young professionals is follow your heart, do what you love with great intentions and everything else will come! I would also let them know to be patient with yourself, trust yourself, give it all you have and celebrate every step forward no matter how small it maybe.
Dominique, 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?
My name is Dominique Paschal APRN, FNP-C and I am the Co-Founder, Owner, and Family Nurse Practitioner for Purposely Evolving Medical Clinic. I was born in the inner city of Chicago, Illinois under a roof where my mother Cynthia raised me and my five siblings after my Step father unexpected passed away. After graduating with Honors from Manley High School I moved to Iowa City, IA where I obtained my Bachelor Of Arts In Psychology with a minor In Deaf Studies from The University Of Iowa In 2008. After graduation, I moved to Florida with my fiance’ and now Husband and Co-founder Marcus Paschal
After moving to Florida I struggled to find my purpose so I decided to change paths and that’s when it all clicked and I set out to become a Registered Nurse.
At five months pregnant I graduated with my Associate’s Degree In Nursing as The Valedictorian at Galen College Of Nursing in 2010! After taking a break from education and enjoying life as a wife and mother of 3 amazing children Mikayla, Myles, and Maison in 2018 I graduated with Honors and completed my Master’s Degree in Nursing from The University of Tampa becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
After becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I was determined to make a impact on healthcare as much as possible by helping every patient I came in contact with to the best of my abilities and leaving a life long impression they would never forget.
Purposely Evolving is a Direct Primary Care practice that specializes in Hormone Replacement Therapy (Testosterone, Estrogen, and progesterone) Weight Loss Management and IV Infusion Therapy!
Direct Primary care is an alternative payment model to improve access to health care professionals with a simple flat and affordable monthly membership fee. Our Direct primary care office provides affordable, attentive, and personalized care without feeling rushed. Although we are a direct primary care office I now provide care to those who have insurance with the same care, time attention, and personalized care!
I am most proud of the care I provide for each patient that come through the doors of Purposely Evolving medical clinic. The goal was to make an impact, evolve lives through healthcare, and provide purposeful care to each patient without the rush. All while being empathetic and thorough. I am doing what I set out to do all while living in my purpose.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my business partner and now husband, my freshman year of college, at the University of Iowa.
We both shared a passionate heart that loves to give back to the community and help impact lives to the best of our ability all while living in our purpose.
Marcus Paschal, is a graduate from The University of Iowa where he was one of the Top Collegiate Safeties in the Country before enjoying a Five Year NFL Career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. Marcus Graduated with his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Health and Sports studies so he understands exactly what the body needs to be the best version of you and enjoy a healthy and successful lifestyle. Marcus later continued his education by completing the Transition to Teaching Program through the Pinellas County School Board.
Marcus has been the Head Football Coach and Educator the past 10 years at his alma mater Largo High School, where he has helped nearly 70 Scholar/Athletes further their education and athletic careers collegiately.
Marcus Paschal brings a wealth of knowledge with his long documented successful Athletic and Teaching career that has helped make an impression and impact on Purposely Evolving Medical Clinic.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I would not change my profession or specialty. The journey that I have taken has helped mold the provider I am today. I have gained a multitude of experience and knowledge on the road to obtain my APRN. I first became a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2008, License Practical Nurse in 2009, Associates Degree in Nursing in 2010 becoming a Registered Nurse and finally obtaining my Masters Degree in Nursing in 2018 becoming a Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner! I have successfully climbed the career ladder and gained the knowledge and education that has helped me open my own Medical Practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purposelyevolving.org
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/purposelyevolving
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposelyevolving3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purposely-evolving/
Image Credits
Angela Tisdale
Make up by: Blazen Blendz By Patrice Renee