We were lucky to catch up with Julie Economos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I worked as a primary care physician at a wonderful hospital in Atlanta for 12 years. I adored my patients and staff and never planned on leaving. However, when three out of our four kids were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and my husband acquired a business across the country that required a heavier travel schedule, I knew something had to give. I made the very difficult decision to leave my practice and prayed to find something more flexible. Thankfully, an opportunity arose two months later with a concierge practice that allows me to have an extremely flexible schedule and more time with my patients and my family. I have always been very passionate about fitness – I was a cheerleader in college- and have been going to Stellar Bodies for 8 years. With my newly found flexible schedule, I decided to become an instructor there as well. It has been so rewarding to be able to work in two fields that I am extremely passionate about.

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.

As an athlete and and avid marathon runner – I just completed my 27th marathon in Berlin, Germany! – I have always been passionate about fitness. I’ve done every type of workout that Atlanta has to offer, and the one that has taken my fitness to the next level over the years is Stellar Bodies. When I transitioned from a traditional internal medicine practice to a more flexible concierge practice, it gave me the time I needed to focus on my family (husband, 4 kids, and 2 dogs) and reinvent myself. When I spoke Amy Selig (the owner of stellar) about potentially becoming an instructor, she couldn’t have been more supportive. It has been such a fun journey! Now I get to do two jobs that I am passionate about, both of which fill my personal goals while giving me the flexibility to be home every day when my kids get out of school. (that’s when I transition to my kids’ bus driver ) Stellar Bodies also has a boutique (both in studio and online), and I love getting to wear the newest lines we carry and suggest brands for clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My husband and I have four children. Three of them have type 1 diabetes, which requires constant blood sugar monitoring, carb counting, and insulin shots/infusions. MJ, our oldest son, was diagnosed in 2014 at the age of 5. Ty and Catelin were diagnosed just three days apart in October of 2016 (at ages 6 and 4, respectively). I took an extended leave of absence to take care of them. When I returned, I decided to go back to my internal medicine practice two days a week. I loved my patients and couldn’t fathom leaving them. A few years later, my husband acquired a business across the country that required a very heavy travel schedule. With four kids, three of whom require constant monitoring, and 2,000 patients, I knew that something had to give (and I didn’t want it to be my mental health)! So, I made the very painful and difficult decision to leave my internal medicine practice. I knew it was the right thing for our family at the time. Part of me felt like I was giving up something I worked my whole life for- years of college, medical school, 100 hour work weeks in residency, overnight calls, sleepless nights- I didn’t want that to “go to waste”, and even more importantly I hated disappointing my patients who I adored. But I also knew that I couldn’t be the doctor they deserved if I didn’t feel like I was taking care of my family. Little did I know that this decision that I agonized over for months turned out to be the most pivotal decision of my life… giving me the time with my family and also allowing me to reinvent myself! I joined a very flexible concierge practice and then became part of the Stellar Bodies team as an instructor.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

MJ, our oldest son, was diagnosed with T1D on April 10, 2014 at the age of 5. Almost exactly 2.5 years later, on October 9, 2016, we diagnosed our second son Ty at the age of 6. Just two days later, my father passed away in my arms from a very aggressive type of cancer (10/11/16). The very next day, on October 12, we diagnosed our daughter with type 1 diabetes (at the age of 4). That week was the worst week of my
life. I didn’t know how I was going to function without my dad and with 3 out of
Four kids with T1D. I took a leave of absence from work, I poured myself into taking care of our kids, making sure their school could support their medical needs, monitoring them constantly, pricking their fingers and giving them insulin shots numerous times a day. It was all so overwhelming… I cried, I prayed, I mourned, but I knew I had to be strong for my kids. I didn’t want them to ever think this was a burden on me- they are the ones who have to be poked, prodded, and monitored. They needed the strongest version of me and I wouldn’t give them anything less than that. I am forever indebted to my community- the JDRF community who supported us, and our friends and family who constantly offered help and prayers. “it takes a village” took on a whole new meaning. I was determined for my kids to live the best life possible in spite of their chronic disease. They have done just that, and they inspire me every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jegtcheer