We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sheena Urdaz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sheena below.
Sheena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Defining Moment in My Career
One of the most pivotal moments in my career occurred in 2017 when I encountered a patient who was newly diagnosed with diabetes during a hospital admission. His A1C — a key marker for blood sugar control — was above 14, a dangerously high level. Understandably, he was overwhelmed by the diagnosis and strongly opposed starting medications.
Recognizing his concerns, I committed to supporting him with an alternative plan. Together, we developed a personalized approach centered on lifestyle changes, including nutrition, exercise, and targeted supplements. Through regular follow-ups every 2-3 weeks, and eventually monthly, we closely monitored his progress. Over the course of six months, he not only reduced his A1C to under 7 — a remarkable achievement — but also lost over 70 pounds in the process.
This experience was transformative. It opened my eyes to the profound impact of lifestyle interventions in chronic disease management, particularly for conditions like diabetes. It was in that moment I realized that, with dedication and patient partnership, remission without medication was possible. Since then, this approach has become a cornerstone of my practice, and I remain deeply committed to empowering patients to reclaim their health through sustainable lifestyle changes.
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.
My name is Sheena Urdaz, and I’m a board-certified Physician Associate and Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, I specialize in Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, combining evidence-based treatments with holistic approaches to achieve sustainable optimal patient outcomes. This includes a focus on restorative sleep, a plant based diet, reduction and control of stress/pain, avoiding toxic substances, maintenance of and/or consistent physical activity, and having positive support and/or a fulfilling community associations.
My journey began with my mothers home remedies and the avoidance of using medications as much as possible while growing up i.e. eating cloves of garlic and honey for a cold, papaya for stomach aches, flat cola for nausea and vomiting. With this up-bringing, I always thought of nutrition and natural options as first-line. My interested peaked in undergrad at Penn State when I took a course in holistic medicine which made me realize that other people were interested in the subject too. I wanted to learn more and share it with others.
In 2004 I spent a summer in Syros, Greece studying holistic practices which deeply shaped my homeopathic background. In Greece we combed the countryside for herbs that we brought back to make distillations, tinctures, hydrocolloids, and essential oils. We ate food from the land and engaged in fun, lively conversations at almost every meal. Here, I learned how to integrate iridology, aromatherapy, and reflexology in to my holistic practices.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Penn State University with a minor in Theatre in 2007 and my Master of Physician Assistant Studies from South University in 2014. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to improving lives through education and individualized comprehensive care.
In my practice, I offer a unique blend of services that address both medical and aesthetic concerns. I specialize in Internal Medicine, Primary Care, Hormone Management, and Women’s Health. Additionally, I provide orthopedic and dermatologic procedures, including Botox, dermal fillers, trigger point therapy, and joint injections for conditions affecting the shoulder, knee, elbow, and SI joint. My approach is deeply personalized — I work closely with my patients to develop tailored plans that prioritize lifestyle changes, nutrition, and targeted supplements as needed to achieve long-term wellness aside from traditional pharmacological interventions and societal recommendations.
What sets me apart is my commitment to empowering patients with knowledge and practical tools to improve their health. I have helped hundreds of patients who want to reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals safely reduce and/ or come off their long term medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipdemia (high cholesterol), and hypertension (high blood pressure). I enjoy helping patients on a both traditional and non-traditional wellness paths.
I’m most proud of the meaningful connections I’ve built with my patients and the trust they place in me to guide their health journeys. My goal is to help people feel empowered, healthy, and confident in their own skin — whether that’s through improved metabolic health, stabilized mood, reduced pain, balanced hormones, and/or aesthetic enhancements.
Outside of my practice, I find joy in fitness, cooking, gardening, traveling, and exploring creative expression through dancing, and flow arts. I have two wonderful daughters and am enjoying growing up with them. I have included pictures of my family and myself speaking at conferences. Balance of my many hats is key to my success, and I strive to inspire my patients to embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle by leading by example and being genuine. I make it a habit to actively go to the gym, and expand my creative ventures such as fire spinning and writing while also taking time off to relax and reflect.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my experience, the most crucial factor for success in healthcare, aside from training and knowledge, is empathy combined with adaptability. Medicine is constantly evolving, and no two patients are the same. The ability to truly listen, understand individual needs, and tailor care accordingly has been key to my success.
Empathy builds trust, which is essential in forming meaningful relationships. I am an empath at heart, and this allows me to connect with patients on a deeper level, empowering them to take an active role in their own health. Adaptability is equally important — whether it’s responding to emerging research, shifting treatment plans when lifestyle changes outperform medications, or adjusting communication styles to meet each patient’s comfort and education level.
This combination has been especially powerful in my work with patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, where emotional support and a flexible, patient-centered approach have been instrumental in achieving lasting results.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several books have profoundly influenced my management style, entrepreneurial mindset, and overall philosophy. Each has offered unique insights that have shaped how I approach both my professional and
• Atomic Habits by James Clear provided actionable strategies for building positive habits and breaking unproductive ones. This has been invaluable in both my own growth and in helping patients achieve lasting lifestyle changes.
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene offered insights into leadership, influence, and strategic thinking — skills that have helped me navigate complex professional dynamics and build strong relationships.
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho reminded me of the power of purpose and intuition. It inspires me to trust the journey, embrace challenges, and remain committed to my vision.
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz reinforced the importance of clear communication, integrity, and self-awareness — qualities that have strengthened my ability to connect with patients, colleagues, and partners.
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi provided practical advice on financial literacy and wealth-building strategies that have helped me manage my career growth while maintaining financial stability.
These books have collectively shaped my mindset, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of intentional growth. They continue to inspire me to lead with purpose, empower others, and build meaningful relationships in my career and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lamedicalpb.com/sheena-urdaz-pa-c
- Instagram: @sheshealthyhabits
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-urdaz-m-pas-pa-c-dipaclm-146979289?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
