How Three Experts Took Different Paths To Create “Desired Healthcare”

A great practice starts with great people. And so, this time, we’re doing a little consultation of our own to meet the minds behind Donaldson. 

In this special episode of Asking For A Friend, host Carrie Esposito sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson, Dr. Michelle Sieffert and Dr. Marguerite Weston to explore how three very different career paths and upbringings came together to redefine what modern medicine can look like.

This episode is for anyone curious about careers in medicine, the art of plastic surgery, the science of functional medicine or simply what they may be missing out of their own patient experience as they seek a more collaborative approach to their own care (instead of a compromise). 

Everything We’re Covering:

• How Dr. Donaldson went from family medicine provider to plastic surgery entrepreneur
• How Dr. Sieffert turned her childhood hobby of knitting & organic instinct to help people into surgical artistry
• The vital differences between cosmetic and plastic surgery
• Dr. Weston's path from doing homework in the waiting room while waiting for her mother to get off her shift, to being the director of functional medicine at Donaldson
• What makes a great functional medicine provider & why specific credentials matter (a lot!)
• What rap song did Dr. Weston perform at her wedding?
• Why is there often hip-hop playing in the operating room?
• How combining plastic surgery and functional medicine is helping create “Desired Healthcare” — not just required care

Meet Your Experts:

• Jeffrey Donaldson, MD – Board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Donaldson Plastic Surgery, and leader of the team redefining what a personalized patient experience looks like.
• Michelle Sieffert, MD – Board-certified plastic surgeon, celebrated for her precision, bedside manner and mastery of anatomy — known regionally for her natural, life-enhancing results and innovative surgical artistry, especially when it comes to facelift surgery.
• Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Double board-certified functional medicine physician helping patients uncover root causes and bridge the gap between traditional care and total wellness.
• Hosted by Carrie Esposito – The voice of Asking For A Friend, connecting expert insights with real stories and plenty of curiosity.

The Intimate Connection Between Digestion Issues, Acne Breakouts & Feeling Better In Your Skin

If your gut’s a mess and your skin is too — you’re totally not imagining it! In this episode, we connect the dots between digestion, inflammation and acne to help you understand what your body’s been trying to say all along. 

Our skincare and functional medicine experts break down the science (and the symptoms) behind that stubborn skin and why your next step to clear, glowing skin might start in your stomach.

This episode is for anyone struggling with GI issues, acne, or both — and ready to finally get real answers instead of quick fixes.

Everything We’re Covering:

• How specific gut disorders are diagnosed (and what a GI Map test reveals)
• The rise of food sensitivities — and what’s really driving them
• The science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting & how to personalize it
• Why hormonal acne flares before your period (plus probiotics & omega-3s that help)
• The direct connection between gut health and acne breakouts
• The “Keto Smell” & what it says about your digestion and detox pathways
• Why energy drinks may be sabotaging your skin health
• How functional medicine and skincare teams collaborate to treat root causes
• A story that reminds us clear skin is about confidence, not perfection

Meet Your Experts:

• Dr. Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Double board-certified in family and sports medicine, now focusing on functional medicine to uncover the root causes of gut and hormone imbalances.
• Colleen Bush, RDN, LDN, IFNCP – Gut health dietitian with 16+ years of experience. After navigating her own autoimmune diagnoses (Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis), she now helps others find healing through functional nutrition.
• Nikki Rucinsky, LME – Licensed medical aesthetician and creator of the Adult Acne Bootcamp at Donaldson, specializing in customized skin plans that address diet, hormones and stress for long-term results.
• Hosted by Carrie Esposito – The voice of Asking For A Friend, connecting expert insight with real-world questions - and plenty of empathy (and wine).

Lasers. Fillers. Cosmetic Tatooing. What's Worth Your Time, Money & Discomfort?

You should be skeptical of any new TikTok trend that no one has ever heard of but promises results! 

In this episode of Asking For A Friend, Carrie Esposito sits down with Columbus’s go-to aesthetics dream team to unpack the lasers, injectables, facials and tattooing treatments that actually move the needle (literally and figuratively).

This episode is for anyone who wants a year-long plan for skin health, real answers about lasers and injectables, and an honest take on the fads flooding your feed.

Everything We’re Covering:

• Why the best treatments aren’t always the most comfortable — or as the experts like to say "spicy"
• Ultrasound-guided filler: how precision improves results & safety
• Lasers for fine lines, laxity, hyperpigmentation, scarring & hair removal
• What the MOXI Laser is best used for & who benefits the most from it
• Building a year-long, layered treatment plan that makes sense
• Why filler has been unfairly vilified — & what good technique looks like
• Cosmetic tattooing explained: lip blushing, brows, eyeliner & scar revision
• “Regenerative” buzzwords decoded: PRF, PRP, exosomes, salmon sperm facials
• TikTok Trends Ranked: red light masks, jaw bras, beef tallow, estrogen cream, microcurrent gadgets & more

Meet Your Experts:

• Carrie Esposito – Host, patient & the one who asks the questions you’re already thinking, but haven't been able to ask yet. 
• Adrienne Yanich, APRN – Master injector, national aesthetics treatment trainer & filler/neuromodulator artist known for natural, balanced results & a transparent approach to each session.
• Stacie Isler, MS, PA-C – Experienced aesthetics provider offering Botox, filler, laser therapy, liquid rhinoplasty & cellulite treatments — along with an unfiltered understand about what each do.
• Andie Schroeder, LME – Licensed medical aesthetician, cosmetic tattoo artist & rising star in the aesthetics industry, specializing in skin health, facials & paramedical tattooing for scars & beyond.

Your Unblushing Foray Into Women's Sexual Health
Women’s sexual health deserves straight answers, minus the shame and side-eye. In this episode, we get clear on what’s normal, what’s treatable and what actually helps you feel comfortable and confident in your body.

🌟 Everything We’re Covering:

• OB/Gyn vs. Uro/Gyn vs. Functional Medicine: who is responsible for what & and how the functional medicine approach connects hormones, lifestyle and outcomes.
• Pelvic Floor 101: what it is, how it works, and why it matters for leaks, pleasure, and support.
• Common Concerns, Real Causes: incontinence, UTIs, odor/BV, discharge, yeast infections, low libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.
• Vaginal Atrophy: what drives it (estrogen decline, time, stress) and what actually helps.
• Treatments That Move the Needle: O-Shot/PRP, diVa/Ariessence, vaginal estrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), prescriptions, probiotics, cranberry and when to use each.
• Hormones & Gut Health: why estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and your microbiome shape symptoms.
• Kegel Exercises: what they are, when they help and when you need PT instead.
• Childbirth & Recovery: what changes, what you can do before pregnancy and how to heal afterward.

The Labiaplasty Deep Dive With Dr. Donaldson:
We go deep on what labiaplasty surgery is, who it actually helps and how Dr. Donaldson is able to perform it comfortably in an office vs. having to go to a surgery center. He breaks down our signature wedge technique and how it differs from a trim and what recovery really looks like, including realistic timelines for walking, workouts, tampon use and, of course, sex.

Trends That We Debunk (& Some We Embrace):
✔ Vaginal steaming
✔ Jade eggs/balls
✔ “Private part" deodorants
✔ Refreshing wipes
✔ Toy hygiene
✔ Good lube & bad lube

🌟 Meet Your Experts:
⚕️ Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP: Double board-certified functional medicine physician in Columbus, Ohio, who is connecting hormones, metabolism, gut health and sexual wellness to treat root causes (not just symptoms).
⚕️ Courtney Gilbert, PA-C: Renowned physician assistant focused on women’s wellness and aesthetics, guiding patients through pragmatic, personalized plans for comfort, confidence and sexual health.
⚕️ Jeffrey Donaldson, MD: Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in precise, patient-centered procedures including labiaplasty, with an emphasis on natural form, function and comfort.

This one is for anyone who is seeking validation about their situation and real solutions — isn't afraid to have a little laugh while learning about libido, comfort and vaginal health!

Tips, Triumphs & Real Talk About Balancing It All

Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes? It’s pure survival mode! 

In this episode, we’re sharing the real, unfiltered side of being a mom: the never-ending multitasking, the overlooked wins, the fails and the constant pressure to “do it all.” 

This episode is for any mom who needs validation, support, and a reminder that it’s OK to not have it all figured out. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do women do this ... without other women?” — we've got you! 

Everything We're Covering:

• Why it’s healthy to let your kids fail sometimes
• Understanding the different "seasons of motherhood"
• How to be more present and make the most of these fleeting memories
• Getting caught mid-intimacy — and our favorite excuses! 
• The miracle of home delivery services 
• Mom guilt, mom brain & choosing between that solo Target run or just taking a nap

Meet Your Experts:

Joining host Carrie Esposito (mom, podcast host, and functional & plastic surgery patient) is a powerhouse panel of mothers who get it — because they’re living it, too:

• Stacie Isler, PA-C – Mom of 3 and experienced physician assistant and aesthetic medicine professional who knows what it’s like to juggle family, thriving career and self-care.
• Dr. Marguerite Weston – Functional medicine expert, mom of 2 and trusted provider helping women optimize their health through all stages of life — from fertility to postpartum to menopause.
• Sami Bossert – Entrepreneur, mom and owner of PTULA athletic wear — with baby #3 on the way and an honest perspective on balancing business and motherhood.

Peeling Back The Curtain (& Bedsheets) To Highlight Misconceptions About Menopause!

We kicked off Asking For A Friend live with cocktails and a candid conversation about a topic that affects every woman eventually: menopause. In this special episode, we’re laying it all out with unfiltered insight and expert perspectives, along with some good laughs about sex, hormones and the real-life experience of aging in a woman’s body.

This episode is for anyone out there who wants honest answers about menopause, hormone health and intimacy — without the awkwardness! 

Everything We're Covering:

• Why menopause happens 
• Menopause vs Perimenopause: how to know what you're experiencing 
• What a DUTCH test is and how it can reveal hormone imbalances
• Root-cause treatment options that go beyond symptom masking
• Is "Man O Pause" a real thing for men?
• The sad realization that alcohol and menopause don’t mix well
• The truth about declining libido and what to do about it
• Tips for navigating this new phase with confidence, connection and compassion

Meet Your Experts:

Joining host Carrie Esposito (who’s asking all the questions you’ve been too shy to bring up) are three bold and brilliant guests ready to make menopause make sense:

• Dr. Marguerite Weston – A double board-certified functional medicine physician helping women understand what’s really happening during menopause and how to get back to feeling like themselves again.
• Kim Pheiffer – Interior design CEO and empowered woman currently navigating her own menopause journey with honesty, humor and the perfect blend of HRT.
• Chris Ebert – Dentist, husband and hormone health advocate sharing what it’s like to support a partner through menopause while exploring his own path with hormone therapy.

We Don't Have To Go Through Menopause The Way Mom Did!

We need to have the talk. You know the one! The one about hormones — because they do way more than just cause hot flashes. In this episode, we’re breaking down the role estrogen and progesterone play in everything from mood to memory to metabolism, and why the first signs of perimenopause are often easy to miss (until they’re not!).

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or beyond, understanding your hormones is one of the most powerful things you can do for your energy, your mindset and your overall well-being.

⭐Everything We're Covering⭐

• The impact of low estrogen beyond just hot flashes and low libido
• Brain fog and how hormones might be to blame
• Why creatine could be your new best friend
• Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) actually safe?
• What to take for hormone balance and lasting energy
• How to reduce brain fog during perimenopause
• Why building and maintaining muscle becomes critical as we age
• The hormonal impact of alcohol (and how much is too much)
• Tips to naturally balance hormones and boost energy
• … & more insight you won’t find on your "For You" page

Meet Your Experts:

Joining host Carrie Esposito (who's asking all the questions we've been too shy to bring up) are three passionate experts dedicated to helping women feel like themselves again:

⚕️ Dr. Marguerite Weston — A double board-certified functional medicine physician who helps women uncover the root cause of their symptoms and take back control of their health using evidence-based lifestyle, supplement and hormone strategies.

👩‍⚕️ Angie Scala, NP – Nurse practitioner and fertility specialist who offers a fresh, compassionate take on hormonal health, from perimenopause to postmenopause.

🧘‍♀️ Tiffany Wagner – Health-minded working mom, runner and yogi, bringing her honest perspective on what it’s really like navigating hormonal shifts while balancing a full life.

What’s Worth It, What's Not & How To Age Like You — Not A Totally Different Person! 

Let’s talk about aging gracefully — not erasing every line but enhancing your natural beauty! In this episode, we’re breaking down how facial plastic surgery and professional medspa treatments can help you look and feel like the best version of yourself. We're also uncovering some of those shadier TikTok trends that could damage your skin or speed up the aging process! 

From the strategic facelift to science-backed supplements, our experts are clearing the air on what’s safe, what works, and what’s just noise.

Everything We're Covering:

• Treatments by decade: what’s worth considering at 20, 30, 40 and beyond — based on biology and research, not what social media says! 
• Supplements that can actually improve skin health (and which ones are just hype)
• The truth about red light therapy: what it can do, and what it definitely can’t
• Why facial surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates in plastic surgery
• The reasons why getting a facelift in your 50s may lead to better results than waiting until 60
• How young is too young for filler & retinol 

Meet Your Experts:

Joining host Carrie Esposito (who is considering a facelift herself) are the experts who know everything there is about face procedures, surgical recovery & skin health: 

• Dr. Michelle Sieffert – Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures. With a focus on enhancing natural beauty through expertly performed facelifts, neck lifts, blepharoplasty and more, Dr. Sieffert helps patients age on their own terms!
• Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Functional medicine provider helping patients understand the root causes behind skin aging and weight fluctuations. Her holistic approach blends nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle support to improve overall skin quality and slow aging naturally.

🎥 Watch The Full Episode On YouTube Here! 

Exploring The Health Benefits Of Plastic Surgery

We're cutting through the noise and getting real about tummy tucks, liposuction and what happens to your body during plastic surgery. From muscle repair to excess skin removal, this candid conversation dives into the medical and cosmetic benefits of these procedures!  

Whether you're curious about recovery, prepping for surgery or wondering what’s truly possible, our experts break it all down.

Everything We're Covering:

• How tummy tucks go beyond aesthetics to improve core strength and health.
• Should I get a tummy tuck or do liposuction?
• What happens during pregnancy that changes your body permanently?
• How much fat can actually be removed with liposuction?
• Recovery timelines and what to expect every step of the way.
• Whether results are permanent — and how to maintain them.
• What surgeons specifically do to create natural-looking results.

Plus, we’re tackling one of the most common concerns we hear SO often: If you get liposuction in one area, does the fat just move somewhere else?

Meet Your Experts:

Joining host Carrie Esposito (who is a tummy tuck patient herself) are the experts who know this process inside and out:

• Dr. Michelle Sieffert – Board-certified plastic surgeon, breaking down what happens in the OR.
• Dr. Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Functional medicine expert, sharing how to prepare for surgery and optimize recovery.
• Olivia Wolever, PA-C – Clinical physician assistant, guiding patients through post-op care.

🎥 Watch The Full Episode On YouTube Here! 

Whether you've heard it called Ozempic, Wegovy or semaglutide, we are almost certain you have heard of the prescription weight loss injections that have taken over our social media feeds!

In this episode, we’re diving into the science, misconceptions and realities of these fat loss injections, plus the lifestyle strategies that can help you feel stronger and more confident — at any stage of your life.

The Topics We're Covering Include: 

• The buzz around Ozempic: why is it so popular right now, and is it right for you?
• What is food noise, and how does semaglutide help quiet it?
• How much protein you actually need in a day?
• How you can use fasting for weight loss, and why it is easier for men.
• Supplements that are worth it — and the ones that aren’t.
• How our approach to diet and exercise needs to evolve with our bodies as they change with age (hello, menopause, is that you?).

Joining The Conversation:

• Dr. Marguerite Weston, a functional medicine expert breaking down the science of sustainable fat loss and overall health.
• Adrienne Yanich, NP, an aesthetics and semaglutide specialist helping patients feel confident and empowered through education. 
• Dr. Katie D'Amato, a physical therapist and functional strength movement advocate emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscle as we age.

Together, these experts use their lived experiences to answer the very real questions they face about nutrition care, weight loss and prescription medications as you continue to navigate through the sea of advertisements and headlines!