FIAT Health Podcast

For the first time ever, in this episode, Caroline is joined by Shelby, a patient of Fiat and mother of two, to talk about her journey to finding a healthcare provider she could trust. Shelby shares how becoming a mom led her to ask more questions about her children's healthcare. She quickly found that many providers simply didn't have the time to individualize their care. After trying several different practices, she eventually found Fiat. Shelby also shares about her daughter's febrile seizures and how Fiat supported her through both the medical and emotional challenges. If you've ever wondered if direct primary care is for you, this episode offers a firsthand look at Fiat through the testimony of a real patient and an honest glimpse into what the direct primary care model can look like for a family.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Finding a Healthcare Team - Shelby shares her journey through several pediatric practices as she searched for a provider who would welcome her questions and partner with her in making decisions for her children. Finding a healthcare team that aligns with your values and wants you to ask questions is a game changer - especially as a new mom.
2. Becoming Proactive - Fiat has helped Shelby become more proactive (rather than reactive) in caring for her family. The direct-care model allows providers more time and space to discuss different treatment options and consider the whole picture.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:05 Shelby's Journey to Fiat

12:40 More Individualized Care

17:26 Cash Based Healthcare

27:36 The Small and Big Benefits of Fiat

41:59 Finding Your Healthcare Team

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline is joined by Dr. Stephen Elliott, a family physician who has spent the last 18 years practicing functional medicine and recently joined the Fiat team! Dr. Elliott shares what led him to question the way chronic and complex conditions were being treated conventionally and how his search for root causes drew him into functional medicine. They also discuss the interconnectedness of the body, the limitations of treating individual systems in isolation, and why functional medicine can be especially helpful for patients who have struggled to find answers through conventional care.

Dr. Elliott will be seeing patients remotely and is certified in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana. Visit our website or give us a call (629-252-7880) for more information!

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Looking at the Whole Person - Dr. Elliott explains how the body's systems are interconnected and why chronic, complex conditions can require looking beyond a single specialty or organ system. He shares how functional medicine seeks to investigate potential root causes rather than simply managing symptoms.
2. The Gut-Brain Connection - Gut health can affect cognitive and emotional health through the microbiome, inflammation, and the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Certain bacteria can support health, while overgrowth of other bacteria may contribute to immune and neurocognitive disruption, making a thorough understanding of gut health an important part of addressing complex conditions.
3. A Collaborative Approach to Care - Functional medicine requires more than testing and treatment recommendations—it asks patients and families to actively participate in the process. Dr. Elliott and Caroline discuss the importance of being willing to make changes in nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle while recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to complex health concerns.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Dr. Elliott's Journey to Medicine

04:49 Discovering Functional Medicine

8:26 Authentic Functional Medicine

12:59 Finding His Ideal Patients

16:38 Pediatric Special Needs

20:22 The Gut-Brain Connection

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline sits down with Emily O'Connor, PA, to talk about the opening of Fiat's first satellite location in Knoxville, Tennessee! Emily shares the story behind her call to medicine, why she is passionate about women's health, and how she decided to partner with Caroline to manage a second clinic. Caroline and Emily's stories both show that the Lord opens doors in His own time and that through trusting Him, we can prepare for what He is calling us to even when we cannot yet see where that preparation will lead.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discovering Restorative Reproductive Medicine: Emily first encountered restorative reproductive medicine during her OBGYN rotation in PA school and was struck by its emphasis on listening to women, uncovering root causes, and caring for the whole person. Seeing women's emotional, spiritual, and physical health addressed together convinced her that this was the kind of medicine she wanted to practice.
2. Preparing for a Future She Couldn't Yet See: Even while working toward her PA degree, Emily sensed that she might one day be called to open a clinic and pursued an MBA to equip herself for that possibility. She trusted that the Lord might open that door immediately or years down the road, and chose to prepare without knowing when the opportunity would come.
3. Building Fiat Knoxville: Emily's vision is to begin with offering women's health services and eventually grow the Knoxville location to include primary care, mental health, and more. At the heart of that vision is a desire to create a place where women and families receive exceptional care and where providers can practice medicine in a way that allows them to care deeply for their patients.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:41 What Brought You Into Medicine?

06:05 Opening A New Clinic

10:16 How Emily Found Fiat

13:54 Visiting Fiat

16:00 The Vision for Knoxville

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Endometriosis affects millions of women, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years, leaving women to suffer with pain, infertility, and other symptoms without understanding why. In this episode, Caroline and Amanda take a closer look at what endometriosis actually is, why it can affect more than just your reproductive system, and the wide range of symptoms that can point to a diagnosis. They also discuss what diagnostic laparoscopy is, the role of nutrition in reducing inflammation, and their desire to help restore your body to what God created it to be.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus and responds to hormonal changes. Because it can occur throughout the body, symptoms can range from pelvic pain and painful periods to bowel and bladder issues, chest pain, fatigue, and infertility.
2. Diagnosing Endometriosis - Endometriosis is frequently underdiagnosed, with many women experiencing symptoms for years before receiving an explanation. Painful periods and unexplained infertility should not simply be dismissed and Amanda explains why laparoscopy remains the gold-standard method of diagnosis.
3. Treating Endometriosis - Surgery can remove endometriosis lesions but it matters which surgeon you choose, especially when the goal is to preserve or restore natural fertility. Nutrition, pelvic floor therapy, mental health support, and targeted medical treatments also play important roles before and after surgery.

Resources Mentioned:

• Restore Anti-Inflammatory Elimination Diet
• Nutritionist Referrals (VN Nutrition) or (The Women's Health RN)
• NaPro for Endometriosis
• Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Endometriosis
• Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis Related Pain
• Observational and Genetic Analyses of Traumatic Experiences and Endometriosis

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Endometriosis

04:26 Symptoms of Endometriosis

08:28 What Causes Endometriosis?

12:31 Diagnosing Endometriosis

14:54 What is Laparoscopy?

16:15 Not All Surgeons are Equal

19:55 Other Ways to Treat Endometriosis

23:33 Endometriosis Recurrence After Surgery

26:05 Nutrition Best Practices

28:41 Restorative Reproductive Medicine

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Lucy is joined by Fiat's newest counselor, Grace Tierney to share her story, her heart for counseling, and how she approaches therapy with both children and adults. Grace shares her passion for helping those with anxiety, experience an eating disorder, have suffered from a traumatic experience, or would like to learn how to communicate better with family members. Lucy and Grace also explore what truly integrative care looks like at Fiat and why collaboration between counseling and medical providers can make such a difference in patients' lives.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Working with Both Children and Adults - Grace explains why she enjoys counseling clients of all ages and how each population allows her to use different therapeutic skills. She discusses the creativity involved in working with children, the importance of involving parents, and the opportunity adults have to see meaningful progress toward their goals.
2. An Integrative Approach to Healing - Grace describes her counseling philosophy, beginning with practical tools to reduce immediate distress before exploring deeper patterns through cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems work. She emphasizes that lasting healing often comes from understanding not only individual struggles but also the relationships and environments that shape them.
3. Faith and Whole-Person Care - Lucy and Grace discuss what makes counseling at Fiat unique through its integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Grace explains how faith can become a source of truth, hope, and healing within therapy while always allowing clients to determine how explicitly they wish to incorporate it into their sessions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing Grace

05:16 Grace's Background

07:28 Working with Kids and Adults

11:09 Common Client Concerns

12:45 Grace's Approach to Counseling

15:23 The Difference Between Counseling Kids and Adults

18:13 Integrative Care at Fiat

20:22 Integrating Faith in Counseling

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Peptides have quickly become one of the most talked about topics in healthcare, but what are they and why is there so much confusion surrounding them? In this episode, Caroline and Dr. Ed explain what peptides are, how they function as the body's natural signaling molecules, and why upcoming regulatory changes could dramatically expand access to peptide therapies. They also share details about the seven peptides under review and the conditions they may help address, including tissue repair, gut healing, sleep, metabolic health, and cognitive function.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. What Are Peptides? - Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as powerful signaling molecules throughout the body, directing processes like tissue repair, metabolism, and healing.
2. Why Regulations Matter - Recent regulatory changes could allow seven peptides to be compounded through licensed pharmacies, making them more accessible while ensuring quality. This shift may reduce reliance on the unregulated gray market, where product purity and safety are often uncertain.
3. A Tool, Not A Shortcut - At Fiat, we believe peptides should not replace healthy nutrition or lifestyle changes. Instead, they are another therapeutic option that can be used thoughtfully for the right patient at the right time within a holistic treatment plan.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:21 What Are Peptides?

04:47 Why Are Peptides Trending?

09:28 The Seven Peptides Being Reviewed

16:00 Will You Need to Take Peptides Forever?

20:16 What Are the Risks?

23:25 Who Are Good Candidates for Peptides?

25:56 How Will Fiat Use Peptides?

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Infertility can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told there are no answers or that your only option is IVF. In this episode, Caroline and Amanda explore how restorative reproductive medicine takes a different approach—looking for the root causes of infertility and creating individualized treatment plans that support the whole person. They discuss everything from cycle tracking, lab work, and follicular ultrasounds to common diagnoses like endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid dysfunction. You'll also hear why there is no such thing as "unexplained infertility," how pregnancy management can make all the difference after a positive test, and why understanding your body is valuable regardless of the outcome. If you're struggling to conceive, navigating miscarriage, or simply wanting to understand your reproductive health more deeply, this conversation offers both practical insight and genuine hope.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. There is No Such Thing as Unexplained Infertility - Restorative reproductive medicine operates from the belief that infertility always has an underlying cause, even if it hasn't been discovered yet. Through detailed lab work, cycle tracking, and individualized assessments, providers can often uncover conditions that traditional evaluations miss.
2. A Stepwise Approach to Fertility - Neofertility uses a structured process that begins with assessment and preparation before moving into targeted interventions and conception support. By carefully monitoring each cycle, treatments can be adjusted in real time to give couples the best opportunity for success.
3. Healing Goes Beyond Pregnancy - Even when pregnancy doesn't occur, restorative reproductive medicine helps women better understand their bodies and improve their overall health. Addressing root causes like endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, and inflammation often leads to greater health, clarity, and hope for the future.

Resources Mentioned:

• All of Fiat's women's health practitioners have completed training in Neofertility. Click here to learn more about the training program!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:38 What is Infertility?

03:14 How Fiat Approaches Infertility

06:54 What Treatment Looks Like

13:24 Neofertility vs Mainstream Practices

15:33 Why Pregnancy Management is Important

22:08 What to Expect at Fiat

25:51 What Is Restorative Reproductive Medicine?

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Attachment styles have become a popular topic in recent years, but what do they actually mean, and do they really matter? In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Lucy and Travis discuss the foundations of attachment theory and explore how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others, ourselves, and even God. Your attachment style is not set in stone, healing occurs through healthy relationships and even when there is a rupture, the repair matters more.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Four Attachment Styles: Attachment theory identifies four primary styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment. These patterns develop through early relational experiences and influence how we seek connection, safety, and support throughout life.
2. Attachment Patterns Can Change: While attachment styles are often rooted in childhood experiences, they are not permanent or fixed. Through self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships, people can develop greater security and experience meaningful relational healing.
3. The Power of Repair Over Perfection: Secure attachment is not created by perfect parenting or flawless relationships. Instead, healing and security grow when moments of disconnection are acknowledged and repaired with consistency, presence, and care.
4. Attachment and Our Relationship with God: The way we experience human relationships often shapes how we perceive God's love and presence. Understanding attachment patterns can provide valuable insight into our spiritual life and help us grow in trust, intimacy, and security with Him.

Resources Mentioned:

• Attachment Style Quiz (or this one)
• Healing Your Attachment Style by Edward Martin
• Attached: Learning Your Attachment Style by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
• Restore the Glory Podcast
• The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast
• Catholic in Recovery
• Family Life, Attachment Styles, and Finding Security in God with Dr. Matthew Breuninger

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:12 The Four Basic Attachment Styles

07:03 How Childhood Affects Attachment Style

10:42 Are We Stuck with Our Attachment Style?

16:17 The Importance of Repair

21:18 Attachment Styles and Faith

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Nutrition has become one of the more confusing and controversial topics in modern healthcare, leaving many people unsure about what to believe. In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Dr. Ed and Ashlynn explore why nutrition advice often feels so conflicting and break down what research actually shows us about nutrition. From understanding nutrient density to learning how to navigate grocery stores and farmers markets, this conversation provides simple frameworks to help you make informed choices for yourself and your family. If you've ever wondered what "eating clean" actually means or how to simplify healthy eating, this episode offers both perspective and practical takeaways.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reframing the Nutrition Conversation - Modern nutrition has become increasingly polarized, with competing dietary philosophies often creating confusion instead of clarity. Ed and Ashlynn explain why there are so many perspectives and why nutrition deserves greater attention in healthcare education.
2. The Power of Whole Foods - Whole foods provide greater nutrient density, helping support stable energy, balanced blood sugar, and reduced inflammation. Minimally processed foods nourish the body more effectively than ultra-processed alternatives which are designed for convenience and overconsumption.
3. Small Changes Add Up - Simple habits such as reading ingredient labels, preparing homemade snacks, and prioritizing protein and fiber can significantly improve your overall health. Rather than pursuing perfection, we recommend you make consistent, informed choices that support long-term wellness.

Resources Mentioned:

• Produce: Delvin Farms, Bloomsbury Organic Farms, Colbert Farm, Rosecreek Farms
• Meat/ Bone Broth: Bear Creek Farms, Hidden Gem Farmers Market, Rising Glory Farm, Remedy Bone Broth
• Dairy: Old Stone Creamery, Noble Springs Dairy

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:38 CoQ10

06:41 NAC

08:41 The Nutrition Controversy

11:15 The Food Pyramid

15:41 What Does "Whole and Clean" Actually Mean?

21:29 Local Food Recommendations

22:42 Grocery Shopping

26:41 More Practical Tips

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Caroline is joined by Sarah Nehring, a women's health nurse practitioner to explore the often mysterious world of perimenopause and menopause. Together, they walk through what is actually happening in a woman's body during these hormonal transitions, why symptoms can feel overwhelming, and how women can better recognize the signs that perimenopause has begun. They also discuss hormone replacement therapy and how it is shaping women's healthcare. You don't have to suffer in silence through perimenopause or menopause and there are meaningful ways we can help support both your long-term health and quality of life.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Hormonal Roller Coaster - Perimenopause is marked by fluctuating hormone levels that create dramatic highs and lows and impact how women feel physically and emotionally.
2. Recognizing the Signs of Perimenopause - Perimenopause can often begin years before menopause officially occurs. Cycle changes, brain fog, libido shifts, weight redistribution, and sleep disturbances are potential indicators that your hormones are changing.
3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - Caroline and Sarah discuss the different forms of hormone replacement therapy, the difference between oral and transdermal estrogen, and how HRT can support women who feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional effects of hormonal shifts.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Sarah's Medical Background

08:11 What is Perimenopause?

11:21 Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause

16:02 Hormone Testing

23:02 Treatments: Lifestyle and Hormone Replacement Therapy

26:56 HRT Fears and Misconceptions

To learn more visit fiathealth.org

Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]