My Philosophy

At Monroeville Direct Primary Care, I believe quality health care treats the whole person, not just a body mass index. I recognize that traditional medical environments have often been sources of shame or exclusion for people in larger bodies and those in recovery from eating disorders. I am here to change that.

The Weight-Neutral Promise

No Unsolicited Advice: I focus on the reason for your visit. Weight loss is never a default prescription here.
Optional & Respectful Metrics: Weight checks are only performed when clinically necessary (like medication dosing) and always with your explicit consent.
Privacy First: You always have the option for a 'blind weight' (facing away) or to decline knowing the number entirely.
Neutral Language: I avoid food moralizing and 'good/bad' labels, focusing instead on physiological and mental stability.

A Space Built for You

Most healthcare infrastructure was not built for human diversity. I believe that if a patient doesn't 'fit' the equipment, it is a design flaw of the equipment, not the patient. While my office is in its first stage of development and carries some structural limitations, I am dedicated to the continuous improvement of my facilities and prioritize transparency about my current equipment as I work toward a more inclusive space.

Building accessibility: The bulding entrance has a heavy manual door without an automatic opener. There are stairs and an elevator.
Doorway clearances: Within the office suite - main door 34 inches, exam and consultation rooms 30 inches, restroom 28.5 inches.
Restrooms: The building lobby has gendered multi-user restrooms with stalls. The office has a single-occupant restroom with a grab bar near the toilet. The toilet is a low 15” height.
Seating: Wide waiting and exam room chairs (27 inches) with a 500 lb capacity.
Exam Table: Sturdy construction, 26 inches wide, has step up, 450 lb capacity.
Scale: Discreetly located with a 350 lb capacity.
Blood Pressure Cuffs: Comprehensive sizes (up to 66 cm) to ensure accuracy and comfort.
On the wish list: tronco-conical blood pressure cuffs!

Eating Disorder Recovery Support

Recovery is a journey, and your primary care physician should be your strongest ally. I offer:

Collaborative Care: I am happy to coordinate with your therapist and dietitian to provide a unified front for your health.
Metabolic Monitoring: Expert oversight of labs and vitals to ensure clinical stability during recovery.
Trigger-Aware Environment: A practice culture that understands the nuances of ED recovery and body neutrality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight-Inclusive Care

Your autonomy is my priority. While I do not provide unsolicited weight-loss advice or 'prescribe' dieting, I am here to support you in whatever health goals you choose. If weight is something you want to discuss, I will approach it through a lens of critically appraised evidence, focusing on sustainable habits, metabolic health, and your overall quality of life, rather than shame-based metrics.
Absolutely. Evidence-informed medicine shows us that conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes can be managed effectively through medication, nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management—all of which are independent of a number on a scale. I will focus on the physiological markers of your health (like blood pressure readings and A1c levels) to ensure your treatment plan is working.
If a weight is clinically necessary (for example, to safely calculate a medication dose), I perform a 'blind weight.' This means you stand on the scale facing away, and the number is recorded in your chart without being spoken aloud or shown to you.
I believe in radical transparency. Many patients in larger bodies experience 'medical avoidance' because they fear the physical discomfort or embarrassment of equipment that doesn't fit. By listing these specifications, I want you to know exactly what to expect before you arrive, so you can feel confident that this space was prepared with your dignity and comfort in mind.