Why does health have to be so hard?
When it comes to your health, you want to do the things you know you should… but if you’re like most people, you’ve tried and nothing seems to stick. You’re successful in every other area of your life, so why does this part feel wildly out of control?
It doesn’t help that there’s so much noise in healthcare; competing opinions, so-called “expert” advice, and quick fixes that promise the moon yet don’t pan out. If someone would just give you a straight answer about what will help you, you know you could make it work.
Hi, I’m Vickie Petz Kasper, M.D.
As an obstetrician/gynecologist, I juggled career, family, church, community activities and all the things incredibly well. Then, I landed on the other side of the sheets. Before developing Myasthenia Gravis (MG), I pedaled my bicycle 100 miles a week, then suddenly I could barely walk 100 feet. After surgery, I took 16 pills a day and spent hours hooked up to IV infusions for years. Thankfully, it helped me go into remission, but also led to steroid-induced diabetes.
Even after discontinuing prednisone, I remained borderline diabetic. That’s when I was encouraged by my doctor to make radical lifestyle changes. I did, and it worked. My numbers went back to normal, and stayed that way.
I have a deep respect for conventional medicine, and a newfound love for lifestyle medicine, an evidence-based medical sub-specialty that uses stress management, social connectedness, restorative sleep, minimization of harmful substances, physical fitness and food as medicine to prevent, treat and even reverse disease. I’d love to help you explore all your options too.
Your time is valuable
You’re busy, but want to make time for your health. Schedule a telehealth visit from the privacy and comfort of your own home. There’s NO waiting and no interruptions.
You deserve clarity
At Equilibrium Medical, I help you quiet the noise and adopt a get-healthy, stay-healthy plan made just for you.
Our work together has three components
Communication
You will be heard, and you will be believed. Our work together starts with an in-depth conversation.
Customization
Cookie-cutter is a no-go here. I promise to customize solutions that actually work for your lifestyle.
Collaboration
I don’t work in a silo; I love connecting with others on your physical and mental health teams.
Personal philosophy
“My experience as a physician, patient, and Chief Medical Officer gives me a unique healthcare perspective.
As a physician, I understand the balance between the precision of medical knowledge and the art of healing. As a patient, I understand the vulnerability and frustrations of a life-changing diagnosis. Experience is a better teacher of empathy than textbooks and training.
Working in the C-suite in hospital administration gave me a view of the entire healthcare system. Specific training in quality and patient safety broadened my knowledge. In that role, I witnessed the resilience of patients, the dedication of doctors, providers and nurses.
This viewpoint allows me to weave the threads of science, empathy and leadership together in a way that honors the sacred trust you place in me. The spectrum and responsibility of healing is a privilege.”
– Dr. Vickie.
What brings you here?
Whatever brings you down, I can help you rise above. Here are some of the most common conditions I treat and the services I provide:
Healthy Living
Improve sleep
Food as medicine
Stress management
Reduce alcohol/tobacco use
Increase social connectedness
Get started with physical fitness
Primary care
Diabetes
Hypertension
Insomnia
Fatigue
Obesity
Mood disorders
Consultations
Preventative Medicine
Review labs/Refill prescriptions
Personalized nutrition plan
Get started with healthy lifestyle
Minimize risks of developing hereditary conditions
Every healing journey begins with a conversation
Here’s what you can expect:
Book an appointment
Start with a zero-rush medical consultation with a double board-certified physician who can profoundly empathize with whatever you’re facing.
Get a plan
After conversations, testing, or collaboration with your other providers, you’ll get a straightforward, evidence-based map for your unique path to sustained health.
Feel better than ever
I reject the idea that a diagnosis defines your future. Only you can define your future, and I consider it one of my greatest privileges to help.
“Dr. Vickie has been a great physician. From a time when I was overweight (okay, seriously obese), she helped me get my life back. Her persistence to obtain lab results confirmed a diagnosis of diabetes several years ago. Fast forward to this past year, after losing 90 pounds through exercise and changing my food habits, I struggled with excessive fatigue. Again, Dr. Vickie helped me get to the root cause and made specific recommendations for lifestyle changes. I strongly recommend working with Equilibrium Medical and see the benefits of lifestyle medicine for yourself.”
You may still be wondering...
What is lifestyle medicine?
Lifestyle medicine empowers you to prevent, treat, and reverse disease by modifying food, exercise, stress management, restorative sleep, and social connections while also minimizing substance abuse.
Will this actually work?
That’s up to you! I’ll join you in your commitment to succeeding. Lifestyle prescriptions are evidence-based and proven to work through medical studies. Interventions vary in impact and individual results vary.
How much does it cost?
We are a private-pay practice, so insurance is not accepted; but with straightforward pricing and no-surprise billing, you’ll have a clear vision of your investment from the start. Please see pricing page for details.
Can you refill my prescriptions?
Yes! Exceptions are scheduled medications like opioids, Cannabis, stimulants and benzodiazapines.
What if I need lab work?
Depending on where you live, I can order blood work, too. If you’ve already had an evaluation, I will need to review your results. You may also have your lab work done at your regular doctor’s office.
Do you replace my primary care provider?
No. A physical exam is needed to complete your health assessment, so I will work in tandem with your provider. Some on-demand appointments are available for certain conditions that don’t require an exam.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Your evaluation starts before your scheduled appointment. You will fill out a comprehensive form that includes your medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of your current lifestyle. Then we will meet by HIPAA compliant video to discuss your specific goals. After that, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire to pinpoint issues. Resources will be provided to help you understand your condition or help you map your plan for success. Finally, we will meet to review your plan and get you started on a path toward a healthy lifestyle. If you are on medication, you will continue until it’s determined it is no longer needed. All of our work will together will be forwarded to your primary care provider so they can see your progress.
Office hours
Mondays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fridays 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
*Additional times may be available upon request
Have another question?
Reach out
Telehealth appointments available to residents of Arkansas and Tennessee
Beginning June 2024
Leave a message — 479 857 8706
Are you health care provider?
Because healthy looks great on YOU!
(479) 857-8706
DrVickie@equilibriumtelehealth.com
“As a fit and healthy eater, I was shocked to learn my cholesterol was 298. Dr. Vickie recommended a plant-based diet. At first, I was reluctant but nothing else had worked and the next step was medication. I tried it for three months and now my cholesterol is 189!”
