Healthcare is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new challenges and innovations. Few individuals navigate this landscape as effectively as Dr. Kristine Sarna. As the Co-owner and Medical Director at Norterra Family Medicine since 2009, and the Wellness Medical Director at Paradise Medspa and Wellness since 2008, Dr. Sarna has not only carved a niche for herself but has also become a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring healthcare professionals. Her journey, marked by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, is a testament to her remarkable leadership and vision.
A Journey Inspired by Family
Dr. Sarna’s inspiration to become a Family Medicine physician can be traced back to her childhood. “My initial inspiration to become a Doctor was my Mother,” she recalls. Her mother, an exceptional Critical Care Nurse, demonstrated intelligence and drive, quickly advancing in her career. “I remember when I was 7 years old, she was dissecting cats in the backyard for Nursing School. She motivated me to strive hard and be a doctor,” Dr. Sarna explains.
Such early exposure in the medical field coupled with the experience she received from Family Medicine rotations helped solidify her desire for this profession. Attending the University of Arizona Medical School further rekindled that fire, but most importantly the introduction to Integrative and Holistic Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil; this was just the approach for her future practice.
Shaping Patient Care at Norterra Family Medicine
The opportunity as the Physician Owner at Norterra Family Medicine is truly a chance for Dr. Sarna to tailor her practice into alignment with the passion she now holds for Integrative Medicine. “I can choose how long my appointments are and how many patients I see,” she says. This flexibility allows her to provide personalized care, hiring a Functional Medicine trained provider and a Nutritionist to support her vision.
The inclusion of nutritional supplements in the office further enhances her ability to recommend appropriate treatments. This approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs, fostering a deeper connection between the physician and patient.
The Rewards of a Medical Career
For Dr. Sarna, the most rewarding aspect of her career is helping patients optimize their hormones. Through BioTE pelleting, she has found a delivery method that provides steady hormone levels, leading to significant improvements in patients’ energy, sleep, mood, libido, muscle endurance, and strength.
“I am so enthusiastic about this form of hormone optimization that I have become a Mentor for new physicians learning this trade,” Dr. Sarna asserts. Her work as a Preceptor for students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Midwestern University Physician Assistant school also enables her to teach and share her passion with students. This duality of practitioner and educator in her professional life allows her to impact the future of medicine.
Achieving Work-Life Balance and Preventing Burnout
Work-life balance is a challenge for any business owner, and Dr. Sarna is no exception. “Despite hiring highly skilled professionals to help run the businesses, the owner is essentially responsible for all outcomes,” she says. She manages this by establishing an on-call system that helps share after-hours concerns so that she can concentrate on her family and personal goals. Living close to the office and dedicating certain hours every week to office-related tasks also help her maintain that balance. She sets clear boundaries and prioritizes her time so that both her professional and personal lives thrive.
Dr. Sarna emphasizes the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. “I try to walk my talk. I optimize my hormones, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and get 8 hours of sleep most nights,” she shares. Planning time off, vacations and weekend activities are also crucial strategies she employs to maintain her well-being. By practicing what she preaches, Dr. Sarna sets a positive example for her patients and colleagues, demonstrating the importance of holistic health.
Overcoming Professional Challenges
One of the biggest professional challenges Dr. Sarna has faced is dealing with a broken healthcare system. “To make ends meet, we were having to see twenty-six or more patients daily,” she explains. This model left little time to truly know patients and assist them effectively. Dr. Sarna chose to transition to a membership model where she was able to see fewer patients and spend more time with each one, making it a much more rewarding practice. “I feel the future of Primary Care Medicine is going in this direction,” she adds. Not only has it improved patient care, but also job satisfaction because she is now practicing medicine the way she values.
A Significant Success Story
Among her many successes, one story stands out for Dr. Sarna. A female patient with a history of significant depression experienced a remarkable transformation after hormone optimization. “She was pelleted in August and has never been back to the hospital with Depression since,” Dr. Sarna exclaims.
This success story highlights the importance of addressing the root cause of health issues and not just treating symptoms. It also underscores the potential of integrative approaches in transforming patients’ lives, reinforcing Dr. Sarna’s commitment to holistic care.
Physician Owner Responsibilities
Dr. Sarna’s duty is to help her patients with medical advice and care. “We spend the time they need and seek the root cause of their concerns,” she says. At the core of her practice is creating a plan for success together with her patients. Patient-centered, it ensures that each individual feels heard and valued, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
Keeping up with Advancements
To keep up with the most recent breakthroughs in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine, Dr. Sarna attends both live and virtual Continued Medical Education events. “My last event was Longevityfest by A4M,” she says. Continuous learning is also achieved through frequent webinars and conferences. Keeping abreast of the latest research and techniques will ensure that her practice remains ahead of the curve in terms of medical innovation.
Key Qualities to Thrive
Dr. Sarna calls aspiring women leaders to seek out mentors and engage with like-minded professionals. “Build relationships with like-minded professionals and network,” she says. This involves becoming an expert in your passion and using relations to learn mutually and advance further. This also helps one grow professionally; and creates a community of care and support for healthcare professionals.
Courage and perseverance are essential qualities for success in family medicine, according to Dr. Sarna. “Be willing to chart your own path; avoid employed medicine, if at all possible,” she advises. Listening to patients and creating a niche based on one’s passion are /crucial for a fulfilling career. By embracing these qualities, healthcare professionals can navigate the challenges of the field and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Dr. Kristine Sarna is a paragon of commitment, innovation, and compassion on the journey through family medicine and integrative holistic care. Balancing professional life with personal life, continuous learning, and passionate patient care is something that is only found in the best of practitioners in the health industry. Dr. Sarna will inspire and mentor generations of healthcare professionals, and the impact of this work will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. Her story is a great reminder of what one dedicated individual can do to make a difference in the lives of many.
