Editor’s Note: We spoke with Christina Parker, MSN, NP, the owner of Restorative Medical Center located on Venice Island at 706 The Rialto (look for the blue roof). Please call 941-625-0304. Learn more at RestorativeMedicalCenter.com.
Christina, please introduce Restorative Medical Center and what are your primary services?
I launched Restorative Medical Center in 2012 to help local patients dealing with various conditions and challenges. I earned my master’s degree in nursing and credentials as a nurse practitioner. Our expertise at the center includes the following: Thyroid Health, Nutrition, EMsculpt (surgery free lifts and toning), Emsella (urinary incontinence), IV Therapies, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy and Topical Creams, Vanquish ME (targets belly fat), Growth hormone, Custom Healthy Weight Loss Programs, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) to treat chronic fatigue and various autoimmune disorders, and more. I say more because I’m constantly evaluating new products and protocols that can help our patients.
What is functional medicine and what inspired you to get involved?
Functional medicine focuses on the root cause of a disease or medical condition. It treats the whole person and not just a symptom. Functional medicine inspires my love for patient care.
How do you use blood testing and why’s it important?
We use blood testing to gather information such as inflammatory markers, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and information related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It’s important to know what’s going on with a patient at the cellular level. Being able to use a tracking system to recognize when something is off before major issues occur enhances preventative care, which is smart medicine.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Patient-centered care is analogous to putting together a puzzle. The various pieces include a person’s family history, childhood illnesses, life events, nutritional profile, and more. A complete analysis helps determine the best path for lab work and various forms of care. I love being able to integrate western and eastern medicine. Many patients refer relatives and friends which is very meaningful.
What would you like to share about your staff and family?
I have a dedicated staff including Michelle, a RN, and Janette our medical assistant. We all thrive working in healthcare and feel blessed to have so many interesting and amazing patients.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to the Venice area?
I was born and raised in a small farming community in Northeast Indiana. I moved to Florida in 2007 to enjoy the warmer weather. I live with my children and our goldendoodle, Chloe, and blue heeler, Blue. We love living in the Venice area.
