Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
As healthcare providers and funding systems slowly shift toward a population health management model, many clinics are developing tools that focus on working with individuals to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyles.
Brandi Froede, a certified health fitness coach, works with Dr. Hani Chaabo in the Integrative Medicine Clinic. She assists him in providing support, counseling, and other insight into people looking to progress on their wellness journeys.
“This is not the kind of job you clock in and out of. This is a passion,” said Froede.
“In the last eight months, I have witnessed patients lose weight and improve their health without any invasive lifestyle change or unsustainable diet trends.”
While Froede offers expert advice on nutrition and activity, she bases these plans on input from everything to sleeping habits, support systems, medications, and stress. “When you address everything together, even small changes can make huge improvements in overall health.”
Froese has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years, starting as a certified medical assistant before she turned 16. Since then, she has worked in specialties ranging from ophthalmology, orthopedics, trauma, and more. In addition to her education in nursing, she is certified through the Primal Health Institute for fitness and health coaching.
In a given week, Froede works with about 20 individuals whose overall health, backgrounds, and goals are highly individualized. “My job is about putting the patient in the driver’s seat, having them tell me their destination, and providing them with the best directions on how to get there,” she said.
She helps patients explore different lifestyle changes and how adjustments can help them achieve optimal health.
“For me, it’s about being the cheerleader we all need in life, without judgment, that encourages others in their passions to do and be their best.”
What that journey looks like for each individual is different. “The patient is the captain of the ship,” she said. Some have accomplished what they set out to do and “graduated” from the program. Others continue to make progress at their own speed. Others achieve their original goals and then set new ones for themselves.
Dr. Chaabo said that Froede’s dedication has “always been 10 steps ahead of me” in establishing and managing the new clinic.
“She’s a rockstar and the most dedicated nurse I’ve ever seen or worked with. She puts 200 percent into her patients,” he said.
“People are losing weight, taking up new hobbies, resuming old ones, choosing healthier foods that they enjoy because they’re empowered with the knowledge and guidance to do so.”
He also commended her ability to connect with people, which helps them to reconnect with their best selves. “I truly believe the universe smiled on me when I was paired with Brandi.”
“I absolutely love working with Dr. Chaabo,” Froede said. She noted that even before Integrative Medicine became more broadly embraced, she always believed that mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual components of health must be evaluated together in order to achieve wellness.
“I do not believe I would have been able to be a professional health coach without his push for this. His practice of treating the whole person takes healthcare to a whole new level,” she said.
To make an appointment with Dr. Chaabo or with Froede, call 760-499-3863.
