We want to celebrate another amazing woman with National Doctor's Day just around the corner! We are pleased to introduce you to Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper. She is a podcast host and Telehealth doctor with Myasthenia Gravis. Find out more about her passion projects and her journey with MG!
Name: Vickie Petz Kasper, M.D.
Title: Host of “Healthy Looks Great on You,” lifestyle medicine podcast. Chief Medical Officer “Equilibrium Medical,” Telehealth lifestyle medicine practice.
Can you tell us about your journey in the medical field and what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
When I was just out of high school I got a job as a nurse’s aide. I planned to be a physical therapist, so when there was an opening for a tech in that department, I was able to transfer. The labor and delivery unit was just around the corner and it fascinated me that they delivered babies behind the “Authorized Personnel Only” doors. The physical therapist arranged for me to watch a delivery and I was hooked! Even before I decided to change my major to pre-med, I wanted to deliver babies. Over the course of my career, I had the privilege of delivering over 5,000 babies.
What motivates you to continue making a positive impact on your patients' lives, and how do you maintain a sense of fulfillment in your profession?
Having purpose in life is crucial. At this point, my experiences as a patient, physician and administrator have all come together for my current endeavors. The encouragement and feedback I get from people keeps me motivated. When someone tells me I made a huge difference in their life, whether it was yesterday or 20 years ago, I treasure that.
When were you diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis? Can you share some insights into your experience with MG?
I was diagnosed with ocular MG in 2014. About 6 weeks later, it developed into generalized MG in a pretty dramatic moment. I was in the middle of doing a C-section and my hands wouldn’t move. I have seronegative MG. When I was first hospitalized, they pumped me full of high doses of steroids, then accused me of faking. I have faked being well, but I have never faked being sick. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for MG patients to not be believed. The symptoms fluctuate and are weird; it can make you feel like you’re going crazy.
Healthy Looks GREAT on You emphasizes a holistic approach to health. Could you elaborate on the key principles or practices that you believe contribute to a person feeling their best?
Lifestyle Medicine is a sub-specialty of conventional medicine. There are 6 pillars: nutritional eating (plant-based), physical fitness, restorative sleep, minimizing exposure to harmful substances, social connectedness and stress management. All six are essential, but I think one of the keys to success is focusing on what you want to change.
Can you share some success stories or memorable moments from your career that highlight the positive impact of a comprehensive health approach?
Our bodies are incredibly complex, so a comprehensive approach is essential. When I think about highlights, I remember times I listened to patients until we figured out what was going on and what to do about it. They say if you listen to a patient long enough, they’ll tell you their diagnosis. The problem is that often healthcare is fragmented, and no one is looking at the whole picture.
When the diagnosis is elusive, the common approach is to keep searching and testing. It can become a never-ending loop that leads nowhere. Sometimes when you’ve ruled out multiple diagnoses, you need to switch gears and figure how to feel better instead of endlessly pursuing a cause. Often that involves lifestyle changes.
As a doctor, what advice do you have for individuals who are looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle but may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start?
Start somewhere. Figure out what matters to you and pinpoint the area you want to change. Explore why you want to change and tap into the transforming power of your internal motivation. Set SMART goals and make yourself accountable. I think there’s tremendous power in being part of a group. Lastly, celebrate every small success.
I offer a free email mini course on my website called “7-Day Prescription for Change,” that really delves into behavior change.
What advice do you have for individuals and their family's navigating life with Myasthenia Gravis?
In a word, advocate! You must advocate for yourself and if possible, your family should advocate for you. I talk to so many patients whose doctor doesn’t believe them or understand how severely their symptoms limit their lives. It’s a tricky disease, because one minute you might look and even feel ok, then the next you can’t move. People don’t understand that and it’s easy for them to see you at your best and think you are well when you really aren’t.
I also advise connecting with others. Support groups are essential. I value the friendships I’ve made in the MG community, even if they’re only online. No one can understand what if feels like to have MG unless they have it. It’s important to have a tribe of people who get it when you say you have that MG feeling.
In celebration of Doctors Day, is there a particular message or piece of wisdom you would like to share?
Many young people are discouraged from going into medicine. I wholeheartedly recommend medicine as a career. It’s a privilege to be trusted to care for people at their most vulnerable times. Nothing could be more rewarding. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it to make a difference.
Thanks for this opportunity! Let me know if you need anything else.
My podcast website is https://www.healthylooksgreatonyou.com
My Telehealth website will be live soon, https://www.equilibriumtelehealth.com
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