We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Patrice High and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Patrice, how does your business help the community?
Caring for the sickest patients in our country (here in the stroke belt) for the last 23 years as a Family Physician—and now as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician—I’ve had a front-row seat to patients getting sicker at younger ages. This revelation, after my own health struggles with obesity and new-onset shortness of breath postpartum, as well as having COVID-19 three separate times despite all precautions, led to an inherent need to practice medicine differently than I was originally trained. The classic medical model no longer served me.

Despite access to the best medications and interventions in the world, we—as humans, here in the U.S.—are still sicker than any other country. Watching patients younger than myself improve in one area of their health, only to have catastrophic events in others, was not only disheartening—it was terribly unfulfilling. I knew there was a missing piece to my training. I just needed to find it.

Through research and persistence, I found the missing link: Lifestyle Medicine. It became the key for me and ignited a new purpose—partnering with my patients using a lifestyle-first approach, alongside medications when necessary. Teaching women how to incorporate lifestyle tools in a simple, practical manner to prevent, improve, and even reverse chronic disease is so much more fulfilling and empowering—for me as a clinician, and for my patients.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m Dr. Patrice High—a mother, wife, and a Board-Certified Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician with over 20 years of experience. I’m also a frustrated provider who desperately wanted BETTER outcomes for my patients. I was angry that the career I pledged to honor had failed me and my patients—believing I had all the tools I needed to help people heal.

When my one and only baby was born, he came with a 30-lb extension to my waist on my already obese frame. I have been overweight/obese while yo-yo dieting all my life, and this didn’t help my wellness or self-esteem—despite all my accolades. The day my beautiful infant was crying in his upstairs bedroom, and I struggled to climb 12 stairs—needing to catch my breath at the top—was the first time I felt like a failure as a mother.

I thought about what my child would think of me in the future. I was disappointed in myself as a doctor, too. How could I expect my patients to engage in their wellness if I wasn’t going to? In that moment, it felt like I was failing at all aspects of my life. We all engage in behaviors that don’t serve us. I had resigned myself to the assumption that all the women in my family just end up diabetic in their 40s anyway.

But deep in my soul, I did not want this to be my fate. I longed to do it differently—but I didn’t know how. I had not only failed myself but, most importantly, my patients. I knew I needed better options to help all of us.

So, I did what most Type A people do—I did an extensive search. That search led me to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Through proven research, patients can prevent, improve, and even reverse lifestyle illnesses like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, early heart disease, and early dementia.
This discovery helped me overcome my own self-limiting beliefs and realize: I am not my genes. I no longer needed to worry that I couldn’t reverse my “expected fate.” That was hugely empowering. My first step in this transformation was shifting to a plant-forward diet. Success in that area gave me the confidence to improve other lifestyle measures.

I was finally able to release that 30 lbs and be the example I knew I was called to be—for my son, my family, and my patients. As I transformed, my patients began asking me to share my tips and tricks for weight loss, reducing medication needs, and achieving wellness.
Being able to share my journey reignited the love I had for a career I had started to regret. Supporting people toward wellness through science-backed lifestyle coaching is why I went into medicine all those years ago. Now, my work finally feels aligned with my purpose.

At NuEmpowerment Health, we use a lifestyle-first approach through a telehealth model—what every patient deserves. We created this method of care because women deserve to be seen, heard, and valued through extended visits that address their true health goals—in the privacy of their own space.

We build customized, personalized, lifestyle-mediated programs for each client—where they are in the driver’s seat of their empowered healing, with accountability at every visit from a physician coach. This respects the PCP relationship, while also recognizing that a short doctor visit is not conducive to the needs of patients with chronic illness.

Rebuilding medicine to truly focus on the patient has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest joy. Our conventional medical model has conditioned society to believe that health can be transformed in a 15-minute visit—usually limited to prescriptions and lab results. This “pharmaceutical-only” approach leaves little room for real health transformation, patient empowerment, or addressing the root causes of chronic disease. As a result, many people never experience the full potential of healing through lifestyle change, despite its powerful impact on conditions like diabetes, obesity. hypertension, early heart disease, stroke risk, and even dementia prevention.

At NuEmpowerment Health, we’re changing that narrative. We combine the medical expertise of a board-certified physician with the accountability and guidance of personalized health coaching. Our 60-minute sessions are designed to create a safe, no-judgment space where patients can unpack what’s truly holding them back from reaching their goals—and develop strategies for lasting wellness. We focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through a lifestyle-first approach that helps you take back control of your health.

My journey here wasn’t easy. After two decades in traditional medicine, I found myself burned out, working 15-hour days filled with endless charting and corporate demands that left little time for meaningful patient connection—or my own self-care. I loved my patients deeply, but I could no longer serve them, or myself, in a system that valued volume over vitality. That realization became my turning point. When family duties called it was time to pivot.

Through NuEmpowerment Health, I’ve rediscovered the joy of medicine. I’m now doing the work I was called to do—partnering with God’s people who are ready to reclaim their health with heart-centered support, holistic care, and sustainable change.

What have I learned along the way? That patients deserve the best of their physicians—time, attention, and tools that go beyond prescriptions. And that healing starts when both doctor and patient are empowered.

It’s my greatest privilege to walk alongside each client in their next chapter toward wellness, wholeness, and true empowerment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: We’d start with a walk or jog along the Atlanta BeltLine, followed by a smoothie bowl or cold-pressed juice from Dtox or Pressed. Lunch would be at Herban Fix, known for its beautifully prepared plant-based Asian fusion dishes. We’d end the evening with live jazz at St. James Live or an easy dinner at R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, where you can always find fresh, colorful, whole-food options.

Day 2: We’d begin the day hiking Arabia Mountain or Sweetwater Creek State Park— both stunning places to reconnect with nature. Lunch at Local Green Atlanta, where the focus is flavorful, nutrient-dense, whole ingredients. Later, we’d enjoy rooftop views and healthy small bites at Ponce City Market, soaking in the energy of the city.

Day 3: The morning would start with yoga or mindfulness at Sacred Chill West, followed by a nourishing brunch at Cafe Sunflower, a long-loved plant-forward favorite. The afternoon would be perfect for strolling through the Atlanta Botanical Garden then dinner at Planted Soul ATL, where everything centers around real, whole ingredients prepared with intention.

Day 4: We’d spend the morning exploring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, then grab a wholesome lunch from Lov’n It Live in East Point — everything is organic, fresh, and made from scratch. The afternoon might include exploring Castleberry Hill’s murals and local galleries, then tea or a light meal at Serenbe’s Farmhouse Café just outside the city.

Day 5: This day would be all about restoration — a spa visit to Jeju Sauna or The Wellness Spot ATL, followed by a slow lunch at True Food Kitchen, where the seasonal, plant-forward menu never disappoints. We’d end the day with a gentle meditation or sound bath at The Healing Environment.

Day 6: For a more playful day, we’d visit Krog Street Market to explore local, fresh offerings and artisan foods, or spend time at The Battery Atlanta for outdoor fun and live music. Dinner would be colorful, hearty bowls from Recess or Upbeet, where everything is built around real, whole foods.

Day 7: We’d take a peaceful morning walk through Piedmont Park, followed by brunch at Le Petit Marché or Cafe Sunflower. The trip would end with a quiet moment at Jackson Street Bridge, watching the sunset and reflecting on a week of good food, movement, connection, and joy.

Atlanta really is a city where health, flavor, and fun can coexist beautifully. It’s full of culture, creativity, and people who care deeply about living well — body, mind, and spirit. These are exactly the kind of women we love to serve at NuEmpowerment Health — women who are tired of quick doctor visits and prescriptions that never get to the root cause. They’re ready for something different — to fuel their bodies with more plants, move with joy, manage sleep and stress in healthy ways, and surround themselves with meaningful connections that lift them up.

Because lasting health isn’t about restriction — it’s about creating a vibrant, balanced life you love waking up to every day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will be forever grateful for the support of Ebbie and Evelyn High, my parents. Throughout my lifetime, especially in this current growth season, their unwavering support has molded me into the woman and professional I am today. My mother, an elementary educator, and my father in both corrections and entrepreneurship, modeled strong work ethics and a respectful love of others. I was determined to follow suit practicing medicine through the same lens.

There are so many others who have supported me through the years. Some of them are now the angels watching over me. Maggie Mae Matthews, Edna Mitchell, and Rosemary Mixson to share a few. Each of these beautiful souls filled my life with such joy and true friendship. I will be forever grateful for their shared wisdom and kindness. From Maggie, my Godmother, I learned patience, kindness, and love of community service. When I think of Edna (my road trip phone call buddy), I remember long conversations where she’d help me troubleshoot the challenges of my early adulthood while sharing the prudent stories from her own parental journey. Her no nonsense approach brought joy and laughter every time I had the pleasure of speaking with her. Last, but certainly not least, Rosemary Mixson, shared stories about the challenges of working in medicine and the humorous things that we knew noone else outside of medicine would understand. Her laugh was infectious and her support immeasurable. I will always treasure the lessons I’ve learned from all these individuals. I honor their contributions and will do my very best to pay these lessons forward in all the lives I touch!

Website: https://www.nuempowermenthealth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuempowermenthealth/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpatricehigh

Facebook: : https://www.facebook.com/nuempowermenthealth

Other: To book a no fee discovery call to see if our services can support your current health goals:

https://www.nuempowermenthealth.com/drpatricehigh

For interest in Juice Plus products or Tower Garden hydroponic gardening: see our website other services tab

Image Credits
Christian Osborne
Chuck Williams

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