98. The Functional NP: Advancing Education, Expanding Impact

Brittany McNeil is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized care. With extensive experience in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Aesthetics, Weight Loss solutions, and Wellness Visits, Brittany provides a holistic approach to health that focuses on both the physical and emotional well-being of each patient. Brittany works closely with patients to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, offering customized treatment plans that optimize overall vitality and quality of life.

Brittany’s own health challenges led her to specialize in hormone therapy, and she later expanded into areas like thyroid and gut health. Brittany shares invaluable insights on the mental health impacts of hormone replacement therapy, using tools like GAD and PHQ-9 to highlight improvements in anxiety and depression. We also discuss the advantages of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, California's controversial legislation affecting nurse practitioners, and the importance of balancing professional aspirations with family life.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Brittany transitioned from CNA to NP and embraced functional medicine.
• Why mastering specialized areas like hormone therapy is crucial before exploring thyroid and gut health.
• How hormone replacement therapy can positively impact mental health.
• Why continuous education and personalized patient care are vital for nurse practitioners in functional medicine.
• How Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs emphasize leadership and clinical excellence.
• Why California's legislation barring DNPs from using "doctor" in clinical settings is controversial.
• How tools like ChatGPT and Google Scholar can enhance research, despite academic restrictions on AI.
• How ongoing initiatives are aiming to secure FDA approval for testosterone use in women.
• How Brittany advocates for nurse practitioners' recognition, especially in underserved rural areas.
• The all-female advisory board that Lexi has been invited to join.
• Details on an upcoming documentary that Lexi is involved with regarding female testosterone.

Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittany.thenp

Frank Institute for Health and Wellness: https://frankinstitute.com

Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com