ADVANCING OBESITY CARE IN MINNESOTA.

Natalie is a board-certified Physician Assistant who works as an Obesity Medicine Specialist at Bhatti Weight Loss Center. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Minnesota and her Master's degree in PA Studies at Augsburg University. She designed, implemented and directed 'The Great Slim Down' Primary Care Weight Management Program at Hennepin Healthcare for over 6 years. She received the Certificate of Advanced Education from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and the Obesity Management Primary Care Certificate from the AAPA. She is an active member of OMA and serves as a mentor to other APP members. Natalie is passionate about helping people achieve sustainable weight loss by utilizing anti-obesity medications in combination with the lifestyle pillars. She aims to eliminate the stigma and shame patients often feel surrounding their struggles with weight.

Dr. Reierson is a family physician and obesity medicine specialist bringing holistic, comprehensive weight inclusive healthcare to all individuals as a practicing physician leader at Knownwell Health. Dr. Reierson is passionate about patient centered care, advocacy, and education in the field of obesity medicine. As a leader in primary care, obesity medicine, population health and healthcare innovation and strategy, her goal is to remove inequity, stigma, bias, and barriers of care across the healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Reierson is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, serving on multiple committees, and the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians where she sits on the MAFP Foundation Board.

A native Minnesotan, Allie Rodriguez obtained her degree in physician assistant studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in 2013, and is thrilled to be back in her home state. She has been working at Associates in Women’s Health since 2016 and is one of the cofounders of the women’s health obesity medicine program, Metabolic Health and Wellness. Her mission is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of her patients through evidence-based science, support, education and empowerment.  Outside of the clinic, Allie enjoys spending time with her 3 young children and her husband, running, biking, and walking their dogs.

Dr. Lauren Bloch is a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Pharmacist working at the M Health Fairview Comprehensive Weight Management Clinic. She went to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for pharmacy school. She completed her PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Residency through the University of Minnesota and Fairview Health Services in 2018. She started her MTM practice after residency at the M Health Fairview Comprehensive Weight Management Clinic and has overseen its development and growth over the last 6 years. She is currently the Operations Lead for the MTM pharmacy team at her clinic, working with three other MTM pharmacists specializing in weight management. She enjoys partnering with patients to reach their health goals. Her collaboration with the patient’s health care team hopes to improve drug therapy outcomes by ensuring medications are appropriate, effective safe and convenient.

Kaylin is a Nurse Practitioner working in internal medicine and jail health services where she provides comprehensive primary care to patients of all backgrounds. She is passionate about lifestyle medicine, preventative health and serving vulnerable patient populations. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a doctorate in nursing practice specializing as an Adult/Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She additionally completed a certificate through the center for spirituality & healing at the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, she completed a post-graduate certificate through the University of Winona where she became board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well. She has since completed her Certificate of Advanced Education from the Obesity Medicine Association to better serve her patients' managing chronic health conditions related to obesity. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling and engaging in physical activity such as running, biking, strength training and yoga.

Nicole Akhigbe, DNP, is a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, including 10 years as a Nurse Practitioner in primary care. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Nicole has focused her career on improving patient health outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based care. For more than seven years, she has specialized in obesity medicine and has earned an Advanced Certificate of Education from the Obesity Medicine Association. Nicole currently works in weight management at Allina Health, helping individuals achieve healthier lives through personalized treatments and long-term support. As a board member of the Minnesota Obesity Society, Nicole is passionate about advancing awareness, education, and access to care for individuals affected by obesity. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, staying active, cooking for her family, and making the most of Minnesota summers in northern Minnesota.

Dr. Theerhakarai is a board certified Family Medicine Physician who works as the Medical Director for Allina Health Medical Weight Management Program. She has a passion for preventive health and teaching her patients about disease processes. When not practicing obesity medicine, you can find her spending time with her husband and two sons, traveling, exercising, cooking, dancing and visiting theme parks.