Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Douglas Lucas, Founder of Optimal Human Health, located in Asheville, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Optimal Human Health is a health optimization platform. We are a physician-led group of experts who can elevate your health to help you meet your goals! We serve the growing community of people who expect more from their health and life than their insurance company does. Our patients are looking to feel and function the best that they can with what they have.
Our program starts with a lifestyle review to identify where our patients can focus their energy and improve the basics. We collect data from genetics and extensive blood and functional testing. Once the data is received, we create a plan that includes lifestyle change, targeted supplementation, and a discussion of hormone optimization, peptides, and medications where appropriate. Our team of coaches, physician assistants, and physicians will meet with our patients regularly to hold them accountable for their goals and help them with the change.
Through this process, we have the ability to improve people's stamina, ambition, vitality, energy, and desire for life. We have put diseases like diabetes in remission, helped people let go of medications they no longer need, and stopped bone loss in its tracks for those with osteoporosis. We can serve those with chronic diseases and those looking to optimize without them. We live an optimal life and want to help you do the same!
Tell us about yourself
I entered the medical world as an orthopedic surgeon. After finishing my training with a fellowship at Stanford, I practiced traditional orthopedic surgery for 6 years. During that time, I became frustrated by my inability to impact my patients' lives the way I wanted to. Too many of my patients had surgical problems that could have been prevented. The gap between health care as I saw it should be and "sick care" as it has become was too much for me to tolerate. I pursued additional fellowship training in functional and precision medicine. I received training in hormone optimization and peptide therapy so that I could start Optimal Human Health and Optimal Bone Health, our bone health "arm." I am obsessed with growing this platform so we can help people optimize their health and lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting over the fear and unknown of stepping away from the traditional health care model! Stepping away completely was the most difficult thing I've had to do professionally. I enjoy operating and have a high level of skill in doing so. My heart lies here in the health optimization space, though.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding the balance between seeing patients and operating the business! I enjoy seeing patients but now am saddled with all of the responsibilities of running a business and medical practice. I work more hours now than I did as an orthopedic surgeon! However, we are bringing on more providers and admin support to balance our team, provide even better service, and reach more people.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with a solid plan! Work with a coach BEFORE you start your business, so you have a clear picture of where you want to go.
- Talk with people who have done something similar to what you want to do.
- Work with a health optimization expert to optimize your health so you can optimize your business!!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We love working with entrepreneurs and high performers to help them improve their health so they can grow their businesses and help others. Small business owners are the employers, providers, and lifeblood of our country. We want to help you thrive!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://optimalhumanhealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimalHumanHealth/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/optimal_human_health/
https://www.instagram.com/dr_douglucas/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3aTSNjL
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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