Honoring Loma Linda's Legacy: An Alumni's Journey to Integrative Health
Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read's path to a career in public health and integrative medicine has been anything but conventional. Originally from France, Dr. Fradin-Read was first a physician before moving to the United States and discovering her true calling in preventive care and holistic wellness.
"My calling was really in prevention," Dr. Fradin-Read explains. "I looked at all the programs in the U.S. and Loma Linda University (LLU) stood out to me." Inspired by Loma Linda's Adventist foundation and emphasis on caring for the whole person - body, mind and spirit - Dr. Fradin-Read decided to apply to the School of Public Health.
The two years she spent at LLU were transformative. "It was one of the best times of my life," she reflects. "I loved meeting new people and learning in such a harmonious environment." Dr. Fradin-Read was particularly drawn to LLU’s integrative approach, which aligned perfectly with her own health philosophy.
"I like the idea of respecting your body, your mind, and the gift of God to get to optimal health," she says. This ethos has become central to Dr. Fradin-Read's work at her practice, VitaLifeMD.
When working with patients, Dr. Fradin-Read always starts with nutrition and lifestyle. "I ask them about their whole lifestyle - that's how I brought my teaching from Loma Linda into my practice." She's found that empowering patients with education is key. "If they're taught what to do, it becomes very interesting for a lot of people to learn that they can improve their health on their own."
One pivotal experience during her time at Loma Linda was collaborating with parents from low-income families to educate them about managing their children's asthma. "It was so intense to sit with parents and tell them what asthma means and how they could tackle it," she remembers. "That was an intense moment and [I realized] how education could make a difference."
Moments like these have had a profound impact, shaping Dr. Fradin-Read's career path and underscoring the importance of integrating public health principles into clinical practice. "Public health is also one-on-one," she says. "I personally have done more education in longevity and vitality."
Now, as the founder of VitaLifeMD, Dr. Fradin-Read is putting those lessons into action. Her practice's mission is to help patients "figure out their internal potential to get to better health" and achieve optimal wellness and longevity. Under her leadership, VitaLifeMD has become known for its personalized, prevention-focused approach that empowers patients.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fradin-Read hopes to deepen her connection to Loma Linda by participating in future research projects. She's also looking to expand her team, bringing on a junior doctor to carry forward Loma Linda's integrative approach.
"The field is growing, and there is demand everywhere," she says. “I want to try to give the world a little bit more of what I learned at Loma Linda."
As a pioneering voice in the realm of public health and integrative care, Dr. Fradin-Read is poised to make an even greater impact. Her unwavering commitment to prevention, education, and holistic wellness exemplifies LLU's legacy of producing changemakers who improve the health and well-being of their communities. If you are interested in learning more about her work, visit vitalifemd.com or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube.