We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Burger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.
Emily , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose when I started practicing as a physician assistant and saw firsthand the frustration and hopelessness my patients were often experiencing. They were searching for real answers, but within our conventional healthcare system, they were often given temporary band-aid solutions rather than true healing. It was extremely discouraging and disheartening to realize all of the years of schooling that I completed was not allowing me to help people the way I wanted to. This realization forced me to take a deep look inward and ask myself how I could break this cycle. That’s what led me to functional medicine and starting my consulting company. By taking an alternate path, I’ve been able to help clients uncover the root causes of their symptoms and finally find long-term solutions. Seeing people regain their health and quality of life has solidified that this is exactly what I was born to do, because life isn’t merely to just be alive, but to be well.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a wife and mother of four which keeps everyday life a little spicy! Being married to an avid outdoorsman, having twin boys who are determined to be in the MLB, and two daughters that love singing, dancing, flipping, traveling, and all things girly, there is never a dull moment! I deeply value my family and the relationships in my life, and I enjoy putting them first. I am a board-certified physician assistant turned functional gut health consultant, which of course, there is a story behind. After spending two years working in Cardiology managing a multitude of chronic diseases, followed by the last twelve years working in Dermatology treating chronic inflammatory conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and chronic hives, I started growing frustrated with the gaps in conventional healthcare. Over the years, I’ve realized the conventional healthcare model often focuses on masking symptoms instead of addressing the root cause, leaving patients feeling frustrated and shackled, needing often costly long-term medications to feel normal. The current healthcare system is a vicious cycle of diagnose and prescribe, and nobody is really looking for the why. They don’t have time with the constant pressure to increase the number of patients seen per day! This just didn’t align with me. I was inspired to start Holistic Healing Consulting, a virtual consulting practice focused on optimizing the gut microbiome and root cause healing. As a functional gut health consultant, I guide clients on their wellness journey with a root-cause approach, no band-aids! I value spending TIME with my clients, focusing on the whole body. I enjoy teaching the importance of nutrition, mindset, movement, nervous system regulation, and sleep optimization for optimal vitality.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are being a strong relator, having a futuristic mindset, and being a lifelong learner. As a relator, I genuinely connect with people on a deep level, which has been crucial in understanding my patients’ struggles and building trust. Healing isn’t just about protocols, it’s about listening, empathizing, and meeting people where they are so they feel truly seen and supported. Having a futuristic mindset, I have always been driven by a vision of what’s possible, both for myself and those I care for. Instead of accepting the status quo of conventional medicine, I constantly seek better, more sustainable ways to help people heal. This forward-thinking approach led me to functional medicine, where I can focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Lastly, as a lifelong learner, the health field is constantly evolving, and I thrive on deepening my knowledge. I’m always researching, refining my approach, and staying ahead of new advancements. These strengths have shaped my success by allowing me to connect deeply, think ahead, and never stop improving. My best is advice to those early in their journey is to find YOUR strengths. They might be completely different than mine, and that’s ok! As a society we tend to focus on our weaknesses rather than leaning into our strengths. Find yours and lean into them. Learn how they shape you and how you can use them to your advantage!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I practice the pause. I walk away from what is causing stress or overwhelm, go for a walk, listen to music that lifts my spirit, practice some deep breathing…whatever I have time for. It instantly helps me reset and refocus. I used to think I just needed to power through feelings of stress and overwhelm, but I have learned that the end result is better when I recognize when it’s time to step away for a little while and practice that pause. Everyone needs to hit that reset button from time to time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holistichealingco.net
- Instagram: @emily_holistichealingco
- Facebook: Emily Burger
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