By Deb Risden
Family Nurse Practitioner Alicia Lewis opened Graceful Care Primary in Falcon in early January. The practice provides primary care (e.g., preventive, checkups, chronic condition management), hormone and testosterone replacement therapy (HRT and TRT), IV hydration therapy and medical weight loss.
Lewis was a registered nurse for over a decade for CommonSpirit Health in the cardiovascular unit, eventually moving to the emergency room at St. Francis, where she was promoted to charge nurse (shift supervisor).
Life changed for Lewis in 2020 when she was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer. “During that time, it really gave me a perspective of life as a patient rather than a provider, and I learned a lot,” Lewis said.
Once she completed chemotherapy and surgical treatments, Lewis said she wanted to become a provider who offers not only empathetic care but preventive care services that are often overlooked. “I wanted to be the person to hear the complaints and not dismiss them. I wanted to position myself to provide that education and the screenings early on,” Lewis said. “I want my patients to know they are in the driver’s seat and they can advocate for themselves. What they want is important.”
Lewis went on to become a family nurse practitioner. She said she is licensed to diagnose and treat patients the same as a medical doctor, except for invasive surgeries. NPs can perform small procedures such as mole removals.
Along with primary care, Graceful Care Primary offers HRT and IV infusions. “These are things I can advocate for and attest to in my practice because of my own experience,” Lewis said.
Gastrointestinal cancer was not Lewis’ first experience with cancer, and after needing a hysterectomy and trying mainstream treatment of medications through patches and pills, she found HRT worked for her. “It is important for me to not automatically prescribe antidepressants when I hear women and men say they’re dealing with certain symptoms,” she said. “When we have these deficits, it’s not always because of depression or anxiety. It can be from a chemical imbalance. I offer HRT because hormones play a huge part in our systems.”
Lewis offers IV infusions of vitamins and nutrients. She feels that if people have an adequate diet, they can get what they need for their bodies. “When there are deficiencies or illness, our immune system is under attack,” Lewis said. “A vascular infusion of vitamins and nutrients can provide what the body needs more quickly. An IV can also be preventative in providing supplements that the body needs.”
Lewis takes a medical approach to weight loss, not fad diets. Her focus begins with a thorough assessment and can include weight loss medications, if appropriate, along with goal setting, nutrition and exercise coaching. She works with her patients in monitoring progress that can be maintained over time.
Lewis is originally from Louisiana and has lived in the Falcon area with her three children ages 9, 10 and 12 for 11 years. Her children attend District 49 schools. They enjoy hiking and being outdoors as a family.
Reflecting on a time she cared for a terminal patient in a hospital, Lewis said the patient expressed gratitude for having cancer. “I recall that conversation because that became my story. How could someone be grateful? In all honesty, it puts you in a position to see life in a different way and to not take things for granted,” she said. “It gives you a chance to realign your attitude. I am grateful I endured that journey because it made me a better person.”
Graceful Care Primary is located at 7495 McLaughlin Road, Suite 205. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plans to be open one or two Saturdays each month. They take most insurances, including Medicare and TriCare. Appointments can be made through the website, gracefulcareprimary.com, or by calling 719-398-8222.
