Dr. Catherine Toomer’s Journey from Patient to Physician Advocate

In this episode of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay podcast, Dr. Kerry Reller sits down with Dr. Catherine Toomer, a family medicine and community health physician specializing in metabolic weight care. Dr. Toomer shares her personal health journey, the importance of a compassionate approach to obesity care, and the challenges surrounding GLP-1 medications and accessibility.

Key Takeaways:

• A Personal Journey to Advocacy: Dr. Toomer’s near-death experience with congestive heart failure and obesity shaped her mission to create a more compassionate and effective weight care model.

• Training the Next Generation of Physicians: Recognizing the gaps in traditional obesity care, Dr. Toomer now trains doctors to provide patient-centered, kind, and science-backed metabolic weight management.

• GLP-1 Medications & Accessibility: While GLP-1 medications are highly effective, their cost and availability remain significant barriers. Dr. Toomer discusses the controversy around compounded medications and how to identify safe options.

• Beyond the Scale – A Holistic Approach: Effective weight management requires more than medication; addressing psychological and social factors is essential for sustainable health.

• Empowering Patients with Knowledge: Understanding how to navigate treatment options, insurance coverage, and prescription safety is critical for those seeking weight management support.

Conclusion:

Dr. Toomer’s work highlights the importance of treating obesity with empathy, expertise, and accessibility. By training physicians and advocating for patient-centered care, she is transforming the landscape of metabolic health. This conversation sheds light on the evolving world of obesity medicine and how patients can make informed decisions about their health.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Catherine Toomer is a board-certified family medicine and community health physician specializing in metabolic weight care. Inspired by her own health journey, she founded a weight management program that integrates science, compassion, and accessibility. In addition to her clinical work, she trains physicians to build patient-centered obesity care practices and advocates for safe, affordable treatment options.

Listen to the full episode on the Get Healthy Tampa Bay podcast!