Moms Mean Business: Featuring Atou Diarra, Owner of Preventative Health & Wellness Center

Meet Atou Diarra, a board certified nurse practitioner. At 39 years old she is the mother of 2 beautiful boys, Logan (5) and Liam (17 months) currently living in Parkland Florida.

Read on to learn more about her journey of becoming a nurse practitioner and opening her own practice, Preventative Health and Wellness Center.

Tell us about yourself.

I was originally born and raised in Marseille, France, and moved to the United States when I was 18 years old. I went straight into Duquesne University School of Nursing in Pittsburgh upon first coming to the U.S.

After I graduated, I moved to Silver Springs, Maryland and worked as a registered nurse in the Emergency department for 4 years. I finally found my way down to South Florida in 2008 where I met my husband. I continued my journey as a registered nurse until I decided to further my education and went to Barry University for my Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. After working in the field of Endocrinology for 9 years, in 2021 I decided to open my own practice, Preventive Health and Wellness Center, in Coral Springs, Florida.

Tell us about your company.

I am the owner and CEO of Preventive Health and Wellness Center which is a healthcare clinic focusing mainly on treating patients with pre-diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes but also other endocrine-related disorders such as thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, testosterone deficiency, and much more.

My goal is to prevent future illnesses, treat chronic conditions, and optimize patients’ overall health. I also provide wellness treatments such as Botox, IV vitamin hydration, and customized weight loss programs.

My practice differentiates itself by giving patients customized one-on-one care in a very relaxing “spa-like” environment. I aspire to provide each patient a unique healthcare experience to foster the feeling that healthcare is truly self-care while cultivating a patient-provider relationship that supports their goals. I see each patient at their exact appointment time and provide them with an unrushed thorough visit.

For more information visit: https://preventivehealth.kartra.com/

Preventive Health & Wellness Center – Preventive Health & Wellness Center (preventivehealthwc.com)

Why did you decide to pivot your career and start your own business?

After having my kids, my life’s priorities completely shifted. I knew that I needed to adjust my life to not only be satisfied with my career but also have time to spend with my family.

As an employee working for multiple practices and hospitals, I always felt like something was missing. Throughout the years, I realized that “time” was the missing factor. I didn’t have enough time with my patients or enough time with my family.

Working for these medical companies, I had no choice but to work under certain standards that I found less than optimal. Seeing patients in 20 minutes, or even 15 minutes, was expected of me. I always felt rushed. This was simply not enough time to treat all the complex conditions my patients had and provide them with the care they needed and deserved.

This brought me to the realization that I was not satisfied with my career. This was not the way I wanted to practice medicine.

In the midst of all my internal struggles, my father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He was going through irregular blood sugars, fatigue, and weight fluctuation due to being over-medicated. My mother was very worried, and that is when I decided to take over his care. After months of education, treatments and new habit formation his life was completely changed for the better. All his symptoms had resolved and he was finally in control of his disease. This was my epiphany! I knew I could help patients the same way I had helped my father. But more importantly, I wanted to prevent the disease from ever happening.

This is the reason why I opened my own practice called Preventive Health and Wellness Center where I focus on not only preventing the disease, but also helping, guiding and treating patients who already have been diagnosed with diabetes.

I created the Diabetes Reboot Program to help patients reclaim their health by helping them reverse the habits that contribute to a diagnosis of diabetes. The program addresses all the important factors affecting diabetes such as stress, nutrition, exercise, medications, and much more.

For more information visit: https://preventivehealth.kartra.com/

How do you juggle running your company with spending time with your family?

I am still learning how to juggle the many tasks of a new entrepreneur and time with my family. It can sometimes feel very difficult to find enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things that I need to do for my business and still dedicate valuable time to my family. At the end of the day, I always strive to be the best version of myself with my family and try to not to bring the stresses of work home with me.

What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

My greatest challenge was to take a leap of faith and start my own business. Looking back, I can’t believe I was crazy enough to move into a new home, have my second child, and start a new business all in the same year.

Building a business has been, and continues to be, one of the most challenging yet rewarding adventures. Being able to help and treat patients on my own terms and take a different approach to healthcare is truly satisfying.

What lessons have you learned in your career that you apply to parenting (or vice versa)?

Just like I celebrate my kids’ milestones and accomplishments, I have learned to celebrate the small victories in my business. It is so easy to get caught up in only focusing on achieving the next goal without taking a second to celebrate what you have already accomplished.

What do you hope to pass to your children about success and failure?

I would like them to understand that they can truly achieve whatever they put their minds to and to never let challenges dissuade them from pushing through until they reach their dreams.

How has motherhood impacted you both personally and professionally?

Motherhood has changed my life in so many ways. Personally, motherhood has made me physically and mentally stronger. I have become more patient and understanding. Professionally, motherhood has taught me to have balance and to not stress about everything.

Is there a promo code or discount code you can offer readers?

We are offering a free vitamin shot or Lipo shot with the purchase of any service. Mention promo code SOFLO MOM when booking your appointment to qualify. Offer ends 08/31/2022.

Some FUN! Getting to know YOU: