Today we’d like to introduce you to S. Latrice Totsch.
Hi S. Latrice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in a lower-income household, so educational and career opportunities were not the main focus when we were just trying to survive. I’ve always loved connecting with and helping others, so my dream was to become a registered nurse to do just that. Because I understood the need to rise above my situation, I found the most affordable way to achieve that goal. For me, that was community college. I attended El Centro College in downtown Dallas, and choosing this route instead of incurring debt from a university straight away was one of the best decisions I could have made. I became a registered nurse in 2006. I returned to school to achieve a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree (Texas Woman’s University). I have been a nurse practitioner in the family practice setting since 2014. I continued my education and obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2019, and finally a Masters of Business again from Texas Woman’s University in 2023. My educational achievements, along with the care I provide to patients, are some of my proudest accomplishments because I am the first to graduate college in my immediate family. Last year, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my family practice to provide care the way I feel is important: with a trusting, collaborative relationship between the patient and their provider.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think almost every road and journey comes with struggles and challenges. I’ve found, however, that those are the times you appreciate and learn the most from when you make it to the other side. The struggles I’ve encountered along the way are the financial aspects of owning a business. The decisions, successes, and failures all rest on your shoulders. I have learned a great deal about communication, leading others, and trusting myself along the way. I think I’ve also struggled with changing my mind frame from that of an employee to a business owner. Sometimes I wish I could provide care for free, but unfortunately, there is overhead to take care of. The state of healthcare and insurance reimbursements is scary. With reimbursements getting lower and lower, healthcare professionals are having to sell their practices or think outside of the box to keep cash flow going so they can pay their employees and keep their doors open.
With that said, there have been parts of this process that have been very smooth. I have realized that I have an excellent support system. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to, or offering services, I’ve found that my circle has shown up for me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Lifeline Family Health & Wellness?
Lifeline Family Health and Wellness has been a dream of mine since I was in school to become a nurse practitioner. Although I didn’t know how it would come to be, I always knew I’d end up exactly where I was. As I practiced at other locations, I realized that many patients have less-than-desirable experiences with providers. I hear a story like this at least once a week. Unfortunately, the healthcare landscape has changed, which has turned it into a business that can be financially tasking for the patient and provider alike. I focus on listening to the patient and collaborating on the plan of care that fits into their lifestyle while considering their financial situation or stressors, support system, and physical and mental health and wellbeing.
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, so my focus is across the lifespan. I treat acute and chronic illnesses but also focus on preventative care, hormone management, weight management, and overall wellness.
I believe what sets me apart from others is exactly what I addressed above. I am dedicated to a patient-centered practice that values diversity and respect while providing a human connection that allows for patient participation and input that fosters autonomy and promotes patient well-being and positive health perceptions.
I am most proud of two things regarding my brand:
1.) Providing care that others are excited to tell their friends and families about
2.) Providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to receive the care they deserve without fear of judgment or ridicule.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the COVID crisis, working in healthcare has brought about significant insights. The unprecedented impact of the pandemic, such as turning the healthcare industry upside down and creating uncertainty about returning to pre-COVID norms. Adaptability was paramount to the survival of businesses during this time. Despite the upheaval, the increased accessibility to healthcare services emerged as a silver lining and pushed innovation and enhanced patient care.
The crisis highlighted the importance of trust in healthcare professionals for fostering enduring patient relationships. The dissemination of information during the pandemic played a pivotal role in shaping patient perspectives on healthcare providers and governmental responses. Recognizing the significance of transparent and accurate communication in building and maintaining trust, there is a belief that improvements in information dissemination practices can contribute to enhancing patient confidence over time.
Although there is prevailing COVID fatigue, a notable increase in patient behavior toward seeking healthcare more diligently has been observed. As healthcare continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to drive positive changes that benefit both patients and providers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifelinefamilyhealth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifelinefamilyhealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifelinefamilyhealth/
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/lifeline-family-health-and-wellness-dallas
