Meet the Tribe: Dee Fleming
OnePeak’s Dee Fleming brings a passion for functional medicine to Eugene.
Q: Can you tell us about the path you took to becoming a Nurse Practitioner?
A: I grew up in a community in the Philippines where healthcare was considered a luxury that many could not afford. There was no doctor available in my small town. Many would only seek consultation when their disease had already progressed. Primary care was not a known level of care. When I became a nurse, I always believed in preventative medicine and the importance of counseling patients on the relationship between lifestyle and illness. I pursued my degree to obtain more knowledge and a better platform to promote personalized, prevention-focused primary care.
Q: What areas do you think we can improve upon when it comes to primary care?
A: “What you eat is what you become.” Diet and eating habits essentially influence mortality and morbidity. The most common diseases in primary care are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, depression and anxiety, and autoimmune disorders. Diet and activity are directed related to these disorders. Putting more emphasis on a healthier diet and increased activity needs to be a part of every patient visit.
Q: Is there an achievement you are most proud of?
A: I am most proud of receiving my Nurse Practitioner degree as a minority. I was raised in poverty and never thought that I would be able to obtain an advanced degree in nursing. Now I have a better platform to be heard and am able to share my knowledge and skills with more people.
Q: How do you like to spend your time when you’re not helping patients?
A: I like to spend time with my family on our small farm outside of town. I enjoy walks, hikes by the river, lakes, and parks with my husband and our 3-year-old son. I also love to cook and bake with my son and my mom. If I have plenty of free time, I will also garden. I love plants, both indoors and outdoors.
Q: You’re relatively new to Eugene, what brought you to the area?
A: My family moved here in 2019. My husband went to the University of Oregon and always dreamed of settling in the Fall Creek area where he used to go camping. We had the opportunity to acquire a property and house in the area. And so, we moved! We love it here!
God has been great! When I was looking for a position in the area, there was an open job posting at OnePeak. And so, I jumped on the opportunity! OnePeak’s specialization in primary care and focus on functional medicine was the perfect fit. At OnePeak, I’m able to emphasize the importance of diet and healthy living, the root cause of most primary care diseases.
Q: What do you love most about OnePeak? What is your favorite service at OnePeak?
A: I love the idea of treating patients with functional medicine. Instead of only prescribing medications to cover up the symptoms, we try to look further and assess the whole picture before formulating a plan of care.
I personally love the Happy Shots and Glutathione injections. The Happy Shot gives me energy and the Glutathione provides a great detox. I always recommend them as I’ve tried them myself, and they really work!
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: When a patient comes to me and says they feel better and happier! It is a validation that the plan of care has worked! That is the best feeling!
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: That I was able to help. When people think of me, I hope they will smile with fond memories.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: In 5 years, I’d like to still be providing primary care and functional medicine, but with more skills and experience to help my primary care patients.
Background
Name: Doris Dee Fleming, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
Position: Nurse Practitioner at OnePeak Medical in Eugene, OR
Hometown: Sallapadan, Abra, Philippines
Education: Masters of Science in Nursing with specialization in Adult-Gerontology Practice