Having practiced a plant-based diet for more than 15 years, Dr. Toombs-Withers has strived to incorporate her lifestyle into educating her patients as a family physician. She founded the Essence of Health Wellness Clinic in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2019 so that she could combine her deep knowledge of medicine, plant-based nutrition, and athletic training to provide comprehensive primary care to her patients using a direct primary care model. Dr. Toombs-Withers earned a doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency training in family medicine at The University of Cincinnati and Christ Hospital. She is also fellowship trained in obesity medicine with the ABOM and holds a plant-based nutrition certification.