Sarah Gates, FNP

02/26/2026

I’ve watched someone close to me commit to The Wahls Protocol for almost a year — and the results have been incredible. 52 pounds down. No medications. No crazy calorie restriction.

Just focusing on lowering inflammation and fueling the body with real, nutrient-dense food.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency.

If you’re looking for a starting point to support your metabolism, hormones, or overall health — reducing inflammation through food is powerful.

Your body wants to heal. Sometimes it just needs the right environment. 🌱

For the past 15 years, clinical professor and researcher Terry Wahls (82MD, 86R) has been exploring how the foods we eat affect the gut microbiome. Wahls and other University of Iowa nutrition experts have published findings about the gut microbiome in patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases.

Follow the link in the comments to learn what’s happening at Iowa.

02/20/2026

A first for me today: a telephone encounter (patient message) titled “Fall/beautician name.”

Detailed medical concerns… followed by a specific request for my beautician 😂🤣

Grateful to help people heal — and thankful for the glam squad that keeps me clinic-ready 💇🏻‍♀️🫶🏼💖

01/18/2026

Gentle January reminder 🌱 | Bone care basics

Vitamin C supports collagen formation — a foundational component of bone and soft tissue healing.

Adequate intake has been shown to support:
• Fracture healing
• Post-operative recovery
• Tendon and ligament repair

Small supports add up, especially during recovery.

— Sarah Gates, FNP

01/10/2026

A gentle January reminder 🌱

With less sunlight in the winter months, vitamin D levels often dip — and vitamin D plays an important role in:
• Bone strength
• Muscle function
• Balance and fall prevention
• Recovery after injury or surgery

In Iowa, limited winter sun exposure makes low vitamin D especially common this time of year — even in otherwise healthy adults.

Before adding more to your plate this year, it’s worth making sure the basics are covered 🦴

This time of year, our bodies need a bit more support.

— Sarah Gates, FNP

11/12/2025

If you know me personally, you’ve probably endured at least one of my “soapbox moments” about how the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings were misunderstood and misrepresented. Not all hormones are created equal.

The fear that “HRT causes cancer” came largely from studies using synthetic, non–bioidentical hormones (some derived from horse urine!!!), which are chemically different from the plant-derived, bioidentical hormones many clinicians use today.

It breaks my heart to meet women terrified to replace hormones their bodies are no longer producing—women who are suffering needlessly with poor quality of life because they were never told there’s a difference.

So yes—this FDA decision is really big news (and honestly, long overdue). My hope is that it marks the beginning of a new era where women can pursue healthier, happier lives with evidence-based therapy—and without fear of judgment or repercussions from clinicians who simply weren’t taught the whole story.

Here’s to informed choices, empowered women, and better health. 💛✨

“Tragically, tens of millions of women have been denied the life-changing and long-term health benefits of hormone replacement therapy because of a medical dogma rooted in a distortion of risk. For too long, issues of women’s health have been underrecognized. Women and their physicians should make decisions based on data, not fear.” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Makary

11/11/2025

Honoring all the brave men and women who have served, and the families who support them. Your sacrifices, strength, and commitment safeguard the freedoms we hold dear.
Wishing you all the love, appreciation, and recognition today 🇺🇸❤️

11/09/2025

✨ Seven Years Ago Today… ✨

My memories reminded me that on this day seven years ago, I got accepted into the BSN-to-MSN FNP program at Spring Arbor University… and apparently decided life wasn’t chaotic enough so I added grad school to the mix. 😅

I’ve always loved the saying:
“The years will pass anyway.”
…mostly because I repeated it to myself while writing papers in various airports and pretending I didn't care about that A- in pathophysiology 🤪

During that time, I kept working in sales at Beckman Coulter, who thankfully supported me and made space for me to chase this dream. Forever grateful for the people there who helped make this transition possible.

Balancing work, school, AND trying to be a functioning parent + wife was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But the years did pass — and now I get to look back and admire the mountain I climbed to be in a role that truly fills my cup 🥰

If you’ve been stuck on the “what ifs” or “if onlys,” take this as your sign — it’s absolutely possible.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. 💪

Feeling extra grateful to be celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week in the role I felt called to 🩺💜

10/31/2025

You may not know I left aesthetics… but there will be signs. 👻💉💀 Happy Halloween!

10/28/2025

Which one is your fave?! 👻

10/04/2025

✨ Get back to the barre with us this Tuesday at 6:30PM! ✨

Known side effects of Bible Barre include:
💪 Challenging you physically
🦴 Strengthening muscles & promoting healthy bones
💆‍♀️ Reducing cortisol levels
🤍 Creating a judgment-free space for fellowship

It’s great for all ages and fitness levels!

We take a free-will donation, and 💯 of proceeds go directly toward our mission to give to those in need. ❣️

10/03/2025

Thinking about joint replacement? 🦴 ❤️‍🩹
Come learn what to expect — before, during, and after surgery — at PCI Orthopedics!

Please RSVP to help us prepare for this informative community event on total joint replacement orthopedic surgery on Monday, October 13th at 5:30pm at Physicians' Clinic of Iowa.

09/22/2025

💙 Happy Surgical Technologist Week! 💙
To all the heroes behind the masks—thank you for your skill, dedication, and teamwork. The OR wouldn’t run without you, and we’re so grateful for the difference you make every single day. 🩺✂️💉