about
our clinic
Our Mission at Virtue of Health Wellness Center:
By using a combination of integrative medicine and functional medicine, we strive to give our patients a better understanding of the beautiful ecosystem that occurs within our bodies. When our bodies are not functioning optimally, this ecosystem is compromised. It is our mission to provide accurate knowledge on how to improve their health and lifestyle choices through identifying the root cause of “dis-ease” and healing the body with a balance of science and holistic modalities.
Virtue Of Health is an Integrative Primary Care and Functional Medicine clinic. We specialize in addressing a full spectrum of health conditions including: sexual health, aging, weight gain, hormone imbalance, chronic viral illness, immune system regeneration, autoimmune conditions, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more. Our treatment services help to promote healthier cells and tissues for a better quality of life. We achieve this by improving energy and promoting overall well-being.
Functional Medicine approach addresses the underlying causes of disease by using a systematic approach while engaging both patients and practitioners in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century.
Functional Medicine addresses the whole person and sets out to treat the root cause of disease, not just mitigate symptoms with medication. This patient-centered approach involves a more thorough health evaluation, factoring in one’s history, lifestyle, environment, genetic components, and emotional state is important to properly diagnose and treat. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Lyme Disease Sarasota
about
the Founder
Jaqlyn Jacobs NMD, CNC is a Microscopist, Certified Nutritional Counselor specializing in Orthomolecular Nutrition & Sports Nutrition. She has also completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (NMD). Jaqlyn has substantial educational experience spanning more than eight years and that has given her a unique perspective on the human biome and healing.
-
7 years studying Orthomolecular Nutrition
-
1.5 years studying Biochemistry under Dr. Edward Lauren, a PhD with over 40 years experience
-
1 year studying Microbiology under Dr. Bobban Sudhra PhD, a Microbiome specialist.
-
1 year studying Microscopy & Parasitology under Homeopathic M.D. Dr. Okker Botha of Neogenesis.
-
3 years studying Functional Pharmacology under a Doctor of Pharmacology PhD.
-
2 years studying Bio-Identical Hormones & Endocrinology under an Internal Medicine Doctor with over 50 years experience
-
1 year studying Metabolic Function & Weight Loss under a Bariatric Doctor with over 30 years experience.
Jaqlyn has the following certifications:
-
Masters in Orthomolecular Nutrition & Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (7 years of study)
-
Certified in BioTE Hormone Pelleting
-
Certified as a Microscopist
-
Certified Nutritional Counselor in Sports Nutrition (CNC)
-
Certified in Bright Field Microscopy (BFM) & Dark Field Microscopy (DFM)
-
Certified in Oxidative Stress Testing (OST)
Graves Disease Florida
Virtue of Health
Team
Dr. Arthur Hodge, MD is an internal medicine specialist in Sarasota, FL. He completed a residency at the Pinnacle Health Polyclinic. Dr. Hodge found his way to integrative medicine over 30 years ago when he was a bodybuilder and powerlifter. He quickly became interested in learning about bio-identical hormones, men's health and peptide therapy. Through his own experiences, he was amazed by the positive health benefits that bio-identical hormones had on his own health as well as his patients.
Professional Interests:
-
Internal Medicine
-
Men's Health
-
Bio-identical hormones
-
Preventive Medicine
-
Peptide Therapy
Licensure & Certifications:
-
Medical Doctor MD
-
DEA Certified
Dr. Arthur Hodge MD, Medical Director
Her work involves intensive Live Blood Cell Analysis in Sarasota, Florida, and Dry Layer Oxidative Stress Testing internationally. She uses high-resolution Dark Field and Bright Field microscopy to observe live blood cells. Each illumination shows different anomalies within red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood plasma, creating unparalleled effectiveness of analysis.
Jaqlyn's journey in the healthcare industry began with her own health issues that arrived at the young age of 16, when she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, an inflammatory autoimmune disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. After visiting doctor after doctor and getting nowhere, except 40 lbs overweight and on prescription steroids, she decided to take her health into her own hands and pursue an education in Naturopathic Medicine. For over a decade she has managed to not only help keep her own health in control but has developed a true passion for spreading her knowledge by sharing her own experiences and implementing the protocols that she learned along the way. Jaqlyn does not personally see patients, but developed all of the protocols used within the clinic, in conjunction with Virtue of Health's medical director. She is constantly researching to ensure Virtue of Health's protocols are at the cutting edge of Functional Medicine.
Hormone Pelleting Florida
Lupus Florida
Amanda Hoelscher, APRN
Amanda Hoelscher is an Adult Nurse Practitioner certified in hormone replacement therapy, primary care, and oncology. Her professional journey began when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. This journey inspired her career in healthcare. She earned her BSN and MSN at the University of South Florida and began her career in oncology. Several years later, Amanda was diagnosed with POTS and Ehlers-Danlos and experienced a vaccine reaction. This next personal journey led her to the world of wellness, after traditional medicine failed. After this transformative experience, Amanda made the decision to learn all she could about hormones, nutrition, chronic viral infections, leaky gut, inflammation, and other components critical to a comprehensive understanding of wellness, and to incorporate these into her practice. She considers this pursuit an ongoing lifelong journey that she is eager to share with her patients.
Professional Interests:
-
Functional & Integrative Medicine
-
Bio-identical Hormone Therapy
-
Hormone Pellet Therapy
-
Sexual and reproductive health
-
Preventive Medicine
-
Integrative Skin Care
-
Microneedling
-
Mesotherapy Injections (Botox Alternative)
Licensure & Certifications:
-
Adult Nurse Practitioner
-
Microneedling
-
Injectable Aesthetics
-
Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner
-
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapist
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Robin F. Maestripieri, R.N., M.A., APN-C
Nurse Maestripieri, is currently only seeing patients via Telehealth / Virtual appointments
Professional Interests:
-
Functional & Integrative Medicine
-
Internal medicine
-
Sexual and reproductive health
-
Preventive Medicine
-
Mind/Body health
-
Contraception
-
Diversity and inclusion
-
Disordered eating
-
Education/Training
-
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Licensure & Certifications:
-
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, APN-C.
New York University, M.A.
Hartwick College, B.S. -
Certification:
-
Adult Nurse Practitioner
-
Cardiac Stress Testing
-
Nexplanon Insertion
-
ACLS
-
BCLS
-
ANCC Board Certified
-
DEA Certified
Joy Briandi MA, Office Manager
Joy Briandi not only brings 20- years of medical professional experience to Virtue of Health, but she also brings her belief that a successful practice prioritizes the guest's experience. With a background in Orthopedic-medicine and Plastic Surgery, Joy brings extensive knowledge in both the administrative and clinical roles of a medical practice.
Joy has spent the last several years operating the department of clinical studies for a renowned Plastic Surgeon. Prior to that, managed the surgery scheduling department of an exclusive Orthopedic and Sports Medicine practice.
With her strong background and values, we are honored to have Joy as the Office Manager of Virtue of Health. Prior to a guest's arrival, Joy focuses on the quality of care given, building relationships and confidence, giving guests an unmatched experience.
Motivated by her passion for medicine, Joy is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a goal to become a Registered Nurse. Joy is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and endless energy to encourage others to succeed. Joy lives up to her name and she can not wait to meet you!
Professional Interests:
-
Functional & Integrative Medicine
-
Preventive Medicine
-
Mind/Body health
-
Aesthetics
-
Exercise sciences / Fitness
Certifications:
-
RN graduate candidate
-
Medical Assistant
-
Phlebotomist