Year
To borrow a phrase from my girl Miley Cyrus, 2025 came in like a wrecking ball. My family and I rang in the new year with a fresh pack of medical and professional woes that had well overstayed their welcome. I did find some solace in the fact that most of my friends and colleagues were also starting 2025 off in the throes of their own trials and tribulations–when the chips are down, there is some comfort in knowing that you're not facing adversity alone.
During one of the days (weeks?) in which I found myself in a particularly funky funk, I was asked to be the editor of this year's Best of Utah Body and Mind issue. At the time, the television in my mind was stuck on a screen of grayscale static, so I thought a bit of editorial work would be just the ticket to shift my focus from doomscrolling on social media to something a bit more proactive. Once I got started, I realized that this assignment couldn't have come at a better time.
Though I was keeping things together with the help of my lovely family, I soon realized that the barrage of stressors that came out of the woodwork in January really did a number on me. There I was, staring at a list of literally hundreds of health and wellness professionals thinking to myself, "Man, if only there was something I could do to help get me out of this rut."
Though it took longer than it needed to, the realization that I had an entire compendium of Utah's finest healers, trainers, coaches and medical professionals at my fingertips once again hit me like a wrecking ball–but, you know, like a positive one.
With the presentation of the 2025 Best of Utah Body and Mind issue, here's hoping that all the readers out there who are in search of solid ground find a safe harbor. Whether you're in need of therapists to talk through your stress or insecurities, or looking for some alternative medicine to match up with your lifestyle, you've got an excellent resource in your hands.
On behalf of Salt Lake City Weekly, I'd just like to say thanks to all the people who voted for Best of Utah this year and for this great list of do-gooders that we have as a result. As always, remember to take care of each other–and yourselves–out there. If you don't know how to do that, you now have access to hundreds of people who do.
–Alex Springer
Editor, Best of Utah Body and Mind
Skin Spa Utah
By Alex Springer
When it comes to personal health, our internal organs seem to get a bit more of our attention. Considering the fact that our skin happens to be the largest organ we have, it's surprising how easy it is to neglect all that surface area. Taking a more active role in skin care not only has numerous physical benefits, but there are plenty of psychological benefits as well. There's nothing like a dewy complexion to give the old self confidence a boost. Though over-the-counter skin care products are becoming more prominent, skin maintenance is one of those things that is best left to a professional like Kimee Palotta, owner of Skin Spa Utah.
Palotta has been an aesthetician in Utah for the past 24 years, and she has helped Skin Spa Utah evolve throughout that time. "I've always valued the holistic approach and I see the industry going more that way," Palotta says. This is why Skin Spa Utah offers a wide variety of services like acne, hydrafacial and microcurrent treatments, among others. Skin Spa Utah has become known for its wide variety of services, but it's Palotta that makes the experience special for her clients. "I measure success with every client that walks through my door," Palotta notes. "I don't really do any advertising, so everything I have is due to long-term clients that keep coming back and telling friends and family about me."
While the basics of skin care seem like they are one-size-fits-all, Palotta cautions people to remember that everyone's skin is unique. "Your skin is as individual as you are," she stressed. "Just like good health is part of your life, good skin health is a lifelong process." Having a local establishment that bases its treatments and services on the unique needs of the individual is a huge benefit for those who are looking to improve their skin.
As Skin Spa Utah approaches its clients on an individual basis, Palotta and her team have set the expectation to work with clients on their own skin care journey. Even if terms like microcurrents and BioRePeel are new to your vocabulary, the Skin Spa team happily helps its clients select the treatments that will be most effective for them. "Every person who comes in does so because something is up with their skin," Palotta says. "They've tried everything, and to have them come in so I can partner with them on an in-clinic and homecare plan is incredible."
In many ways, Palotta and her team assume the roles of personal trainers when it comes to skin care. Anyone who has been burned on the latest influencer-approved product will come to see the value of that relationship very quickly. "It's part of our culture to compare ourselves to others, and that just puts so much pressure on people," Palotta observed. "I think people put more pressure on looking good than they do on feeling good, and they don't realize it's a whole package."
From a wide range of treatment options to a personal touch that has kept clients spreading the word, Skin Spa Utah has done a lot to earn its Best of Utah accolades. Led by Palotta and her knowledge of Utah's unique climate and culture, Skin Spa Utah remains one of the best places to both learn more about skin health and seek out treatment for any number of skin conditions.
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
Best Acne Treatment
Skin Spa Utah
skinspautah.com
2. Salt Lake Dermatology and Aesthetics
3. Swinyer Woseth Dermatology
Best Aesthetician
Kimee Palotta - Skin Spa Utah
skinspautah.com
2. Milly Aponte - Always Smooth Waxing Studio
3. Callie Buttars - Pineapple Express Aesthetics
Best Day Spa
The Kura Door
thekuradoor.com
2. Basalt Day Spa
3. The Cliff Spa
Best Eyebrow Specialist
Kimee Palotta - Skin Spa Utah
skinspautah.com
2. Callie Buttars - Pineapple Express Aesthetics
3. Storie Myers - Studio Storie Microblading
Best Eyelash Extensions
Pineapple Express Aesthetics
pineappleexpressutah.square.site
2. Lashes x Sandra
3. Jessica Lancaster - Designer Lash Collective
Best Facial
Kimee Palotta - Skin Spa Utah
skinspautah.com
2. Always Smooth Waxing Studio
3. Callie Buttars - Pineapple Express Aesthetics
Best Hair Restoration
Lucero Hair and Wellness
lucerohairandwellness.com
2. Utah Facial Plastics Hair Restoration
3. NIMA Institute and Spa
Best Hair Salon
Lunatic Fringe
lunaticfringesalon.com
2. Lucero Hair and Wellness
3. Sugarhouse Parlour
Best Hydrafacial
Skin Spa Utah
skinspautah.com
2. Rise Rejuvenation Center
3. Arlani Medspa
Best Injections and Fillers
Rise Rejuvenation Center
riserejuvenationcenter.com
2. Arlani Medspa
3. Modern SLC Injections & Aesthetics
Best Laser Hair Removal
Beauty Lab + Laser
beautylablaser.com
2. NIMA Institute and Spa
3. Elase Med Spa, American Fork
Best Manicures/Pedicures
Nailed!
nailedboutique.com
2. Sydney Hansen - Honey Cosmetics
3. Lori Lane Sartain - Crow Nail Studio
Best Medical Spa
Arlani Medspa
arlani.com
2. Cameron Wellness and Spa
3. Rise Rejuvenation Center
Best Permanent Cosmetics Education
Studio Storie Microblading
studiostoriemicroblading.com
2. Ero Edge
3. Lilikoi Artistry
Best Permanent Makeup Beauty Shop
Venus House
venushouseslc.com
2. Ero Edge
3. Lilikoi Artistry
Best Tattoo Removal
Removery Tattoo Removal & Fading
removery.com
2. Lilikoi Artistry
3. NIMA Institute and Spa
Best Waxing Salon
Always Smooth Waxing Studio
alwayssmooth.co
2. Pineapple Express Aesthetics
3. Ero Edge
Flow Acupuncture
By Alex Springer
According to a Statista consumer insights survey done in 2023, 21% of Americans prefer alternative medicine to conventional medicine. It's a number that has steadily increased as options for alternative and complementary medicine become available, and Utah has seen some local growth in this area. A conversation with Josh Williams and Dr. Rachel Silverstone of Flow Acupuncture helped shed some light on why more people are investigating alternative medicine.
Williams is a clinical herbalist and Best of Utah alum with multiple wins under his belt. His presence on this year's list continues to show how much he has done for the community. He has been studying plant medicine for 25 years, and has had his own space at Flow for the last year and a half. "I got into herbalism in my late teens because I was disheartened by the medical machine even as a young person," he recalls. "It was originally personal, but it turned into a desire to help others."
Herbalism is what Williams calls "broad spectrum medicine, as long as it's in the hands of a qualified and experienced herbalist." Williams himself focuses on stress, anxiety and sleep issues. "Folks who find their way to working with me are usually at their wits' end," he says. "I get to show people why this medicine has so much longevity and empirical evidence."
As herbalism often goes hand in hand with acupuncture, Williams' practice at Flow has helped it become one of Utah's preferred practices–well, that and the presence of licenced acupuncturists like Dr. Silverstone. After studying Chinese/Daoist medicine in the Wudang Mountains of China, she earned a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, California. Dr. Silverstone also practices acupuncture at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she helps patients deal with some of the side effects of cancer treatments.
Since both Silverstone and Williams maintain a clinical relationship to their practice, both professionals agree that alternative medicine and conventional medicine often operate hand in hand. "Why walk on one leg when you can walk on two?" Silverstone declared. "Western medicine has a lot of strengths like getting imaging for a treatment that isn't responding to acupuncture or spotting other red flags." It's a helpful perspective to have as oftentimes there is a rift between alternative and conventional medicine. The reality is that both schools of thought revolve around healing, and both approaches can complement each other on the path to wellbeing.
After speaking with Williams and Silverstone, it quickly becomes clear that they both share the same love and enthusiasm for helping people feel better. For Williams, herbalism is a way to make his clients aware of medicinal practices that have been effective for centuries. "I like the clinical side of what I do a lot," he says. "Herbalism helps address the whole person rather than the isolated symptom." Silverstone's metric of success is how well her patients get in tune with their own bodies. "I get to facilitate a person's interaction with their own chi, and when I come back into the room, everything feels so peaceful," she reports. "That's how I know I've been successful."
Finding the Right Alternative Medicine For You
With an entire section of alternative and contemporary medicine at your disposal in this issue, it can be a bit daunting to get started. If you're looking to supplement your medical journey with something a bit more esoteric or just curious about what options are available to you, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Listen to your body. As most alternative medicine employs a holistic approach, it's important to pin down exactly what problem you're having. Is it psychological? Physical? Emotional? Once you've narrowed down where your ailment is living, you can better verbalize what it is. From there, a bit of research on any of the fine providers we've got assembled here should point you in the right direction.
Open your mind. There's nothing wrong with a bit of healthy skepticism, but you should remain open to the process if you're considering an alternative route to medicine. Even with Western medicine, writing off certain practices based on personal or ideological beliefs won't get you anywhere. The same is true for alternative practices. As author Caroline Myss says, "The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind."
Embrace the journey. When it comes to medicine, people tend to get far too hung up on the idea of a cure without paying much attention to the journey. If you can remember that the journey itself is a part of fixing or managing a medical issue, it will help you figure out how to get started. Being honest with every stage of the journey is the best way to reach your wellness destination. (AS)
COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE
Best Acupuncture Clinic
Flow Acupuncture
flowacupuncture.org
2. Valenti Acupuncture
3. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic
Best Acupuncturist/Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Stephanie Scott - Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic
slcacu.com
2. Rebecca Conde
3. Mallory Berge
Best Ayurveda Practitioner
Josh Williams - Flow Acupuncture
thegreenarte.com
2. Emma Glass
3. Meghan Hays
Best Birth Photographer
Nicole Hamic
nicolehamic.com
2. Julie Francom
3. Salt City Birth and Newborn Photography
Best Breathwork Facilitator
Katie Schiffgen - Mosaic Yoga
mosaicyoga.squarespace.com
2. Letia Perry - Om Wellness Utah
3. Kat Dickinson - Terra Firma Healing Arts
Best Childbirth Education
Birthsmarter
birthsmarter.com
2. Birth Learning
3. SHAUNTEA Health and Wellness Coalition
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Anthony Simone - Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic
doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Dr. Brett Grant
3. Dr. Suzanne Cronin
Best Cold Therapy
Glow
glowslc.com
2. Evolve Wellness Collective
3. Rytual Recovery
Best Crystal Shop
Synchronicities Light Energy Gift Emporium
synchronicities1111.com
2. Dave's Health & Nutrition
3. Crystal Healer SLC
Best Doula
Beth Hardy - Heart Tones Birth Services
hearttonesbirth.com
2. Destiny Olsen - SHAUNTEA Health and Wellness Coalition
3. Jamie Kowalk - Heart Tones Birth Services
Best Float Tank
Evolve Wellness Collective
evolvewellness.love
2. Pure Sweat + Float Studio
3. Float Spa 19
Best Halotherapy (Salt Tank)
Evolve Wellness Collective
evolvewellness.love
2. Synchronicities Light Energy Gift Emporium
3. Pain Free Acupuncture
Best Herbalist
Josh Williams - Flow Acupuncture
flowacupuncture.org
2. Rebecca Conde - Earth Center Acupuncture
3. Dave Card - Dave's Health and Nutrition
Best Hypnotherapist
Joesephine Lawrence - Hypnoclarity
hypnoclarityslc.com
2. Chad Anderson - Crystal Healer SLC
3. Drew Melebeck - Influence Therapy & Coaching
Best Integrative Medicine Practice
Cameron Wellness and Spa
cameronwellnessandspa.com
2. Utah Natural Medicine
3. Rising Health Specialty Clinic
Best Kinesiology Practitioner
Dr. Bre Dumke Helfrich - Movement Design Lab
movementdesignlab.com
2. Jim Quist - SLOPE Recovery
3. Michael King - Transformative Energies
Best Life Coach
Corinne Christopherson - Cottonwood Professional Coaching
cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Kat Dickinson - Terra Firma Healing Arts
3. Anne Dorsey - Milk + Honey Wellness
Best Massage School
Healing Mountain Massage School (Salt Lake Campus)
healingmountain.edu
2. Myotherapy Massage College
3. The Iron Palm Massage Therapy
Best Massage Therapist
Brandee Olsen - Reset Esthetics
vagaro.com/resetestheticsmassage
2. Jeremy Wengreen - Healing Mountain Massage School
3. Christina Jaros - Wicked Wellness
Best Medical Cannabis
Dragonfly Wellness
dragonflywellness.com
2. WholesomeCo Cannabis
3. Beehive Farmacy
Best Natural Health Store
Dave's Health & Nutrition
daveshealth.com
2. Good Earth Markets
3. Natural Grocers
Best Natural IV Drip Therapy
FIKA Infusion + Wellness
fikainfusion.com
2. Cameron Wellness and Spa
3. Rising Health Specialty Clinic
Best Naturopath
Dr. Rachel Burnett - Utah Natural Medicine
utahnaturalmedicine.com
2. Dr. Leslie Peterson - Full Circle Care
3. Dr. Todd Cameron - Cameron Wellness and Spa
Best Nutrition Health Coach
Anne Dorsey - Milk + Honey Wellness
milkandhoneywellness.com
2. Lindsay LaPaugh - LVL Holistics
3. Bailey Nielson - Solstice Holistic Healing and Wellness
Best Psychic
Karen Tao - Breathe Love
breathelove111.com
2. Lauren Stephan - Terra Firma Healing Arts
3. Cheryl Forester - Forester Tarot
Best Reiki Practitioner
Karen Tao - Breathe Love
breathelove111.com
2. Chad Anderson - Crystal Healer SLC
3. Autumn Salinas Kunz - Rabbit Hole Wellness
Best Sound Bath
Breathe Love
breathelove111.com
2. Terra Firma Healing Arts
3. Neon Sky Vibrations
Best Supplement Shop
Dave's Health & Nutrition
daveshealth.com
2. Rising Health Specialty Clinic
3. Natural Law Apothecary
Best Weight-Loss Clinic
Utah Natural Medicine
utahnaturalmedicine.com
2. Rise Rejuvenation Center
3. Unite Fitness Retreat
Best Wellness Center
Terra Care SLC
terracareslc.com
2. Evolve Wellness Collective
3. Flow Acupuncture
Awaken Studios and Retreats
By Alex Springer
The gym and fitness scene is one of the most intimidating communities out there for newcomers. There's a whole trend-obsessed culture that has made going to the gym after a period of hiatus feel like jumping onto a moving train. It's great that gym culture has made physical activity and working out more acceptable and accessible. But, that doesn't make it any easier to enter a space with a bunch of hot people who seem to know more than you do. If finding acceptance within the local fitness community is something that is keeping you from being more active, then Awaken Studios and Retreats may be just what you're looking for.
Founded by Joe and Jenna Hansen in 2016, Awaken has quickly become one of Utah's most beloved fitness centers. Offering everything from yoga to circuit training, Awaken's goal is to create a space where newcomers and veterans can achieve their fitness goals. General manager Kevin Carrington has been a part of Awaken since the beginning, and he's an integral part of Awaken's welcoming culture. "We're all beginners at some point," Carrington says. "But I think everyone who shows up here leaves feeling just a little bit better."
In addition to assuming the role of general manager at Awaken, Carrington helms a wide variety of classes himself. He is a certified instructor of yoga, pilates and cycling in addition to being a certified reiki facilitator. As someone who does a little bit of everything at Awaken, Carrington has a unique perspective on the fitness center, its team and its clients. "I work with people who see each other as extended family," Carrington noted. "We're all here to learn and teach one another."
Though Awaken offers a wide range of activities, it's a fitness center that prioritizes education. Visitors can expect to learn the context behind each exercise in order to build a more coherent workout plan. "Awaken is more about reshaping the way people think about feeling and looking good," Carrington says. "We focus on providing great options for classes, but we also provide the education behind them."
As part of cultivating a positive attitude toward fitness and self-care, the Awaken team strives to create a welcoming environment for its staff and clients. Whatever your fitness goals might be, you'll find someone ready to get you started down the right path at Awaken. "I think it's beautiful to come to work each day and experience positivity," Carrington expressed. "My coworkers are high-caliber human beings that really strive for greatness and I love that this is an industry of people who care about themselves and their wellbeing."
Perhaps one of the reasons that Awaken has been a mainstay on the Best of Utah list is because the team has built its ideology around helping its clients be the best they can be. They celebrate each individual's journey and pride themselves on fostering a sense of curiosity among their clients. "I hope that people are willing to stay open and have that sense of wonder," Carrington says. "I've loved what we've been able to create because it gives people the opportunity to just explore without a negative stigma."
Fitness Tips for the Remote Lifestyle
While there are plenty of benefits about remote work, it can be easy to forget about getting up and moving around throughout the workday. As most of the fitness experts catalogued in this issue will tell you, the decision to remain active as much as possible–especially if your profession keeps you sedentary–is a great way to keep yourself healthy. So what are some ways that you can implement this advice?
One of the easiest things to do is to set an activity or movement goal throughout the day. A common suggestion among health professionals is to hop up and move around for five to ten minutes every hour. Sticking to this metric will give you plenty of time to stretch your legs, jumpstart your circulation and rejuvenate your mind.
Those five to ten minutes can be spent doing any sort of physical activity, so anything from a short walk to a few reps going up and down stairs can do the trick. If you're looking to make these activity intervals a bit more interesting, there are plenty of quick exercises you can do with a minimal amount of equipment.
If you need to remain prim and proper for a virtual meeting, the wall pushup is a great way to work out the upper body without having to get down on the ground or fiddle with a necktie. Since you're doing some sitting anyway, the chair squat is another quick workout that can work on your legs and core–the best thing about this one is that it's pretty much just sitting down and standing up again.
While there are plenty of exercises and activity options for those who do most of their work from home, the key is to train your brain to take regular five to ten minute breaks per hour and get the blood flowing. Your body–and your boss–will thank you.
(AS)
FITNESS
Best Acroyoga Classes
Awaken Studios and Retreats
awakenstudios.com
2. Mosaic Yoga
3. CorePower Yoga
Best Aerial Silks Classes
Kairos Fitness
dancekairos.com
2. Awaken Studios and Retreats
3. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio
Best Barre Fitness Studio
The Bar Method, Salt Lake City - Sugar House
barmethod.com
2. Barre3, Salt Lake City
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Beginner Yoga Classes
Salt Lake Power Yoga
saltlakepoweryoga.com
2. CorePower Yoga
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Bootcamp
Rise4
rise-4.com
2. Fit to Recover
3. F45 Training Sugar House
Best Boutique Fitness Studio
Torrent Cycle, Downtown SLC
torrentcycle.com
2. Rise4
3. Kairos Fitness
Best Boxing Club
Rumble Boxing
rumbleboxinggym.com
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Rebel House
Best Circuit Training
Rise4
rise-4.com
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Community Swimming Pool
Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center
chparksandrecut.gov
2. Steiner Aquatic Center
3. Glow
Best CrossFit Gym
Salt Lake City CrossFit - South
slccrossfitsouth.com
2. Salt Lake City CrossFit
3. CrossFit Sandy
Best Fitness Influencer (Social Media)
Dillion Chase - Salt Lake Power Yoga
instagram.com/dillicious.xyz
2. Mike Barney - Torrent Cycle
3. Joey Alatorre - Peak 45
Best Fitness Studio: All Categories
CorePower Yoga
corepoweryoga.com
2. Rebel House
3. Salt Lake Power Yoga
Best Fitness/Aerobics Class Instructor
Meredith Dalenburg - Rebel House
rebel-house.com
2. Dan Cooney - Torrent Cycle
3. Alison Dorenbosch - Peak 45
Best Gymnastics Training (Adults)
Salt Lake City Circus Center
saltlakecitycircuscenter.com
2. Salt City Calisthenics
3. Gymnastics Training Center
Best Gymnastics Training (Kids)
The Little Gym, Salt Lake City
thelittlegym.com
2. Elite Gymnastics Academy
3. Academy West
Best High-Intensity Interval Training
Rebel House
rebel-house.com
2. Seek Studio
3. Torrent Cycle, Sugar House
Best Hot Yoga
Bikram Yoga SLC
bikramyogaslc.com
2. Suvita Hot Yoga
3. Satori Hot Yoga
Best Kids' Fitness Programs
Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
graciebarra.com/sandy-ut
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Martial Arts School
Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
graciebarra.com/sandy-ut
2, Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
3. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Salt Lake City
Best Personal Trainer
Meredith Clark - Fitness With Meredith
instagram.com/fitnesswithmeredith
2. Joey Alatorre - Peak 45
3. Lya Wodraska - The Backline SLC
Best Pilates Studio
Peak 45
peak-45.com
2. The Point Pilates
3. Streamline Pilates
Best Pole Fitness Studio
Kairos Fitness
dancekairos.com
2. The Salt Mine SLC
3. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio
Best Privately Owned (Non-Chain) Gym
Rebel House
rebel-house.com
2. Salt Lake Power Yoga
3. Peak 45
Best Public Rec Center
Salt Lake City Sports Complex
saltlakecounty.gov
2. Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center
3. Dimple Dell Recreation Center
Best Qi Gong Instruction
Toni Lock
mountainyogasandy.com
2. Rachel Silverstone
3. Scott White
Best Rock Climbing Wall
Momentum Indoor Climbing, Millcreek
momentumclimbing.com
2. The Front Climbing Club
3. Bouldering Project, Salt Lake
Best Senior Fitness Programs
Age Performance
ageperformance.com
2. X365 Fitness
3. Foothill Personal Training
Best Ski/Snowboard School
Brighton Resort
brightonresort.com
2. Snowbird
3. Alta
Best Spin Classes
Torrent Cycle, Sugar House
torrentcycle.com
2. CHVRCH Cycle
3. Rideologie
Best Virtual Fitness Program
Salt Lake Power Yoga
saltlakepoweryoga.com
2. Lindsay LaPaugh - LVL Holistics
3. Jenna Hansen - Awaken Studios
Best Weight Training Instruction
Seek Studio
seekstudioslc.com
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. The Backline SLC
Best Yoga Instructor
Dillion Chase - Salt Lake Power Yoga
saltlakepoweryoga.com
2. Hailey Quinn - CorePower Yoga
3. Karen Tao - Breathe Love
Best Yoga Studio
Salt Lake Power Yoga
saltlakepoweryoga.com
2. CorePower Yoga
3. Rebel House
Best Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Assets
yogaassets.com
2. Salt Lake Power Yoga
3. CorePower Yoga
Primary Children's Hospital
By Alex Springer
When I became a parent, I knew that holding my kid's hand through a medical procedure or two would be part of the deal. I felt emotionally and psychologically ready for those moments, but it's funny how they can still blindside you when you least expect it. When the time came for my daughter to visit the emergency room at Primary Children's Hospital, I didn't know it would come with so much secondhand anxiety and uncertainty. Having a kid gives you a renewed perspective on all the wonder the world has to offer, but that comes at the expense of remembering how scary the ER is when you're six years old.
At the time, my own experiences with the institutions that are supposed to look out for us had been less than stellar. This put me in the same mindset I adopt when I go car shopping–I needed to be on my toes otherwise they'd pull a fast one on me. After we arrived and checked in, I remember going through the mental checklist I had made to make sure nobody rushed us through the visit. My kiddo was sick, and I wanted to make sure we had a solid game plan for how to make her feel better.
I suppose this apprehension was based on a few of my own negative experiences that had left me jaded and disillusioned with medical institutions. Thanks to the care my daughter received at Primary Children's Hospital, however, I know that the medical community still recruits its members from the absolute best of us. All that steam I had built up immediately dissipated when we actually received the treatment we came for. I couldn't find fault with any part of the process. The nurses were genuinely concerned with our situation, the doctor had all the right answers and the hospital's child life services helped turn potentially stressful situations into unexpectedly entertaining ones.
Of course, this first visit definitely wasn't the last visit–we've spent a few nights in the care of Primary Children's. Even in situations like this, the care team goes above and beyond to make the experience as positive as possible. During our few stays at the hospital, my daughter and I have made slime, built gingerbread houses and played air hockey.
Throughout these experiences, watching the Primary Children's team treat my daughter with such consideration and concern was nothing short of heartwarming. Not only was I grateful to the team's ability to quickly treat my daughter, but their patience and authenticity did wonders for my own neurotic dad brain.
I'm sure I'm not the only parent who has experienced doubts about my parenting decisions, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. But watching those professionals at Primary Children's work their magic did a lot to put my mind at ease. Yes, my priority was making sure my daughter was taken care of. But I really appreciated the subtle ways that the team took care of me as well.
Disorder Supporters: Being There When Things Start to Suck
Managing mental, physical and emotional maladies is often more of a marathon than a sprint. Medications change, symptoms change, and every day brings its own challenges. For those of us who are privileged enough to be a part of someone's wellness journey, we have a rare opportunity to facilitate some healing of our own.
For those managing some kind of medical disorder, the world can often feel like a lonely place. Sometimes it's a place devoid of understanding, sometimes it's a place of unearned shame, and other times it's a place of pure frustration. This is why a solid support system of people is so necessary. People who find themselves part of a loved one's medical progress can have a profound effect on that person–but it's not always easy.
If this situation resonates with you, it means you love someone who is struggling. While that struggle is deeply personal to the person you love, you have the power to be an excellent wellness resource by displaying patience, kindness and understanding. A chronic disorder can make consistency feel like a luxury. But having a consistent friend amid a series of hardships can help ease that burden a bit.
Those who have found themselves as the primary cheerleader for a loved one who is managing a medical disorder also need to remember to take care of themselves, however. If that applies to anyone reading this, you won't find a much better resource than this issue to find a support system of your own. (AS)
MEDICAL & DENTAL
Best Addiction Recovery
Odyssey House of Utah
odysseyhouse.org
2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
3. Davis Behavioral Health
Best Allergist
Dr. Mili Shum - University of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Douglas Jones - Metrodora Institute
3. Dr. Rafael Firszt - Tanner Clinic
Best Assisted Living/Memory Care
The Ridge, Cottonwood
theridgeseniorliving.com
2. Crescent Senior Living
3. Welcome Home Assisted Living of American Fork
Best Cardiologist
Dr. Jared Miller - Intermountain Medical Center
intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. C. Michael Minder - LDS Hospital
3. Dr. Toby Paulson - Revere Health Cardiology, Lehi
Best Colonoscopy
Dr. John C. Fang
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. P.J. Pederson
3. Gut Whisperer
Best Dental Implant Clinic
The Dental Spa
thedentalspa.com
2. Warr Dental
3. Aspire Surgical, Murray
Best Dental Practice
Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
kaleidoscopekidsdentistry.com
2. The Dental Spa
3. Larson Family Dental
Best Dentist/Best General Dentist
Dr. Ari Hobfoll—Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
kaleidoscopekidsdentistry.com
2. Kirkland Graham - The Dental Spa
3. Keith Warr - Warr Dental
Best Dermatologist
Wendy Matis— Matis Dermatology
matisdermatology.com
2. Allyson Sorenson - University of Utah Health Dermatology
3. Elena Hadjicharalambous - Swinyer Woseth Dermatology
Best Dermatology Practice
Swinyer Woseth Dermatology
dwoseth.com
2. University of Utah Midvalley Health Center
3. Matis Dermatology
Best Doctor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Kira Watson - U Of U Health Sugar House Health Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Belinda Trieu - Memorial Clinic
3. Dr. Anne Cioletti - U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
Best Dry Needling
Converge Physical Therapy
convergept.com
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University Of Utah Pain Clinic
Best Ear, Nose & Throat Physician
Dr. Jason Hunt—University Of Utah Huntsman Cancer Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Eric Slattery - ENT Center Of Utah
3. Dr. Bryan Tagge - ENT Center Of Utah
Best Experiential Therapist
Aimee Hadfield, LCSW— Hearten House
aimeehadfield.com
2. Caroline Pegram - Topaz Healing
3. Liz McCooey - Lizard Wellness
Best Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Jacqueline Rohrer— Foothill Family Clinic
foothillfamilyclinic.com
2. Dr. Amy De La Garza - Heron Wellness
3. Dr. Ray Ward - Cope Family Medicine
Best Family Practice Clinic
Martindale Clinic
odysseyhouse.org
2. U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
3. Foothill Family Clinic - South
Best Gastroenterologist
Granite Peaks Gastroenterology
granitepeaksgi.com
2. Dr. Brad Trowbridge - St. Mark's Hospital
3. Dr. John C. Fang - University Of Utah Hospital
Best Geriatric Physician
Dr. Natalie Sanders— U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Barbara Christiansen - Intermountain Southridge Senior Care
3. Dr. Gabriel Scannell - U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
Best Hospice Care
Solstice
solsticehc.com
2. Quality Home Health And Hospice
3. Rocky Mountain Home Care & Hospice, Salt Lake City
Best Hospital
University Of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Primary Children's Hospital
3. St. Mark's Hospital
Best Independent Pharmacy
Jolley's Pharmacy
jolleyspharmacy.com
2. University Pharmacy
3. Apothecary Shoppe
Best Invisalign Provider
Graham Orthodontics
grahamortho.com
2. The Dental Spa
3. Harris Orthodontics
Best Ketamine Clinic
Rising Health Specialty Clinic
risinghealthspecialty.com
2. The Lotus Center For Healing And Wellness
3. Soma Psychotherapy
Best LASIK Center
Hoopes Vision
hoopesvision.com
2. John A. Moran Eye Center
3. LasikPlus
Best Local Optical Shop
Image Eyes Optical
imageeyesoptical.com
2. Wolcott Optical
3. Vis.
Best Men's Health Clinic
U Of U Health Sugar House Health Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Rise Rejuvenation Center
3. Biorestoration Medical + Aesthetics
Best Mental Health Treatment Center
Cottonwood Professional Coaching
cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
3. WORTH IT Counseling + Coaching
Best Midwife
Gloria Moore— Bearth Midwifery
bearthmw.com
2. Adrienne Brown - Wasatch Miwifery And Wellness
3. Ashleigh Taylor - Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Midwifery/Birthing Center
Wasatch Midwifery And Wellness
wasatchmidwifery.com
2. Intermountain Medical Center - Nurse Midwives
3. Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Migraine Help
University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Dan Henry
3. Dr. Karly Pippitt
Best Neurologist
Dr. Kelsey Barrell—U Of U Health Clinical Neurosciences Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Lia Chebeleu - Intermountain Health
3. Dr. Walter Reichert - University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
Best Nurse Practitioner
Stacie Ireland—U Of U Sugar House Health Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Anne Bowden, FNP - Rising Health Specialty Clinic
3. Rachelle Russell - Arlani Integrative Medicine And Medspa
Best Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Brooke Hansen—Avenues Women's Center
doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Bob Silver - University Of Utah Hospital
3. Jennifer Trauscht-Van Horn - University Of Utah Hospital
Best Oncologist
Dr. Ramya Thota— Intermountain Medical Center
doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Sarah Colonna - Kathryn F. Kirk Center For Comprehensive Cancer Care And Women's Cancers
3. Daniel Ermann - Huntsman Cancer Institute
Best Optometrist
Dr. Ross Chatwin—Sugar House Vision Clinic
sugarhousevision.com
2. Dr. Nazanin Galehdari - Eyemax Eyecare
3. Dr. Connor Dewey - Sugar House Vision Clinic
Best Oral Surgeon
Dr. Adam McCormick—Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Of Utah
omsofutah.com
2. Alvin J. Stosich - Aspire Surgical
3. Dr. Matthew Parkin - Endodontic Associates
Best Orthodontist
John Graham—Graham Orthodontics
grahamortho.com
2. Alan Jensen - Smile Ranch Orthodontics
3. Dr. Brian Anderson - Foothill Orthodontic Specialists
Best Orthopedic Rehab
Converge Physical Therapy
convergept.com
2. U Of U Health Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
3. Pure Fitness
Best Orthopedic Surgeon
Michael Johnson—Orthopedic Specialty Group, Alta View
doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Spencer Amundsen - Peak Orthopedics
3. Michael Raemisch - Intermountain Medical Center
Best Pain Clinic
Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic
doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University Of Utah Pain Clinic
Best Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Ari Hobfoll—Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
2. Tyler Hanks - Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
3. Dr. Debbie Graham - East Bench Pediatric Dentistry
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Bhanu Muniyappa—University Pediatric Clinic
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Cynthia Owens - Wasatch Pediatrics, Salt Lake
3. Dr. Cannon Marriott - Rose Creek Pediatrics
Best Physical Therapist
Sarah McNurlin—Pinyon Physical Therapy
pinyonpt.com
2. Susan McLaughlin - Align Integration And Movement
3. Amy Fruge - Converge Physical Therapy
Best Physical Therapy Clinic
Pinyon Physical Therapy
pinyonpt.com
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Uplift Pelvic Health And Wellness
Best Physician Assistant
Rebecca Kohler—University Of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Nazaneen Pack - Arlani Medspa
3. AnnaRose Zampano - Foothill Family Clinic - South
Best Plastic Surgeon - Cosmetic/Recons
Dr. Tom Oberg—Still Canyon Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery
stillcanyonplastics.com
2. Dr. Steven Mobley - Mobley MD
3. Dr. Courtney Crombie - U Of U Health South Jordan Health Center
Best Prenatal Care
University of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Psychiatrist
Dr. Jeremy Thueson—Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Scott Frazier - Open Book Counseling
3. Mandi Christensen - Healing Pathways Medical Center
Best Psychotherapist/Counselor
Ted Winkworth—Cottonwood Professional Coaching
cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Aimee Hadfield - Hearten House
3. Caroline Pegram - Topaz Healing
Best Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Whitney Stevens—U Of U Health Bariatric Surgery Program
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Colleen Shields - Converge Physical Therapy
3. Lauren Parrish
Best Registered Nurse
Erin Rasmussen—Davis Behavioral Health
dbhutah.org
2. Brittany Larson - U Of U Sugar House Health Center Pharmacy
3. Katie Cassity - Liv Aesthetics & Wellness
Best Rheumatologist
Dr Matthew Call—Utah Valley Rheumatology
intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Richard Gremillion - Granger Medical, Murray Holladay Center
3. Dr. Seung Yoon Celine Lee - Lotus Rheumatology And Wellness Clinic
Best Spine Center
Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic
doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Aspen Falls Spinal Care Center & Chiropractic
Best Sports Medicine Clinic
Pinyon Physical Therapy
pinyonpt.com
2. Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic
3. University Of Utah Healthcare Orthopedic Center
Best Transgender Healthcare
University of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Rebirth OB/GYN
3. Heart Tones Birth Services
Best Urgent Care
U Of U Health Farmington Health Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Foothill Family Clinic - South
3. Fourth Street Clinic
Best Urologist
Dr. Sarah Christianson— Intermountain Medical Center
intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Stephen Summers - University Of Utah Hospital
3. Dr. Pete Caputo - Granger Medical
Best Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dr. Jason G. Chandler
omsofutah.com
2. Hopkin Oral Surgery
3. Dr. Judson B. Wall
Best Women's Health Clinic
University of Utah Hospital
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Rise Rejuvenation Center
CONCLUSION
By Alex Springer
Regardless of the practice that our healthcare and wellness professionals have chosen, the common thread that unites them is the enthusiasm that they all have for their craft. Each person featured in the section spotlights expressed nothing but gratitude for being able to go to work every day and help people feel better–and that kind of got me thinking.
It seems like the emotional basis of each one of our local healers and doctors is positivity. They do the work they've chosen to do because they love it, so maybe all of us regular folk can take a cue. If we assume the basis of healing is positivity, then maybe our own positivity has some kind of healing magic. I'm not saying we go out and start practicing our own brand of medicine, but instead, maybe we could all be a little better at being positive and passing some of that positivity on to others.
Just a thought.
