Sharing our Journey
Jill Ireland, MD, MSPH
Health and wellness have always been at the core of who I am. It has been my saving grace through every stage of my life, particularly during my journey through medical education and my career as a physician. I can confidently say I wouldn’t have navigated the rigorous challenges of medical school, residency, and beyond if it weren’t for my strong foundation in fueling my body with proper nutrition, staying physically active through exercise and weightlifting, and continually striving to optimize both my physical and mental health.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of educating and supporting countless patients on their path to becoming their healthiest selves. I’ve worked with incredible patient populations—dedicated individuals who work to support their families and communities but often struggle to prioritize their own well-being. Helping these individuals find balance and discover the tools to show up for themselves has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
My professional path began at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, where I earned my medical degree. I completed my internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, which soon led me to a role as a Navy Flight Surgeon after completing flight school. This experience not only honed my clinical skills but also reinforced my dedication to preventive care.
It was during this time that I discovered my calling in occupational medicine—a field where I could champion the health and well-being of hardworking Americans. This realization inspired me to pursue a residency in Occupational Medicine, along with a Master of Science in Public Health.
Today, I draw upon a wealth of experiences to promote the health of my community, embracing the transformative potential of a holistic approach to wellness. My mission is to empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through proactive, preventive care.
Jessica Viers MSN, RN
From as early an age as I can remember, I struggled with my weight. I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early teens and was never able to lose weight easily despite any and all efforts I made. Whenever I would bring up my concerns about my lack of ability to lose weight, doctors would tell me to eat fewer carbs, get more movement, focus on protein. I did those things so many times it was like I was on constant repeat of being on the fitness wagon, eating right, losing 10-12lbs, hitting a plateau and then gaining it all back plus some. After having 2 kids and dealing with the stress of an ill parent, I found myself 70+ lbs heavier and at my highest weight in my late 30’s. I was miserable and so uncomfortable in my skin- both mentally and physically. When GLP1’s started becoming popular, I did a ton of research and knew that this had potential for helping me finally get the weight off and start feeling like me again. I started on compounded tirzepatide in February 2024 and as of today I am down almost 65lbs and feel like a completely different person. I have so much more endurance, I don’t get short of breath when I walk through the halls at work, I can go up flights of stairs without feeling like it’s such a struggle. Buying clothes has been my favorite part of the process- I lived for 10 years in the same rotating 5 pairs of black yoga pants and to put a pair of jeans on and feel good about the way they look on me is an amazing thing! This medication has not been a magic wand or an easy fix. It’s been a tool in my toolkit alongside all the other things I’ve tried to do in the past to help me reach my goal weight- healthy eating, exercise, etc. It’s helping me gain control over my relationship with food and giving me confidence that I am perfectly capable of doing what needs to be done to maintain a healthy and comfortable weight. Despite the ups and downs and struggles, I will never take my journey thus far for granted- it’s led me to where I am today and I am excited to see what the future holds as I continue on this journey to being the best version of me that I can be!
