In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast , Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Taylor Dukes, former ICU nurse, functional health advocate, and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness, to explore what happens when conventional medicine stops asking deeper questions. Taylor shares her journey from the ICU to facing her own brain tumor diagnosis, an experience that reshaped her understanding of health, healing, and the healthcare system. Together, she and Dr. Jenn discuss the emotional and spiritual toll carried by front line providers, the limitations of modern medical education, and why chronic and childhood illness have become increasingly normalized. This conversation highlights the role of nutrition, detoxification, stress management, and faith in healing, while emphasizing personal responsibility and advocacy in a toxic world. Taylor also shares how her family became part of her mission, creating accessible wellness solutions rooted in foundational health. 💬 If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why many providers leave conventional medicine seeking root cause answers The emotional and spiritual impact of ICU nursing How a brain tumor diagnosis changed Taylor’s approach to healing Why functional medicine focuses on cause, not symptom management How faith and mindfulness support recovery Why childhood conditions like fatty liver disease are increasing The foundational role of nutrition and detoxification Why “normal” labs do not always mean optimal health How to advocate for yourself within the healthcare system Why healing can be accessible and practical Episode Timeline Highlights: 00:00 From conventional medicine to functional healing 03:12 Life inside the ICU 05:50 Personal health crisis and awakening 09:13 Discovering functional medicine 11:54 A brain tumor diagnosis 14:59 Integrative treatment decisions 18:01 Faith and mindfulness in healing 20:47 Life after surgery 23:59 From patient to provider 26:51 Education and prevention 37:06 Childhood health concerns 39:59 Nutrition and detoxification 44:33 Stress and healing 49:14 Building wellness products 56:05 Integrative medicine in practice Where to find Taylor Dukes: Instagram: @taylordukeswellness Website: https://shop.taylordukeswellness.com To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrK To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off. Connect with Dr. Jenn: Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons
