Meet NYC’s Newest Doctor: Stephanie Wallman, DO

Our team is growing! We’re happy to announce Stephanie Wallman, DO as the newest doctor at Parsley Health NYC.

Dr. Stephanie Wallman, DO is a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in functional medicine. She graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency training as Chief Resident at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. She received her Functional Medicine training through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Get to know Dr. Wallman, her approach to care, and the mantra that helps her practice mindfulness.

Q: Why did you become a doctor?

When I was growing up, my father had (and still has) a chiropractic and nutrition practice where he treated many people from my school and town. I felt a sense of pride whenever people would recognize my face from the pictures in the office and walk up to me to say, “Your Dad is the best, I don’t know what I would have done without him.” He showed me the power of kindness and healing that he brought into every visit. I felt drawn to that ability to make someone’s life better and do it with compassion. Since that time as a kid, I always knew medicine would be the path for me and I feel honored to work in this field.

“I love taking the time to be present with each and every person I meet. To hear their stories, from their perspective, is the most valuable learning opportunity.” – Dr. Stephanie Wallman

Q: What symptoms or conditions to you see most often?

The most common conditions I see revolve around metabolic syndrome, because so many people are eating the standard American diet. I love working with patients struggling with hypertension, high cholesterol or general weight problems.

Q: What areas of health are most interesting to you?

Different areas have interested me at different times, most of them are tied to my personal experiences. Some of them include understanding and treating autoimmune diseases such as alopecia, eczema or thyroid disease. Most recently, after the arrival of my first child (and experiencing some unforeseen complications), I have become very interested in preconception planning. Ultimately though, I am rooted in optimizing gut health because I believe it is critical in improving almost all other conditions.

Q: Why did you decide to join the team at Parsley Health?

I joined Parsley Health for a lot of the same reasons I wanted to become a doctor—I believe in treating the whole person, not just a collection of symptoms or a disease. It’s the way primary care should be: doctors and patients forming deep, meaningful relationships that allow doctors to give the most comprehensive care possible.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

My patients! I love taking the time to be present with each and every person I meet. To hear their stories, from their perspective, is the most valuable learning opportunity. It allows me to develop a connection while also uncovering the important details that will help determine the best path forward.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with your patients?

I view my role as a doctor to be both a guide and a cheerleader, motivating each person to take their own personalized steps towards better health. The relationship with my patients is a true partnership. We work together to navigate through ups and downs, ultimately moving towards achieving their goals. I take time to develop a thoughtful, goal-oriented plan that fosters engagement from both myself and my patient.

Q: What are three things you do every day that are non-negotiable?

I feel my best when I drink my shake in the morning and engage in some form of exercise, while always making sure to recharge and spend quality time with my husband and son.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Thailand. If you’ve been there, you understand why. If you haven’t been there yet, you should visit, and then you will understand why!

Q: Favorite food?

Hardest question for me to answer! I generally skew towards Asian cuisine as my husband is Filipino and I love his mother’s cooking, but Korean BBQ also tops my list.

Q: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’m not sure if this is advice, or just something that helps me handle all of the directions I am simultaneously being pulled in, but at the beginning of a beautiful candlelight church service I used to attend, they would start with the phrase, “What’s done is done. What’s not done, is not done”. It’s simple, direct, and helps me to turn my mind off and be present. I oftentimes find myself using it as a mantra to focus on my mental health, which can easily be overlooked.