Dr. Barrett’s Story

I don’t think of myself as the average physician. I’m far from typical. While I grew up in a middle-class home, was the first to attend college, and earned and paid my way through medical school, these reasons aren’t the most fundamental. 

The real reason? I’m a patient, too. 

Indeed, it started with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at age 9. I wore one of the first insulin pumps made and juggled adversity through high school and college. 

I struggled to manage my diabetes. Over almost 30+ years, I developed neuropathy, retinopathy, poor wound healing, and renal disease. My kidneys held strong– until they didn’t. When I started dialysis, I had to stop practicing medicine– only a handful of years into my career. 

Aside from the diabetes and its complications, I dealt with high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Moreover, with autoimmunity in my genes, I was soon battling multiple sclerosis which presented similar to a stroke. 

I also can’t forget about the “simple” conditions either! The infertility, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, recurrent GI issues, and weight struggles. I used to joke with friends and family that I felt like “an 80-year old in a 30-year old body!” It’s no surprise I also struggled with anxiety!

Although I’ve faced my own health issues, I’ve also shared experiences with family and friends through struggles with mental health, substance use, cancers, and palliative and hospice care. I’ve grieved the loss of people close to me. 

I was able to return to my career in medicine after recovering from a dual pancreas-kidney transplant in March 2023.

Sharing all of this is me being transparent. I’m not “just another physician.” I truly understand the ins and outs of living with chronic conditions, fighting the insurance battles, and advocating for care in a broken healthcare system. 

I want to do my part to help others achieve their best health. I’ve experienced a plethora that gives me unique insight and perspective. Certainly, I may not have all the answers, nor will I ever claim to, but I commit myself to seeking out answers for you. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and help you optimize your health and feel your best– all with a genuinely compassionate, collaborative partnership.

I look forward to welcoming you to our family.

At True Insight Direct Care, we believe we offer the best for our members when it comes to their healthcare. We’ve lived it.