About us
Our Philosophy & Partnership
I am Dr. Mildred Opondo, board-certified in Internal Medicine with fellowship training in Cardiology, advanced fellowship training in Cardiac Electrophysiology and a recipient of NIH-funded cardiovascular research fellowship. I am a physician who has navigated the full spectrum of heart care, from performing high-tech cardiac ablations to guiding patients toward lasting, root-cause healing.
My journey began with a deep curiosity about the heart’s electrical system, leading to advanced training at Stanford University for my Cardiology Fellowship and Loyola University Medical Center for my Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowhip. My intensive training provided me with a deep level of understanding of the heart. Yet, in my years of hospital practice, I witnessed a critical gap; our system excelled at acute intervention but often fell short in addressing the root cause drivers of heart disease. I saw the frustration of those cycling through medications and procedures without a deeper understanding of ‘why.’
This realization was my catalyst. I founded this practice in Atlanta to bridge that gap to offer the rigorous science and advanced diagnostics of my training, now focused through the lens of functional, systems-based medicine. Here, we have the time for a true partnership.
My mission is to provide not just a diagnosis, but a coherent map of your heart’s unique physiology and a collaborative path to durable heart health. This page outlines the philosophy and process behind that commitment.
Why a Different Model is Necessary
The conventional healthcare model excels in acute crisis management. However, for complex, chronic conditions like atrial fibrillation, resistant hypertension, or cardiometabolic disease, the standard 15-minute visit is structurally misaligned. This narrow focus on suppressing symptoms traps patients in a passive cycle where new medications are prescribed for every emerging symptom, often leading to a “prescribing cascade” to manage subsequent side effects. This approach treats problems in isolation without ever investigating the interconnected root causes, leaving patients feeling like they are managing a list of issues rather than healing their whole health.
True and durable healing requires a fundamental shift from this brief, transactional encounter to a transformational partnership built on exploration. It requires a model designed with the time and methodology to ask “why.” Why does this inflammation persist? Why is the autonomic nervous system stuck in overdrive? Why are foundational nutrients depleted? By moving beyond quick fixes to address these underlying metabolic, inflammatory, and physiological drivers, we aim not just to suppress symptoms, but to restore system-wide balance and resilience. This is the core philosophy that makes our partnership different.
the foundation
Pillars of Our Partnership
Time as Your Most Valuable Diagnostic
In our model, your first consultation is 60-90 minutes. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity. This uninterrupted time allows us to connect the dots between your symptoms, your history, your lifestyle, and the underlying metabolic, inflammatory, and autonomic systems that govern your heart’s health.
The Root-Cause Investigation™
We move beyond standard lab panels and employ a targeted, systems-based investigation to identify the specific drivers of your condition. This includes deep analysis of: Metabolic & Mitochondrial Function, Chronic Inflammation & Immune Response, Autonomic Nervous System & Stress Physiology, Gut-Heart Axis & Nutrient Status.
You, as the Expert of Your Life
My expertise is in preventive cardiovascular medicine and functional medicine. Your expertise is in your own body, life and goals. Our partnership is collaborative. I translate complex science into a clear, actionable plan, and you provide the essential feedback and commitment that brings that plan to life.
what to expect
The Patient Journey Map
Step 1: The Discovery Call
A complimentary 15-minute conversation to discuss your health vision, answer your initial questions, and mutually determine if this partnership is the right fit.
Step 2: The Deep Dive Consultation
Our foundational 60-90 minute visit. We will review your complete history, prior records, and I will perform a targeted physical exam. We will co-create your initial testing plan.
Step 3: Data Review & Personalized Plan
We meet again to review all results and translate the findings into a coherent root cause map. You then receive a personalized plan with prioritized next
Step 4: Ongoing Partnership & Iteration
Through direct access and scheduled follow-ups, we monitor your response, adjust your plan, and work iteratively toward your goals. This is where durable healing is sustained.
the partnership
Is This Partnership Right For You?
This model is designed for the individual who is:
- Managing a complex or chronic cardiovascular condition.
- Frustrated with a solely symptom-focused approach.
- Ready and able to engage as an active participant in their healing process.
- Seeking a definitive investigation into the root causes of their illness.
This model is NOT the right fit if you are:
- Seeking emergency or acute surgical care.
- Looking for a quick, passive fix without lifestyle engagement.
- Unable to commit to the model of a direct, concierge partnership.
If this philosophy resonates with you and describes the kind of care you have been seeking, I invite you to take the next logical step by scheduling a Discovery Call with me.
ready to get started?
Join a New Era of Advanced Cardiovascular Care with Dr. Mildred Opondo in Atlanta
I am currently accepting a limited number of new patients to the practice. Experience a comprehensive systems-based approach designed for those who refuse to settle for symptom management.