Chelsi Cox, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C

As nurse practitioner in this team approach to weight management, Chelsi Cox’s role is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based care plan, taking patient’s preferences, barriers, medical conditions, medications and goals into account.

“I believe education is one of the most important tools in health promotion,” said Cox, “and vital to anyone’s weight management journey.” For that reason, she collaborates with other specialty providers, such as registered dietitians, to individualize care plans.

Cox started her nursing career in bariatric surgical medicine over a decade ago. She transitioned into emergency medicine, where she treated numerous chronic conditions often associated with obesity in both adult and pediatric patients. Cox eventually made her way back to the weight management specialty, now in Southern Maryland, as a nurse practitioner.

She stressed, “By practicing in the specialty of obesity, I have the time and dedication truly required by this complicated and multi-factorial disease that primary care providers often cannot accommodate.” Cox is currently working toward obtaining her Obesity Medicine Certification to stay up to date with the latest evidence-based approaches to care.

Compassion is at the heart of Cox’s philosophy of care. “This should be a safe place to discuss weight and chronic conditions without stigma,” she said. “I value close patient relationships and want to understand your story as I believe this is the best approach to get to the root causes, identify barriers, and initiate practical and sustainable changes.”

As part of a blended family with children ranging from toddler to teen, Cox understands the struggles busy lives present. “I too have gone through my own weight management journeys and though we are all far from the same, this is what fuels my passion in this area of medicine.”