Southside Diabetes Empowers Patients, Redefines Diabetes Care
Dr. Dana Stallings, owner of Southside Diabetes, is on a mission to provide personalized, compassionate, and innovative diabetes care in her community and beyond. Inspired by her father's struggle with diabetes, she became a nurse and then, as a diabetes educator in Franklin, she saw a need to improve the treatment plans available to the community. Determined to provide better care, she earned her doctorate of nursing practice and opened her own clinic in 2022.
“We are very patient-centered,” says Dana, a certified family nurse practitioner who has published and presented her work on insulin pump therapy. “Our patients enjoy coming to the clinic. We remember their names and ask them about their family members. We have phenomenal continuity of care.” The clinic, one of the first nurse practitioner-owned clinics in Western Tidewater, sees over 500 patients monthly. Many come from surrounding cities, and, through telehealth, the clinic treats many patients out-of-state. The growing team includes a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, a patient care advocate, a certified medical assistant, and a registered nurse.
Southside Diabetes offers a nonjudgmental space for patients to discuss their concerns, even beyond diabetes management. The clinic takes a holistic approach to diabetes care, addressing mental health and providing resources and referrals to other specialists when necessary. It also offers sample medications and supplies to patients who may be facing financial constraints.
Dana treats many patients who are frustrated by diabetes and “sick of feeling sick.” Through the care and support provided at the clinic, they experience a renewed sense of control and empowerment. “I want them to understand what we are fighting, what diabetes is, what my recommendations are, and why we’re taking a holistic approach,” Dana says.
Southside Diabetes came to TowneBank through the acquisition of Farmers Bank earlier this year. The practice benefits from TowneBank's user-friendly website, mobile banking app, and automatic bill pay. She also appreciates the responsiveness from her banker Kelley Healey, Smithfield market president, and the TowneBank team. “I have been incredibly happy with the experience,” Dana says.
Kelley notes that Dana and her hard-working staff are very involved in the community. “They’re just wonderful people,” Kelley says. “It all meshes with our brand, what we strive to do at TowneBank for our community and members.”
For more information, visit SouthsideDiabetesVA.com.
Dr. Dana Stallings started Southside Diabetes in 2022 after watching her father struggle with the disease. The Southside Diabetes team works to provide personalized, compassionate, and innovative care.