Laura A. Vasquez, MSN, APRN, NP-C | Source | Integrative Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Riordan Clinic

Laura A. Vasquez, MSN, APRN NP-C, is a Family Medicine Board Certified Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her focus is on Integrative Oncology and other complex conditions. She provides support to patients in all phases of their treatment. Laura received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University before pursuing an accelerated Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from William Jewell College and eventually a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Central Missouri. Laura has recently become certified in the Metabolic Approach to Cancer after completing the Practitioner Master Course. She continues to learn cutting-edge strategies and collaborates with a network of like-minded providers paving the way for a new approach to cancer care.

Laura developed an interest in healthcare from a young age, specifically holistic modalities. She learned more about alternative health principles through continuing education courses, research, and incorporating new healing techniques into her own life. Over the years, her passion for integrative health has continually grown as she sees the value of natural therapies in the changing landscape of modern medicine.

In her first nursing role, Laura worked in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Saint Luke’s Health System, managing critical care patients with multiple comorbidities and cardiac disease. As a Nurse Practitioner, Laura specialized in preventive cardiology to help patients achieve metabolic wellness and reduce disease states such as obesity, diabetes, and vascular inflammation. In addition, Laura provided her patients with education, support, and specialized medical plans that included conventional and integrative protocols to reverse disease and prevent further damage.

Having pursued further training in functional medicine, Laura has since incorporated the principles into her practice. Her experience helps patients with various chronic diseases through in-depth lab testing and treatments such as targeted supplementation, dietary modifications, and IV nutrient therapy.

She recognizes the importance of evaluating underlying contributors like inflammation, infections, and environmental toxins to support patients in their journey towards real health. In addition, Laura has vast experience with intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet plans, lifestyle education, IV nutrients, and antioxidants.

Laura is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, The Metabolic Approach to Cancer Network, and The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2014, she received Saint Luke’s Health System’s Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award. As a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, Laura was recognized in 2019 as a member of the top 10% of providers nationwide for patient satisfaction by Press Ganey Associates.

Laura believes that healing all aspects of one’s health has to be considered valuable and a piece of the whole. One of her favorite quotes is by BKS Lyengar “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”

Outside of her passion for working with patients, Laura enjoys writing, and you can find articles in the Health Hunter Newsletter regarding various health topics. She is also featured on the Real Health Podcast. While not pursuing her passions in medicine, Laura’s first love is spending time with her family. They enjoy cooking food, being outdoors, playing sports, and card games. She also enjoys exercising and reading.