Today we’d like to introduce you to Nykkia Sellers.
Hi Nykkia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my healthcare journey over 20 years ago. Over the last ten years, I have specialized in diabetes management. I never truly desired to own my own practice. However, I saw there was a great need for specialized diabetes care in the area. In 2022, I opened Diabetes Care & Wellness to increase access to care and to improve healthcare outcomes. My love for helping people manage their diabetes was actually found accidentally. I had other nurse practitioners and physicians tell me that I was a “diabetes expert” in the field.
After becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, my interest in diabetes management evolved. In 2015, I received the opportunity to manage a diabetes practice in the Whitehaven area. From that experience, I ventured out to curate diabetes education programs, health events, and support groups in the Memphis area. After years at that practice, COVID-19 occurred, and I experienced a life-changing health event which led me to face a different and difficult time in my healthcare journey. That experience led me to open my own private practice to be able to provide patients with compassionate and quality care.
Being in diabetes care has afforded me the opportunity to have an international voice in diabetes management as well. I have presented for several organizations and national conferences; in addition, I have published articles and webinars on diabetes prevention and management. I also serve on the Advisory Group for Women’s Interprofessional Network of American Diabetes Association and the Credentialing Committee for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has not always been smooth, especially given that the field of diabetes is predominantly male-dominated. This another reason why I try to advocate to highlight the work of women in diabetes.
Moreover, owning a medical practice presents a unique set of challenges that extend far beyond delivering quality patient care. The daily reality involves navigating administrative demands, staffing shortages, insurance reimbursement hurdles, and changes in healthcare. In addition, balancing work and life responsibilities can be overwhelming often. However, being a practice owner has been very rewarding when I see patients’ health improve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Diabetes Care & Wellness?
At Diabetes Care & Wellness (DCW), we provide specialized care for people living with diabetes. We also provide management for other chronic diseases, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia, and obesity. DCW serves the Tri-state area. In addition to diabetes management, we also equip patients with knowledge and tools to live healthier lives.
At DCW, we stay abreast of the most current guidelines, standards of care, and medical advancements in diabetes care. As a testament to our commitment to stay current with advancements, Dr. Nykkia Sellers,NP was the first person and first black woman to open a specialized diabetes practice in Crittenden County. Additionally, she was the first woman in the Memphis area to become a certified Eversense® Continuous Glucose Monitor provider/inserter to increase options to manageable healthcare with diabetes.
DCW planned and curated a signature diabetes awareness community event, Grow Healthy; Live Healthy, for the Tri-state area. This inaugural event provided valuable information, hands-on experiences, cooking demonstrations, healthy meals, and no-cost health screenings (e.g. blood pressure and blood sugar).
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about our city is that we all come together in the time of need. Memphis knows how to rally around each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mydcwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydcwellness/profilecard/ and https://www.instagram.com/thediabeteswellnessnp/profilecard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiabetesCW
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nykkia-sellers-dnp-fnp-bc-adm-cdces-a2509317b
