Mission
My Story
Tamara Vern-Gross, DO. FAAP
For over 20 years, I have dedicated my career to medicine and healing, supporting patients and families facing life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. I earned my medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a deep-rooted passion for pediatrics and a commitment to caring for children with cancer. After completing my pediatric residency in Chicago, I went on to train at the prestigious Harvard Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, based at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. There, I specialized in advanced symptom management and the art of compassionate physician-patient communication, gaining expertise in the care of both children and adults.
I completed my Radiation Oncology training at Wake Forest Baptist Health in North Carolina, followed by a specialized fellowship in Pediatric Proton Therapy at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute. Over the course of my career, I have contributed to several book chapters and peer-reviewed publications, and have delivered educational lectures to nurses, physicians, and students. I've presented at national and international conferences and created learning opportunities for audiences around the world.
During my seven years at Mayo Clinic Arizona, I was actively involved in education, research, and patient care. As the medical landscape has evolved, so too has my calling—to deepen my understanding of the human experience and my own healing process.
Today, I travel to rural clinics across the country, delivering family-centered cancer care that minimizes radiation side effects, improves communication, and enhances quality of life. As both a Polestar-certified Pilates Instructor and an Osteopathic Physician, I emphasize recovery and rehabilitation, promoting strength, movement, balance, and wellness in a compassionate, non-judgmental space—a space where uncertainty gives way to curiosity and healing.
By integrating holistic principles with over two decades of clinical expertise, I guide individuals toward discovering their unique LifeForce. This journey isn’t solely about physical health—it’s a transformational path that unites body, mind, and spirit. I believe true vitality stems from balance, willingness, breath, and self-awareness. My mission is to empower others to realign their energy, transcend obstacles, and live with clarity, creativity, and purpose. Every step of this process is an invitation to reclaim resilience and thrive wholeheartedly.
Testimonials
“You are the one always caring for everyone around you: your patients, their families, your teams, us interpreters, EVERYONE. I love you for it, for your king heart and humor!”“Thank you for the extraordinary attention and concern over my treatment. You are a light, a smile, my spot-welder, my hero in these difficult times for me.”“It was a tough day for my sweet friend…sitting across from a surgeon always is! You, dear one, was what we needed…a sign! You could not have been present at a better time.”
“Thank you for helping me catch my breath in a bad moment…”
“Thank you so much for presenting your “Rays of Hope” program for our members. It was very comprehensive, informative, and empowering program. You have such passion and expertise for whole body patient care (mind, body, spirit) that shines through in everything you do.”
“What an awesome team you all are! Couldn’t have gotten this far without your loving care, patience, optimism, and professionalism…your assurance and knowledge gave me the confidence and strength I needed to press forward on this journey…”
“You are the most caring and personable doctor that I have had through this whole journey. I appreciate that you made me feel that every concern and thought I had was worth you time to listen.”
“I’m hoping to maintain my ‘joy’ in each and every day, whatever comes my way~ you are always a reminder of that…”“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help.” said the Horse. “When have you been the strongest?” asked the boy. “ “When I have dared to show my weakness.” “Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s REFUSING to give up.”
What is your LifeForce?
LifeForce Pyramid offers a simple, yet profoundly practical approach to improving our overall well-being. Rise, Release, and Breathe. It is not merely a framework for personal development but a guiding light for leadership, resilience, and purpose. By committing to its core principles and doing the work to sustain these values, the rest of life’s challenges and aspirations naturally align, restoring balance and clarity. At its essence, the Lifeforce Pyramid is about cultivating vitality, energy, and strength. It is not just a set of instructions; it is a call to action—a reminder to show up for yourself. When you invest in your health and maintain balance across key areas of life, you unlock a dynamic source of energy that can guide you toward your passion and purpose.
You Are Your Own Changemaker
The Lifeforce Pyramid reminds us that we hold the power to create change in our lives. By showing up for ourselves, committing to balance, and honoring our energy, we become architects of our own health and future lives. Whether facing challenges or pursuing passions, the principles of the Lifeforce Pyramid serve as a foundation for a meaningful and vibrant life. During this time, remember that you are not alone. The energy that flows through all living things connects us, offering infinite potential for growth and transformation. Embrace the pyramid as a tool for self-discovery, a framework for leadership, and a path to a life rich with vitality and purpose.
The Stutz Pyramid reimagined
“If you show up for yourself
and are committed for these values,
the rest will fall into place”
Relationship with your Body
Building a Strong Foundation for Your Physical Health
Rise
A strong foundation for well-being is built upon key lifestyle factors that profoundly impact both mental and physical health. By embracing practices that nourish the body, we simultaneously enhance the mind and spirit. Our self-perception—shaped by our thoughts, behaviors, and actions—directly influences how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.
Key components for optimizing physical and mental health include:
Nutrition: Fueling the body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods to support energy, vitality, and optimal function.
Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration to ensure our bodies stay balanced and energized.
Recharging in Nature: Connecting with the natural world to restore mental clarity, reduce stress, and ground ourselves.
Sleep: Prioritizing restful, restorative sleep to promote physical recovery and mental rejuvenation.
Exercise: Engaging in regular movement to build strength, enhance mood, and increase overall wellness.
When these core elements are embraced, they provide a robust medium that nurtures both body and mind, enabling us to live with greater vitality, balance, and resilience.
Relationship with Others
The Power of Connection: Relationships and Well-Being
Release
The connections we have with others—whether through friendships, intimacy, or community—play a vital role in our overall well-being. Supportive relationships not only enrich our lives but also help us achieve our goals and navigate life’s challenges. It's essential to actively nurture and maintain these connections, as they provide:
Support, Love, and Belonging: Genuine relationships offer a sense of comfort and security, fostering emotional well-being.
Preservation of Self-Esteem: Healthy boundaries are key in protecting your sense of self. Managing toxic relationships is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional balance.
When we invest in the relationships that truly uplift and support us, we create a foundation for personal growth, resilience, and fulfillment.
Relationship with Self
The Foundation of All Relationships: A Positive Connection with Yourself
Breathe
A positive relationship with yourself is the cornerstone of all other connections. It begins with understanding your emotions, practicing self-compassion, and celebrating the unique qualities that make you who you are. Self-reflection, mindfulness, and goal-setting nurture a deeper sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
By prioritizing your own well-being, you create a more balanced life and set an example for others to do the same. Remember, the relationship you cultivate with yourself is where true empowerment begins.
