By Dr. Karen Devore
At the Tortoise Clinic, we embrace the philosophy of the tortoise: steady, intentional and focused on the journey. I often reflect on the story of the tortoise and the hare, where the tortoise wins not by speed, but by staying the course with quiet determination. It’s a lesson that I’ve seen echoed time and time again in my patients’ wellness journeys. Health isn’t something that can be rushed. True, lasting wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.
When I first began practicing medicine, I saw a gap in how we approached health—one that overlooked the wisdom of ancient healing methods in favor of fast, superficial treatments. But, I also saw the potential in blending the best of both worlds: the deep, holistic roots of Eastern medicine with the advancements of modern Western science. That’s how the Tortoise Clinic came to be, an integrative health center where the patient’s entire well-being is considered—not just the symptoms they present with, but the root causes beneath.
We offer a wide range of services, from acupuncture to massage therapy and holistic health consultations, each tailored to the individual’s unique needs. Our Chinese Herb dispensary, the largest in Northwest Florida, is one of the cornerstones of our practice. We create customized raw herbal prescriptions, combining the wisdom of ancient medicine with medical-grade supplements and formulas designed to support the body’s natural healing process.
One of the things I’m most passionate about is empowering our patients to take charge of their own health journeys. I love helping people connect the dots between their lifestyle, environment and diet, and how these factors play into their overall wellness. At the Tortoise Clinic, it’s not about treating a headache or a sore back in isolation. It’s about understanding why that pain exists in the first place and working together to create sustainable solutions. That’s where the beauty of integration—Eastern and Western medicine—comes into play.
We are also incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Lisa Forsythe on our team, offering Neuro-Acupuncture, a cutting-edge technique that combines traditional Chinese needling with the latest in neurological science. As the only Neuro-Acupuncture specialist within 300 miles, Lisa provides life-changing care for patients recovering from strokes, managing nerve pain or dealing with other central nervous system disorders. Her work is a powerful reminder of why combining these two worlds of medicine is so essential for holistic healing.
At the Tortoise Clinic, we don’t believe in rushing toward a finish line. We believe in walking alongside our patients, step by step, on a path toward lasting vitality. Like the tortoise, we know that the journey to wellness is slow and steady, but ultimately, it’s the most rewarding one you can take.
If you’re ready to take that journey with us, I invite you to visit our clinic. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, support with your overall health or just a deeper connection to your body’s natural healing abilities, we’re here to guide you. Because in the race for health, it’s not about how fast you go—it’s about how well you get there.
