A woman with tattoos on her arms and chest sitting outdoors on a bench, wearing a navy tank top and white wide-leg pants, flexing her right arm to show her bicep, long dark hair, and gazing at her arm with a serious expression, in a backyard with trees, a fence, and a bench, during late afternoon sunlight.
A woman with tattoos on her arms and chest sitting outdoors on a bench, wearing a navy tank top and white wide-leg pants, flexing her right arm to show her bicep, long dark hair, and gazing at her arm with a serious expression, in a backyard with trees, a fence, and a bench, during late afternoon sunlight.

Meet your practitioner

Cynthia Pokluda, MMS, ACLM, PA-C

A woman wearing black scrubs, glasses, and a wristwatch, standing in a modern, bright room with a smile, hands in her pockets, and tattoos on her arms.

Hi, I’m Cynthia.

MASTER’S OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, BoARD CERTIFIED IN LIFESTYLE MEDICINE & CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

My practice is rooted in humility, curiosity, and deep respect. These values shape how I listen, how I educate, and how I partner with people on their health journey. Whether we’re navigating a diagnosis or building small, sustainable habits, I’m here to meet you where you are and move forward together.

I graduated from Midwestern University in Downer’s Grove, IL. However, most of my education occurred with my first position which was in the carceral setting at Cook County Jail in Chicago. I shifted over to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Eventually, I decided to shift in to community medicine after 12 years and became board-certified through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Colorful graphic of a lightning bolt made of circles in various sizes, with the text 'American College of Lifestyle Medicine' underneath.
The logo of Northwestern University College of Health Sciences, featuring an open book, a tree, and the year 1992, in blue and black colors.
NIC Certification Excellence logo with purple and gold text and a sunburst design.
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Get to Know Your PA-C

  • Born and raised in Shiner, Texas

  • Proud plant mama with too many green things to count

  • Host of weekly community events with cold plunges and sauna

  • Always down for a mountain bike ride or a slow morning

  • Living the dream with my partner Freddie and our senior poodle Higgs

  • Prefers a solid espresso or protein muffin over most things

  • Never not a work in progress - as a PA and a human.

A small black puppy lying on a soft, textured blanket, resting its head and looking towards the camera with partially open eyes.

My Approach:

Hardworking, humble and honest.
The three traits that continue hold a true north for me.

These values shaped how I grew up and still guide how I show up — whether I’m in the clinic, on a coaching call, or holding space for someone navigating change.

In primary care, these values mean staying curious, asking better questions, and learning from every patient interaction. I’ve worked in complex settings — from correctional medicine to community clinics — where humility and teamwork weren’t optional; they were essential to providing safe, thoughtful care.

In health coaching, these same principles help me build trust, meet people where they are, and move forward together. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan — just consistent effort, honest conversations, and space for you to grow at your own pace.

Let’s get curious. Let’s get rebellious
Let’s see what we can create together.

Cynthia's Substack

  • Cynthia is very knowledgeable and has an excellent way of explaining things. She helped me to feel in control of my health decisions & goals.

    Linda

  • Cynthia has been an absolute blessing and has been instrumental in helping me to understand my health. 

    Anonymous

  • Cynthia listens astutely, asks thoughtful questions, and ensures every concern is addressed with thoroughness and care. Her dedication to supporting patients holistically makes her a standout.

    Brett

  • Cynthia is so kind, knowledgeable, have excellent insight and an exceptional beside manner! You have helped me become a stronger healthier senior. Thanks to you and my team, I’ve lost 50 lbs, learned how to analyze and customize cooking & nutrition for fueling myself and workouts, listen to my body & advocate, sleep like a rock and literally feel 10 years younger.

    Stoked Collaborator in Health

  • Cynthia is also an excellent communicator — she explains things clearly and always makes sure I understand my options. It’s obvious that she truly cares about her patients and wants the best outcome for each of us. I feel very lucky to have her as my provider.

    Renee

  • Cynthia's professionalism and genuine concern for her clients truly sets her apart. I am deeply grateful for the quality of care she provided and highly recommend her.

    Erica

  • Cynthia has been the best PCP I’ve ever worked with. I appreciate how much you genuinely care and how thorough you are in your work.

    Previous Client

Board-certified medical expertise, delivered with honesty and humility.

Get in touch.

If you’re looking for someone who can bring both clinical clarity and human support to your health journey, I’d love to hear from you.

Not sure which path is right for you? Send a message, let’s connect and see what the best options are for you.

Book A Free Discovery Call