PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Finding truly personalized, integrative health care can be a challenge, but Fit Living in Progress (FLiP) is changing that. Founded by Joseph Christensen, APRN, FNP-BC, who serves as chief clinical officer, and co-owned and operated with his business partner William (Brent) Lankford, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, who serves as chief executive officer, this dynamic leadership team has built a practice that provides evidence-based treatments beyond traditional medicine.
Their partnership was forged over a decade of working together in CalvertHealth’s Emergency Department, where Christensen served as lead dayshift charge nurse and Lankford as lead night shift charge nurse. Lankford went on to achieve a zero-scratch record during his four-year tenure as fire chief of Saint Leonard Volunteer Fire and Rescue — a role he assumed just before COVID-19, successfully navigating challenges no previous chief had faced. Together, this experienced team brings their proven track record of clinical excellence and leadership to FLiP, offering metabolic optimization, hormone balancing, regenerative medicine, personalized weight loss, and primary and urgent care solutions — services that many people struggle to find elsewhere.
At FLiP, patients receive comprehensive, root-cause-focused care that blends traditional and functional medicine.
“What makes me great as an integrative medicine specialist is combining both traditional medicine with functional lifestyle medicine,” Christensen said. “I don’t just talk the talk — I am living it. And while I’m not perfect, one of our core beliefs at FLiP is that fit living isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with his mentor and colleague, Dr. Kathy Tsapos Parmele, a Harvard-educated emergency physician and certified functional medicine practitioner. Their collaborative approach combines Dr. Parmele’s expertise as an Ironman athlete and wellness coach with Christensen’s personal transformation journey, offering patients both professional guidance and lived experience.
FLiP’s Services Include:
- Medical aesthetics, including Botox and state-of-the-art dermal filler treatments, with five neuromodulators: Daxxify®, Botox®, Jeuveau®, Dysport® and Xeomin®
- IV vitamin therapy and injectables
- NAD+ therapy
- Medical weight loss programs
- Regenerative biologics
- Concierge care
- Primary and urgent care visits
- CoolSculpting® ELITE
- Special event services: private bookings for medical aesthetics and more
What Do Botox and Medical Aesthetics Have to Do With ‘Fit Living’?
Medical aesthetics includes a variety of noninvasive treatments aimed at improving how we look and feel about ourselves. And here’s the thing — it’s not just about vanity; it’s about boosting self-esteem, which can have a direct impact on our lifestyle choices.
Christensen writes, “When we talk about fit living, we often think of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental well-being. However, the connection between these elements may be stronger than you realize.”
Boosting Confidence!
When you feel good about how you look, you’re more motivated to stick to those healthy habits. A little confidence boost from a treatment can inspire you to hit the gym more often or maintain that healthy diet.
Working Together With a Healthy Lifestyle!
Some treatments, like body contouring, can be a great way to highlight the hard work you’ve put in at the gym or through a balanced diet. It’s about complementing the results of your fit lifestyle, not replacing them.
Mental Health Matters!
Let’s be real, when you look good, you feel good. And when your mental health is in a good place, it’s easier to stay motivated and active. Improved self-image can make it easier to pursue fitness goals and stay engaged in social activities.
In the end, medical aesthetics and fit living go hand in hand by helping you feel your best, inside and out. It’s all about creating a healthier, more confident and active version of yourself.
Regenerative Medicine: A Cutting-Edge Alternative
One of the most unique services at FLiP is regenerative medicine, a treatment few providers in the area offer. Christensen partners with a biotechnology company to provide the latest in regenerative science. The biomedical products are crafted with precision, adhering to the highest industry standards and developed through rigorous scientific research grounded in ethical principles.
“The future of medicine is regenerative, and this is something I hope will transform health care in our community,” Christensen writes. “Regenerative medicine has often had a negative connotation, but the product I use has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for an Investigational New Drug (IND) phase I/II human clinical trials on its effectiveness on severe inflammation and tissue repair.”
Christensen explains, “The core idea is the body has all the tools necessary to repair and regenerate, and this ability is transferable between individuals.”
More Than Hormone Replacement — A Focus on Hormone Optimization
Hormone therapy is another area where FLiP stands apart. Many clinics offer hormone replacement, but Christensen’s hormone balancing approach is designed to optimize natural hormone function instead of simply supplementing it.
“For women, we address perimenopause and hormone rebalancing in ways most don’t,” he said. “For men, while testosterone replacement is widely available, I prefer to prescribe compounded medication, which stimulates the body to produce its own testosterone. My approach is about making the body work more optimally and healthily, rather than just replacing hormones outright.”
A Personalized Approach to Weight Loss — From Someone Who’s Been There
Weight loss is one of FLiP’s most in-demand services, largely due to the growing obesity epidemic. But what sets Christensen apart is his personal experience with the struggle.
“I used to weigh well over 300 pounds,” he shared. “I’ve been in my client’s shoes. I’ve sat through the bariatric surgery consultations, felt trapped in my body, and taken the same medications that I now prescribe, as well as undergoing the same treatments (like CoolSculpting). I offer both professional expertise and personal insight that many other providers and nutritionists simply can’t.”
FLiP’s weight loss programs are customized to each patient, blending medications, lifestyle coaching and metabolic optimization for sustainable results.
CoolSculpting® ELITE: Noninvasive Body Contouring
Additionally, once someone has achieved their goal weight or is close to it, FLiP offers CoolSculpting® ELITE as a way to refine and enhance their progress. It’s the perfect solution for fine-tuning areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, giving patients the confidence to fully embrace their transformation.
CoolSculpting® ELITE is a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared treatment for noninvasive fat reduction. This advanced technology targets stubborn fat cells in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms and more — helping patients achieve a more sculpted and contoured appearance without surgery or downtime.
CoolSculpting® ELITE works by freezing fat cells, which are naturally eliminated by the body over time. It’s an excellent option for those who want to complement their fitness efforts and celebrate the results of their hard work.
Not a MediSpa — A True Integrative Medicine Practice
Christensen is clear: FLiP is not a medispa; rather, it is a medical practice offering treatments backed by evidence-based medicine.
“All of our services are delivered by active emergency nurses or board-certified specialists.”
How To Get Started
FLiP offers a range of care options tailored to meet your health care needs:
- SignatureCare: Our primary care option, designed to provide comprehensive, ongoing health care for your long-term wellness goals.
- PriorityCare: Our urgent care or same-day option, ideal for addressing immediate, nonemergency health concerns when you need prompt medical attention.
PriorityCare addresses a variety of urgent care symptoms, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Mild asthma exacerbations
- Rashes
- Minor burns
- Superficial wounds
- Other minor skin issues
- Allergies
- Ear, eye, nose and throat infections
- Uncomplicated UTIs
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Minor stomach upsets
- Minor sprains and strains
- Joint and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Initial consultations and testing arrangements for STIs
- Mild dehydration
- Minor concussions
Both SignatureCare and PriorityCare are available with the convenience of in-person and virtual appointments.
“Our goal is to make people feel comfortable, heard and supported,” Christensen said. “When someone walks into FLiP, we sit down and ask, ‘What are your goals? How can we make you healthier and happier?’”
A Legacy of Excellence Through Teamwork
Beyond its visionary leadership, FLiP’s success stems from its carefully curated team of health care professionals.
“What makes FLiP truly special is the team we’ve hand-selected,” Christensen explains. “Each member brings unique expertise and shares our unwavering commitment to transformative patient care.”
The practice is enriched by the expertise of Jennifer Lankford, certified RN, a distinguished nurse with over 30 years of experience who formerly served as CalvertHealth’s Emergency Department nursing educator. Her decision to join FLiP reflects both her dedication to family — supporting her son Brent’s vision — and her continued mentorship of Christensen, whom she guided like a son during his early nursing career.
Alongside her, Gabrielle Cleaveland, BSN, RN, brings fresh energy and dedication to the team. Completing the core team are Kristyl Callison, BS, and Michelle LaGoy, whose combined expertise in patient care coordination and practice operations ensures an exceptional experience for every patient who walks through FLiP’s doors.
“We’re not just colleagues — we’re truly family dedicated to revolutionizing health care delivery in Southern Maryland,” adds Lankford. “Each team member was chosen not just for their clinical excellence, but for their genuine passion for helping others progress in their health journey. This shared vision drives everything we do.”
With locations in Prince Frederick and Solomons, FLiP continues to redefine integrative health care through its exceptional team, comprehensive services and unwavering commitment to patient success. The practice stands as a testament to what’s possible when visionary leadership meets dedicated expertise.
For more information about FLiP’s services or to schedule a consultation, visit www.fitlivinginprogress.org, call (667) 400-3570 or email info@fitlivinginprogress.org.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
