A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a pink sleeveless top and gold hoop earrings, smiling with her right hand touching her face, against a neutral background.

Hi, I’m Kara Dobelis

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified (FNP-BC)
CEO & Cofounder of IFM

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West Des Moines & Ankeny

Not Accepting New Patients

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Kara Dobelis is a holistic healer and cofounder of Integrative Family Medicine in Des Moines, bringing a compassionate, whole-person approach to primary care that integrates conventional medicine with nutrition, lifestyle counseling, stress management, and complementary therapies; she focuses on individualized treatment plans, preventive care, and patient education to empower families to achieve long-term wellness, and is known for her collaborative care style, clinical expertise, and commitment to creating accessible, personalized healthcare that addresses physical, emotional, and environmental factors affecting health.

Kara’s Services

Kara is closed for all new patients at this time. Please check back later.

Patient Population
Ages: All Ages
Gender: All Genders

  • Kara Dobelis — Holistic Healing & Root-Cause Care for Chronic Illness

    Kara Dobelis offers integrative, root-cause care for people living with chronic conditions who want natural, evidence-informed approaches. Specializing in chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and other long-standing viral or immune-suppressing illnesses, Kara blends functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, targeted supplements, and gentle detoxification to restore resilience and long-term wellness.

    Who benefits

    • Adults with chronic fatigue syndrome, post-viral fatigue, or long COVID-like symptoms

    • Patients with Lyme disease, co-infections, and persistent bacterial/viral illnesses

    • People with reactivated viral infections (EBV, CMV, etc.) that impair immune function

    • Those seeking non-pharmaceutical, holistic strategies alongside conventional care

    Core services and approaches

    • Comprehensive root-cause assessment: detailed history, symptom mapping, and individualized testing (immune panels, functional labs, nutrient status, gut microbiome, hormonal balance, and more)

    • Personalized treatment plans: tailored protocols combining botanical medicine, targeted nutraceuticals, dietary interventions, and lifestyle prescriptions to address inflammation, immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut health

    • Nutritional and metabolic support: anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial-supportive diets; personalized meal guidance; targeted micronutrient repletion

    • Immune modulation and viral support: strategies to reduce viral reactivation, support immune recovery, and improve antiviral defenses using natural, evidence-based modalities

    • Detoxification and toxin reduction: safe, practical detox plans to reduce environmental and metabolic burdens that hinder recovery

    • Mind-body and lifestyle therapies: sleep optimization, stress reduction, gentle movement, and therapeutic modalities that support nervous system regulation and healing

    • Ongoing monitoring and adjustments: regular follow-up to track biomarkers, symptom progress, and refine treatments for sustainable improvements

    Why choose Kara Dobelis

    • Integrative, patient-centered care focused on uncovering root causes rather than masking symptoms

    • Emphasis on natural, evidence-informed therapies combined with appropriate conventional collaboration

    • Individualized plans that address immune suppression, chronic viral activation, and the metabolic drivers of persistent illness

    • Compassionate support for complex, multi-system chronic conditions with practical strategies for real-world recovery

    If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, EBV, or other persistent viral/immune issues and prefer natural, root-cause care, Kara Dobelis provides a clear, integrative path toward restoring energy, immune resilience, and long-term health.

  • Kara offers advanced specialty IV therapy focused on mitochondrial support and immune resilience. Her evidence-informed NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) infusions and high‑dose vitamin C IV protocols are tailored for patients seeking improved cellular energy, cognitive clarity, recovery from chronic fatigue and enhanced antioxidant protection.

    Who benefits

    • Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, post-viral fatigue (including long COVID)

    • Patients seeking cognitive support for brain fog, memory issues, or age-related decline

    • Those recovering from intensive training, chronic illness, or toxic burden who need accelerated cellular recovery

    • People pursuing immune support, antioxidant therapy, and complementary cancer-care symptom management under medical guidance

    Core services

    • NAD IV therapy for mitochondrial health: Therapeutic NAD infusions designed to enhance cellular energy metabolism, support DNA repair and boost neurochemical balance. Protocols are individualized for dose, infusion rate and frequency based on medical history and goals.

    • High‑dose vitamin C IV therapy: Clinically supervised IV vitamin C at therapeutic levels to provide potent antioxidant support, immune modulation, and adjunctive symptom relief. Dosing and infusion plans are customized and monitored for safety and efficacy.

    • Integrative assessment and monitoring: Comprehensive evaluation of metabolic, nutritional and mitochondrial markers; personalized plans that combine IV therapy with lifestyle, nutritional supplementation and targeted lab testing; ongoing monitoring for response and safety.

    Safety and quality

    • Medical oversight by an integrative family medicine clinician experienced in IV therapeutics

    • Pre-infusion screening, appropriate lab testing, and individualized contraindication review

    • Use of pharmaceutical‑grade NAD and vitamin C with sterile administration, infusion monitoring and emergency protocols

    Expected outcomes

    • Improved cellular energy, reduced fatigue and enhanced exercise recovery

    • Better cognitive clarity, mood stabilization and support for neurochemical function

    • Reduced oxidative stress and enhanced immune resilience

    • Supportive symptom relief when used adjunctively in chronic illness and recovery plans

    Why choose Kara Dobelis

    • Integrative family medicine approach combining evidence-informed IV therapy with holistic care

    • Personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessment and ongoing monitoring

    • Emphasis on safety, clinical quality and measurable outcomes for mitochondrial and immune health

    Book a consultation to discuss whether NAD therapy or high‑dose vitamin C IV is appropriate for your health goals and to create a tailored treatment plan.

  • Experience targeted fascia release with Kara Dobelis, a certified integrative practitioner specializing in gentle, evidence-informed techniques to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve tissue function. Kara blends hands-on myofascial release, fascial unwinding, and movement-based strategies tailored to each patient’s history, diagnosis, and lifestyle. Her approach treats the fascial system as a whole — addressing adhesions, scar tissue, chronic tension, and postural imbalances that contribute to headaches, low back pain, neck and shoulder restrictions, plantar fasciitis, and post-surgical tightness.

    What to expect

    • Thorough intake and movement assessment to identify fascial restrictions and contributing biomechanical patterns.

    • Individualized session plan using gentle manual fascial release, sustained pressure techniques, and guided functional movement to promote tissue hydration and glide.

    • Integration with breath coaching, postural education, and at-home self-care routines (rolling, stretching, targeted mobility exercises) to prolong benefits.

    • Collaboration with your primary care or other IFM providers when indicated for coordinated, whole-person care.

    Benefits

    • Reduced pain and tenderness related to adhesions, scar tissue, and chronic tension

    • Improved range of motion and functional movement

    • Enhanced circulation and lymphatic flow supporting recovery and reduced inflammation

    • Better posture and decreased recurrence of biomechanics-driven symptoms

    • Complementary support for rehabilitation after injury or surgery

    Who it helps

    • Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, hips, shoulders)

    • Individuals recovering from surgery or soft tissue injury

    • People with repetitive strain issues, postural dysfunction, or limited mobility

    • Patients seeking integrative, non-pharmacologic options for pain management

    Kara combines clinical training in integrative family medicine with specialized fascial release techniques and a patient-centered, holistic philosophy. She emphasizes safety, measurable progress, and home-based strategies to sustain results — providing practical, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

    Book an evaluation to determine if fascia release is right for you. Sessions are customized for adults of all activity levels and medical backgrounds; modifications are available for sensitive or post-operative tissue.

  • Kara Dobelis offers targeted trigger point injection therapy to relieve chronic muscle pain, myofascial pain syndrome, and tension-related headaches. Using a precise, evidence-based approach, Kara identifies painful muscle knots (trigger points) and administers small injections of local anesthetic, saline, or a combination to deactivate the trigger point, reduce muscle spasm, and restore mobility.

    Who benefits

    • Patients with persistent neck, shoulder, back, or hip pain not relieved by stretching, massage, or oral medications

    • People experiencing tension or cervicogenic headaches linked to tight muscles

    • Individuals with myofascial pain syndrome or focal muscle tightness after injury

    • Those seeking an integrative, minimally invasive alternative to long-term opioid or systemic therapies

    What to expect

    • Thorough assessment including medical history, physical exam, and palpation to locate active trigger points

    • Clear explanation of risks, benefits, and expected outcomes

    • Gentle, precise injection technique to minimize discomfort

    • Aftercare guidance: stretching, physical therapy recommendations, and follow-up to monitor response

    • Safe integration with other treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and medication management

    Clinical benefits

    • Rapid reduction in focal muscle pain and increased range of motion

    • Decreased frequency and severity of tension-related headaches

    • Potential to shorten recovery time and reduce reliance on systemic pain medications

    • Improved function for daily activities and athletic performance

    Safety and qualifications

    • Administered by Kara Dobelis, a trained integrative family medicine clinician experienced in musculoskeletal care

    • Performed in a clinical setting with sterile technique and appropriate monitoring

    • Contraindications and precautions reviewed prior to treatment (anticoagulation, infection, pregnancy considerations)

    Book an evaluation with Kara to determine if trigger point injections are appropriate for your pain management plan. She offers personalized, integrative treatment strategies aimed at long-term relief and functional improvement.

Professional Experience & Credentials

  • Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)

  • Family Nurse Practitioner, Board-Certified (FNP-BC)

  • CEO & Cofounder of IFM

  • Specialty: Holistic Healing

“At Integrative Family Medicine, I am dedicated to practicing a model of healthcare that truly listens to patients and validates their symptoms. I make it a priority to ensure patients have access to comprehensive, thoughtful care that empowers them to experience real healing, just as I did. I believe every patient deserves to be heard, and I am committed to providing the support, education, and resources necessary for lasting wellness.”
— Kara Dobelis
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My Background

My path in medicine has been anything but linear. I began my career as a nurse in critical care and surgery, then moved into healthcare administration, eventually serving as a director for large healthcare organizations. I gained a deep understanding of how the system works, but over time, I also became increasingly conflicted. I saw how often decisions were driven by efficiency, metrics, and profit rather than what patients truly needed. That ethical tension became a turning point in my career.

The idea for Integrative Family Medicine began over a simple cup of coffee with Sarah. We shared the same frustration with the limitations of traditional healthcare and the same desire to do things differently. We envisioned a practice where patients came first, where care was thoughtful, unrushed, and rooted in real problem-solving. That conversation marked the beginning of a new chapter, one focused entirely on patient-centered care.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Informatics and a second Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner. Iowa is home. Growing up here, I always knew I would return, not just to practice medicine, but to build something meaningful for the community that shaped me.

My personal health journey has had a profound influence on how I practice medicine today. I spent years navigating symptoms that went undiagnosed and treatments that never addressed the root cause. Traditional medicine did not have answers for me, but integrative medicine did. Through a holistic approach that emphasized lifestyle, deeper investigation, and individualized care, I finally found healing. That experience ignited my passion for helping others who feel dismissed, unheard, or stuck. I am driven to provide the kind of care I once needed myself.

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We had a great experience with Dr. Kara! She’s a great listener, knowledgeable and friendly. My 6-year-old felt very comfortable during her appointment. I definitely recommend this clinic!

— Patient of Kara Dobelis