Wisdom From our Matriarchs: Autonomy in Health
Issue 02 | October 2025
Danielle Theis
Photograph by Olivia Litts
Danielle Theis is a family medicine resident who currently lives in central PA with her endlessly supportive husband while she finishes residency. She has had many adventures with her family, ranging from RV-living with a family of four to midlife medical school. Her current favorite word is “gramma,” and she looks forward to moving back home to Western SD to be closer to her kids and grandkids.
In your eyes, what does the role of Matriarch mean to you? Who are some Matriarchal figures that have guided you through your life?
The role of a matriarch, to me, reflects the Proverbs 31 woman—strong, wise, and nurturing—ensuring the health and well-being of her family. My mother has always been a great example of unconditional love. She continues to support me in all my crazy endeavors, and her unfaltering belief in me has helped me to remain strong even when times are tough. I also learned a substantial amount from a family friend who was participating in co-ops for obtaining healthy food and using herbs and other natural remedies with her family over 40 years ago. This exposure eventually shaped the way I cared for my future family.
As a young woman, how do you reflect upon how you cared for your mind, body, and heart?
I didn’t truly take health seriously until I was pregnant for the first time. It’s funny how that responsibility changes things. Suddenly there is another little body to take care of, and you know that each decision you make on their behalf can be impactful in a positive or negative way. I began to focus on a cleaner diet for my family, I started using more natural personal care products, and I began to exercise on a regular basis. I’ve continued with these habits and am humbled to see my children follow this example with their own growing families.
Being in the medical field, what are some words of wisdom you wish women knew going into seeking care?
I think it’s important to understand the time constraints most doctors are under. This was a difficult concept for me to appreciate before I was a physician, and I remember being so frustrated when a doctor “wouldn’t” listen to me or take the time to look into concerns I had. While I still do not find this excusable, rather than being frustrated, I encourage you to take this as a sign that this doctor may not be the right person for your health care team, and seek out a new provider. You will eventually find one who understands your concerns and truly listens. But no provider knows everything, so you truly need someone who is willing to put in the extra time for continuous professional improvement. I also appreciate it when patients come to me informed. Do your research and come to your doctor with a plan. Your doctor may not agree with you, but a good doctor will listen to you, help you determine whether any alternative therapies you are interested in trying are safe, and recommend any allopathic medical solutions as well.
How would you speak towards women and mothers “leading with their intuition?"
The pediatrician for my first born excelled at making me feel heard. One time I came to him with concerns of a fever, but I had to admit to him that my thermometer never proved my daughter had a fever. He told me “you know better than a thermometer does what your daughter usually feels like.” I try to take that same perspective with my patients. As women and mothers, I believe God has equipped us with a deep intuition about our bodies and our children. You know your children and your own bodies better than any outsider can. Again, I think it is important to do your homework and come with your concerns, but then certainly keep an open mind about the doctor’s recommendations, because they truly do want to help.
What are some practical/tangible actions someone could take towards seeking for providers that will listen and advocate?
Word of mouth is the best advertising. Ask local friends and family members if they can recommend a provider who will meet your needs. If you have a particular concern, don’t be afraid to reach out to the provider’s office and ask whether he/she is knowledgeable in that area. If any providers offer community education classes in your home town, attend them to get a feel for their personality and whether they may be a good match for you. There are also societies that maintain provider listings for particular concerns. For instance, The Menopause Society provides a list of doctors who have taken extra steps to obtain menopause education, and the Institute of Functional Medicine provides a similar list for doctors who have trained in functional medicine with their institute. That is not to say that these extra credentials are necessary for a provider to offer care in these areas, but this can be a helpful place to start.
Do you have any words of encouragement for those going through seasons of needing to seek outside help for the sake of their health?
Don’t give up. If a doctor gives you an answer that doesn’t make sense to you or doesn’t align with your research, you may need to find another doctor. There are likely to be hard days ahead, and unfortunately you are going to have to advocate for yourself. You won’t always have the energy to do this. Rest when you can, give yourself grace, and keep moving forward. There will be a provider who will listen, eventually. In the meantime, read books by knowledgeable doctors, study reputable resources, and start making changes to support better health.