10 Ans Déjà! (Already 10 years)
This was the title of a famous song in France a few years ago. It reflects on how quickly life passes—a sentiment that resonates deeply with the story of VitaLifeMD. So much has happened, and yet it feels as if those years flew by in the blink of an eye and that ten years ago was just yesterday!
Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read fondly remembers the morning of October 5, 2015, when she opened the doors of her new practice—marking the beginning of VitaLifeMD.
Nutritionist Derek Johnson and his wife Lisa, who had been instrumental in helping her set up the office, were already there to warmly welcome her on this important first day.
The morning began quietly. The initial team was small: Nurse Jose, Administrative Assistant Xochilt, and Front Desk Assistant Salma. Together, they began working on some organizational matters. Mid-morning, Lisa Johnson sent out the official email announcing the opening of the practice, as permitted by law for any physician establishing a new office.
To everyone's surprise, the phones and inbox were soon flooded with calls and emails from Dr. Fradin-Read’s former patients, eager to schedule appointments.
Dr. Fradin-Read was deeply grateful to witness such an immediate and heartfelt response from her loyal patients. Their support reassured her that the vision behind her new practice—a unique blend of European and American approaches to medicine—had real value. She believed that incorporating her French touch, with a strong focus on lifestyle and prevention, would truly help her patients stay healthy and thrive.
Word of mouth played a key role, and as the months passed, more and more patients joined what Dr. Fradin-Read affectionately calls the VitaLifeMD family.
An IV clinic with unique formulas
Several important milestones marked the growth of the clinic, and one of the most significant was the development of the VitaLifeMD IV Clinic, offering unique, customized formulas.
Since her schedule wasn’t yet full in the early days, Dr. Fradin-Read dedicated time to furthering her education in preventive and anti-aging medicine. She underwent intensive training in IV nutrition and collaborated closely with pharmacist Nayan Patel to develop exclusive intravenous formulations not available anywhere else.
Creating these formulas required meticulous calculations—carefully balancing ingredients on spreadsheets to ensure proper osmolarity, maximize benefits, and avoid the side effects often seen with poorly composed IVs. Her foundational immune-boosting formula quickly gained popularity and remains a patients’ favorite, especially during the fall and winter months when respiratory infections are most common.
The mission of balancing hormones
Another key milestone came in 2018, when Dr. Fradin-Read collaborated with Gwyneth Paltrow to help demystify menopause. Already well-known for her expertise in hormone balancing, Dr. Read shared her insights in an interview with Goop—an appearance that proved to be a great success.
The interview resonated with many women, helping them realize they were not alone in facing the challenges of hormonal changes and, more importantly, that there were real solutions available.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just women who reached out after the interview. A surprising number of men—often the spouses—also contacted the office, asking for help in "fixing their testosterone," highlighting just how universal and relevant hormone health had become.
Our VitaLifeMD family is growing
As the practice continued to grow, the need for additional support became clear. One by one, former colleagues who had previously worked with Dr. Fradin-Read reached out, asking if they could join the team—and of course, she was delighted to welcome them back.
That’s how Diana, Heather, Sarah, Danny, and our nurses Laurent and Charles came on board, each bringing their own expertise and dedication. Even one of Dr Read’s patients, Kathleen, was added to the group to help with phone answering from the distance.
Later on, Jocelyn came on board, and recently, our team was happy to welcome nurses Pola and Michelle.
They have all been invaluable assets to the VitaLifeMD team, contributing significantly to the clinic’s continued success.
At the same time, Dr. Fradin-Read's schedule had become so full that she realized she needed to bring another practitioner on board to help accommodate new patients. As luck would have it, the right person came along at just the right moment.
In 2018, Dr. Read met the wonderful Nurse Practitioner Carley Cassity at a medical conference. At the time, Carley had been working primarily in a medical spa, focusing on aesthetic procedures, but she was eager to expand her expertise into general preventive health. Seated next to Dr. Read during the event, the two immediately connected.
Carley soon joined the VitaLifeMD team and, with just a bit of training—and thanks to her quick learning ability—she mastered everything that Dr. Read needed her to know. She quickly became the second go-to expert in the office for hormones balancing and weight management, earning the trust and admiration of both patients and colleagues alike.
Then COVID hit!
Interestingly, Dr. Fradin-Read made the decision to close the office one day before Governor Newsom officially announced the statewide shutdown. Despite the uncertainty, the VitaLifeMD team continued to support patients as best as they could. Practitioners transitioned to Telehealth consultations, ensuring ongoing care for those in need from the safety of their homes.
Meanwhile, our courageous nurses went above and beyond—traveling to patients' homes to administer COVID testing and IV treatments to support their immune system during illness. Dr. Read vividly remembers nurse Charles, fully suited in a hazmat outfit, tirelessly driving around Los Angeles to visit patient after patient.
Thanks to the dedication of our team and the timely preventive treatment administered, none of our patients became seriously ill to the point of endangering their health, and most were able to avoid long-term sequelae of the disease.
Some weight loss success stories
Just before the COVID pandemic, Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read’s reputation had risen significantly, particularly because several well-known artists had achieved impressive weight loss results under her care. With a degree in Human Nutrition from France, Dr. Fradin-Read brought a unique and refined approach to wellness. Early in her career, she had worked alongside the renowned chef Michel Guérard to help develop la cuisine minceur gastronomique—a concept focused on eating healthily and slimming down without sacrificing the pleasure of food.
Drawing from this foundation, she designed a medicalized program that combined lifestyle guidance, personalized dietary recommendations, hormonal balance, and appropriate medications. The results were remarkable, and words quickly spread.
As the program gained public attention, more and more patients began seeking consultations at VitaLifeMD specifically for weight management—further cementing Dr. Fradin-Read’s standing as a leader in preventive and anti-aging medicine.
The “peptides era”
By the end of 2020, VitaLifeMD had emerged as one of the pioneering clinics in the use of peptides for general health, longevity, and anti-aging. As she always does before introducing any new treatment, Dr. Fradin-Read undertook extensive research and completed thorough training on the science behind various peptides and their clinical applications.
During the pandemic, she even tested several peptides on herself to better understand their effects before prescribing them to patients. Her approach remains highly personalized—she carefully evaluates each patient's unique needs and selects peptide therapies accordingly.
Dr. Fradin-Read is also acutely aware of the growing risks posed by unregulated sources. With more and more so-called “research peptides” being sold online—often labeled as not for human use—she strongly cautions against the use of such products, especially when promoted by non-specialized or negligent practitioners.
Today, Dr. Fradin-Read is considered a leading expert in the field. She is committed to offering her patients only the highest quality, medically supervised peptides and is often among the first to introduce safe and effective new options well before they become widely available in other clinics.
“As I approached my 55th birthday, I turned to Dr. Read and she has truly transformed my health and my life. Her thoughtful, caring approach and the time she devotes to each client sets her apart. Her precise analysis of my bloodwork, her belief in and use of peptides (which have been complete game changers for my daily energy, brain function, and overall vitality), and her remarkable network of specialists have all combined to create an extraordinary impact on my health and longevity. Working with her has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
—Anonymous
Early 2022-the beginning of our monthly newsletter
If you're interested in learning about health and prevention, this is the place to go. Dr. Fradin-Read covers a wide range of topics—from hair loss, weight management, and brain longevity to the path toward optimal health.
And for a touch of inspiration beyond medicine, she even offers a glimpse into what a French vacation could look like, sharing highlights from her own travels each year—a perfect blend of wellness, lifestyle, and a bit of joie de vivre.
VitaLifeMD’s own special supplement formulas
Any patient who works with Dr. Fradin-Read will inevitably hear about her signature “anti-aging cocktail.”
In collaboration with a chemist, she has developed a unique line of supplements exclusively for VitaLifeMD:
A proprietary NMN-MNA formula: This advanced formulation delivers an effective dose of NMN—an anti-aging compound—while reducing the risk of excessive demethylation associated with high NAD production.
VitaResveratrol: A special formulation with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
VitaSenolytic: A targeted supplement designed to help clear senescent “zombie” cells from the body, supporting overall cellular health.
In addition to these three core products, we also remind our patients of the three skin care products also created by Dr. Fradin-Read, which offer proven benefits in preventing signs of skin aging:
VitaJeunesse Cream: A deeply hydrating cream containing three peptides that support collagen regeneration. Dr. Fradin-Read uses it herself every morning and night.
Soleil Tinted Face Sunscreen: A physical (non-chemical) sunscreen that provides sun protection without increasing the risk of cancer. It also works well as a makeup base for those going outside.
Body Physical Sunscreen: Also formulated without chemical filters, it offers safe, effective sun protection with no cancer risk.
The rise of GLP1s: A Breakthrough in Weight Management and Metabolic Health
GLP-1, short for Glucagon-like Peptide-1, is a type of peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. After meals, GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, helping to control blood glucose levels. In addition, it slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, promoting a feeling of fullness that leads to reduced calorie intake and, ultimately, weight loss.
Pioneering Use of GLP-1 Therapy at VitaLifeMD
Long before the widespread adoption of today’s popular GLP-1 drugs like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, Dr. Fradin-Read recognized the potential of early GLP-1 medications. As early as 2016, she began prescribing Exenatide (Byetta – the first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza) as soon as they became available in pharmacies.
Combined with personalized nutritional plans and comprehensive lifestyle recommendations, these medications formed a cornerstone of the VitaLifeMD weight loss program from the very beginning—contributing significantly to its long-standing success.
Next-Generation GLP-1s: Semaglutide & Tirzepatide
In the past three years, newer GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have revolutionized obesity and weight management treatment. These drugs quickly gained popularity due to their high efficacy, favorable safety profile, and once-weekly dosing convenience.
Beyond weight loss, their growing reputation is also supported by promising research showing additional health benefits, including:
Improved cardiovascular health markers
Neuroprotective properties
Anti-inflammatory effects at multiple levels of the body’s biochemical pathways
These advancements represent a new era in personalized, medically supervised weight management—one that Dr. Fradin-Read and the VitaLifeMD team have been at the forefront of for nearly a decade.
Staying Ahead in the Fight Against Obesity
Obesity rates in the United States continue to rise at an alarming pace. According to a 2024 study published in The Lancet, nearly 3 out of 4 American adults are now considered overweight or obese. This growing epidemic has spurred rapid innovation in the field of weight loss treatments.
While GLP-1 receptor agonists have led the way in recent years, the pipeline of weight management medications is expanding beyond GLP-1s. New compounds are now targeting other hormonal pathways, such as amylin, and exploring novel mechanisms of action to provide more diverse and personalized treatment options.
At VitaLifeMD, Dr. Fradin-Read is committed to staying at the forefront of these medical advancements. She actively monitors emerging trends and clinical data to ensure that her patients have early access to the most promising therapies—those that not only offer enhanced efficacy but also fewer side effects.
And What About VitaBeauty? A Natural Approach to Anti-Aging
No comprehensive anti-aging program would be complete without aesthetic treatments designed to slow visible signs of aging. At VitaLifeMD, Dr. Fradin-Read integrates the latest in non-invasive aesthetic medicine with a philosophy she calls "Natural Beauty"—a method focused on enhancing the body’s own regenerative capabilities to rejuvenate skin and hair from the inside out.
Dr. Fradin-Read’s passion for aesthetic medicine was deeply influenced by her years of collaboration with renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, a pioneer of the “beauty from within” philosophy. Building upon his holistic vision, she developed her own approach that blends cutting-edge treatments, nutritional support, and regenerative therapies.
Our aesthetic program is led by nurse practitioner Carley, who performs a variety of non-invasive procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. These treatments are supported by a customized regimen of vitamins, supplements, and peptides—including GHK and Thymosin Beta-4—which have been shown to support collagen repair, skin rejuvenation, and hair regeneration.
Educated in France, Dr. Fradin-Read was trained in the original mesotherapy techniques, the foundation of what is now known in the U.S. as microneedling. She introduced similar treatments at VitaLifeMD, inspired by the protocols used in top-tier European aesthetic clinics such as Clinique des Champs-Élysées in Paris and its satellite locations across France.
These techniques use ultra-fine needles to deliver a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, glutathione, peptides, and exosomes just beneath the skin’s surface. This stimulates fibroblasts—the skin’s collagen-producing cells—leading to increased collagen and elastin production, improved skin texture, and an immediate, healthy glow.
By combining scientific innovation with a natural, personalized approach, our aesthetic program offers patients visible and lasting results—helping them look and feel their best at any age.
Dr. Read is an amazing doctor! After going to a few other doctors prior to finding her, she was the only doctor who was able to not only diagnose my hair loss problem but she did a beautiful job of giving me my hair back. She's also a very compassionate and lovely person.
— DW
2025—and now what?
Dr. Fradin-Read is committed to staying at the forefront of medical innovation, always seeking the safest and most effective treatments to bring to her patients at VitaLifeMD.
She is currently collaborating with a European-based company that is preparing to seek FDA approval for a new therapy. VitaLifeMD may be selected as one of the clinical trial sites in the U.S.—a testament to the clinic’s reputation for excellence and leadership in integrative care.
As part of this commitment to innovation, we are also working to reintroduce the French Vacuodermie treatment, which had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously well-loved by our patients as supportive therapy for weight loss, Vacuodermie uses mechanical stimulation to enhance circulation, lymphatic drainage, and fat mobilization, making it a valuable addition to our holistic weight management approach.
To better serve our growing community, we are also expanding and renovating our office. Our clinic will soon feature larger, more elegant waiting room and check-out space designed to enhance patient comfort and accommodate our expanding range of services.
I have been a long-time patient of Dr. Dominique Fradin- Read, and I am deeply grateful for the exceptional care she has provided. Her compassion and expertise have made all the difference in managing several complex conditions. Dr. Read takes the time to truly listen, and she approaches every concern with skill, professionalism, and empathy. She is attentive, approachable, and thorough in her understanding of medicine. I feel fortunate to be in her care and highly recommend her to anyone seeking a physician who combines deep medical knowledge with genuine compassion. One more sentence about the staff at the office. They are all very responsive, skilled and so kind. Thank you!
—Tara Clair Candoli PsyD, SEP
A final word to all our patients
Nothing we’ve described above would have been possible without the faithful support of our dear patients.
We are truly grateful for your continued trust and presence in our lives. Your kind words, thoughtful thank-you notes, generous gifts, and the beautiful flowers that regularly brighten our office mean more to us than words can express.
In short, thank you for being part of the VitaLifeMD family.
With love and deep gratitude,
Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read & the VitaLifeMD Team