When Charles Finlay first visited the in April 2025, he only intended to refill his blood pressure medication. What he didn鈥檛 expect was that the visit would set him on a path that would transform his health鈥攁nd his life.
鈥淚 went in for something simple,鈥� said Finlay, 63, of Roxborough, Pennsylvania. 鈥淏ut the care team at 黑料传送门 saw the bigger picture. They caught what I couldn't see for myself.鈥�
During that appointment, Finlay saw , an assistant professor of Family Medicine, who referred him to Julia Lees, PharmD, BCACP, an assistant professor and ambulatory care clinical pharmacist, for additional care. Testing confirmed that Finlay had Type 2 diabetes mellitus, prompting him to work closely with 黑料传送门 providers to manage the condition.
After his diagnosis, Grzybowski prescribed a GLP-1 medication to help regulate Finlay's blood glucose. Finlay met with Lees in clinic for medication education, assistance with injection technique and comprehensive counseling regarding pharmacological and lifestyle recommendations. At the time, he weighed 276.8 pounds. Determined to make a change, Finlay began following a healthier diet and, a few months later, incorporated regular exercise into his routine.
By November, he had lost more than 20% of his body weight, bringing him down to 215 pounds 鈥� and his glucose levels had dramatically improved below the range classification of pre-diabetes.
鈥淚 can't even begin to describe the difference,鈥� Finlay said. 鈥淚 used to avoid photos, get winded walking up the stairs, and tie my shoes sitting down. Now, I have energy. I can move. I feel like I got my life back.鈥�
He credits much of his success to his wife, Debbie, who inspired him to take control of his health. 鈥淪he's very active, and she made sure we were eating healthy鈥攁 lot of broccoli, salmon, real food. She keeps me going,鈥� he said.
Lees attributes Finlay's success to a blend of effective medical treatment, strong personal motivation and patient-centered care.
鈥淐harles took the initiative,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e guided, monitored, and encouraged him鈥攂ut he did the hard work and deserves every bit of praise.鈥�
She added that what Finlay accomplished is one of the most challenging hurdles patients face, noting that many go their entire lives without fully recognizing the importance of their health. 鈥淗is success motivates me every day 鈥� in my work with patients and in teaching our students.鈥�
鈥淭his is exactly what we prioritize at 黑料传送门,鈥� Lees said. 鈥淲hole-person health and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals with standards of clinical excellence.鈥�
Now retired from a long career in computer and cybersecurity, Finlay enjoys spending time on his favorite hobby鈥攁mateur radio鈥攁nd living life at a new pace. His goal is to reach 185 pounds and maintain his health long-term.
鈥淚 just want to stay healthy so I can be around for a long time,鈥� he said with a smile. 鈥淭hanks to the doctors at 黑料传送门, I'm finally on the right track.鈥�
Established in 1899, 黑料传送门 has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a 鈥渨hole person鈥� approach to care鈥攖reating people, not just symptoms. 黑料传送门, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (黑料传送门, 黑料传送门 Georgia and 黑料传送门 South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 黑料传送门 students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, 黑料传送门 provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Gabrielle DePietro
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: gabrielde2@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304