I’m Dr. Cynthia Villacis, a family physician with over 20 years of experience—and someone who has walked many of the same health journeys as my patients. I’ve faced challenges with weight, blood sugar, stress, and sleep, and I understand how frustrating it can feel to do “all the right things” and still not get answers.

My approach to care is shaped by both personal experience and a lifelong exposure to service and human-centered values. I was raised in a Unitarian Universalist tradition and grew up in a family rooted in advocacy—both of my grandfathers were American Baptist ministers, and my mother worked in social services. From an early age, I was exposed to the women’s movement, domestic violence shelters, and community programs for adults living with serious mental illness. These experiences taught me that health is inseparable from dignity, safety, education, and support.

That foundation led me to spend more than 12 years working in community health centers and ultimately to create Health Connections DPC—a practice designed to offer unhurried, judgment-free, whole-person care. I take time to listen, identify root causes, and help patients build realistic plans that fit their lives. I proudly serve a diverse and inclusive community, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Spanish-speaking families, with respect and compassion.

I completed my Family Medicine residency in 2002 and have spent over two decades helping patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through a root-cause approach grounded in lifestyle medicine. I am board certified in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, with special interests in obesity management and metabolic health, as well as mental health, women’s health, and immigrant health. I believe health begins with understanding, and that education is the foundation for lasting change.

After years in a busy community health center, I recognized that 10–15 minute visits were not enough—especially for patients navigating stress, trauma, weight changes, or hormonal transitions. In 2017, I opened my own practice to offer longer visits, easier access, and relationship-based care that allows real healing to happen.

My practice is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I learned Spanish while living in Ecuador as an exchange student in 1988—where I also met my future husband—and I remain deeply committed to caring for immigrant families. I am also a designated civil surgeon, providing USCIS I-693 immigration medical exams in a compassionate, low-stress environment.

Outside the office, I’m a proud mom of two grown children, wife of over 30 years, and an outdoor enthusiast. I enjoy kayaking, yoga, hiking, scuba diving, and exploring new places—and I believe joyful movement and adventure are possible at any size. My own journey with metabolic health and self-compassion continues to inform the care I offer my patients.

If you’re looking for a doctor who sees the full picture—body, mind, and lifestyle—and who truly takes the time to listen, I’d love to welcome you to Health Connections DPC.

🎓 Education, Training & Certifications
Board Certified in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Addiction Medicine

Residency: St. Elizabeth Family Medicine, Edgewood, KY

Medical School: Wright State University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Oberlin College, BA in Biology