Nada Skaf, DipABLM, MD

Nada Skaf, MD, DipABLM, is a board-certified rheumatologist and lifestyle medicine specialist at Think Whole Person Healthcare. She grew up in Damascus, Syria, a city known for its rich history and strong sense of community. Her upbringing, shaped by a culture that values nature and the Mediterranean lifestyle, continues to guide her approach to medicine today. Dr. Skaf is also the first specialist in Omaha to earn the Diplomate certification from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (DipABLM).

As a child in Damascus, Nada learned to value holistic well-being, focusing on nutrition, social ties, and time in nature. Her background fits well with the ideas behind lifestyle medicine, inspiring her to blend traditional rheumatology with proven lifestyle changes. She cares deeply about treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and polymyalgia rheumatica, and also works to address the root causes of chronic illness through lasting lifestyle improvements.

For Dr. Skaf, Whole Person Healthcare means caring for the mind, body, and spirit, not just treating symptoms or prescribing medicine. She works closely with patients, using the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances) to help them take charge of their health. As an advocate and educator, she listens carefully, helps patients find changes they can manage, and supports them in making lasting improvements that can boost their quality of life and even reverse some chronic conditions.

Dr. Nada Skaf chose think because its approach matches her belief in treating the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) through teamwork and integrated care. She appreciates working in a place that supports patient-centered care rather than just managing symptoms, so she can focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness while collaborating with other specialists.

Patients often say she is a good listener who stands up for them and helps them live better, more comfortable lives. One case that stands out involved a mother and her two adult children, all diagnosed with seronegative inflammatory arthritis and put on biologic medications. After a thorough review, Dr. Skaf found there was not enough evidence for these diagnoses. She worked with the family to focus on lifestyle changes like nutrition, stress management, and coping skills. All three were able to stop their medications and have stayed symptom-free, showing the impact of her whole-person approach.

She enjoys spending time in nature and often goes for walks outside when she can. She also likes playing pickleball and, above all, cherishes time with her son and daughter. If she could, she would love to visit every U.S. national park, as well as Switzerland and Singapore, to experience their natural beauty and lively cultures.