How did Dr. Olteanu's journey shape Whole Child Texas?
“If someone had told the little girl growing up in Romania that one day she would own a pediatric practice in Texas, she probably wouldn't have believed them,” Dr. Olteanu said.
Growing up under communism taught Dr. Olteanu resilience, gratitude and a deep drive to serve: the core values that guide her work today. After moving to the United States, she earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where years of lab research taught her to question assumptions and prioritize scientific proof.
When she stepped out of the lab to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a pediatrician, those analytical tools were put to the test. She spent a year caring for children with HIV, tuberculosis and severe malnutrition in Lesotho, Africa, before treating families navigating trauma, obesity, asthma and chronic stress after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Though the circumstances were worlds apart, Dr. Olteanu recognized something that could be built on in standard care: conventional medicine was often treating isolated symptoms while missing the whole child.
"Instead of asking only, 'What disease does this child have?' I began asking, 'What happened to this child? What strengths does this family already have? What support will help this child truly flourish?'" Dr. Olteanu said.
That shift inspired her to complete a fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, mastering how to combine rigorous, evidence-based pediatrics with nutrition, lifestyle medicine and mind-body health. Every chapter of her life became the blueprint for Whole Child Texas.
"I wanted to create a practice where we care not only for a child's body, but also for their emotional well-being, their family relationships and the environment in which they are growing,” Dr. Olteanu said.
What is integrative medicine?
One of the most common questions Dr. Olteanu hears from parents is “What is integrative medicine?”
While it’s often confused with holistic medicine, integrative medicine is firmly rooted in conventional Western care; it simply adds extra evidence-based tools to the mix. Standard treatments like medications, antibiotics and specialist referrals are used when needed, and they’re paired with support for nutrition, sleep, activity, stress management and family dynamics.
"I usually refer to it as ‘really good medicine,’" Dr. Olteanu said. "I make recommendations that are safe and scientifically-based."
The field itself has evolved significantly over the past several years as research has expanded. Studies continue to examine the benefits of nutrition, the gut microbiome, neuroinflammation, the gut-brain connection, acupuncture, chiropractic care and more.
Some interventions that were once considered "alternative" are becoming part of mainstream pediatric care, such as recommending probiotics alongside antibiotics in appropriate situations.
For Dr. Olteanu, the goal is to give families every scientifically supported tool available.
What does integrative medicine look like in practice?
Dr. Olteanu shared the story of an 11-year-old patient who struggled with chronic constipation for years, despite extensive testing and medication. Rather than focusing only on his digestive symptoms, Dr. Olteanu and his family looked deeper.
They identified multiple contributing factors, including an imbalanced gut microbiome, limited nutrition, anxiety, bullying at school, stress surrounding school bathrooms and a need for stronger emotional support.
Over the next six months, they improved his nutrition, supported his gut health, established healthy bowel habits and worked with the family on understanding the gut-brain connection.
The results extended far beyond digestion.
“His constipation resolved, his abdominal pain disappeared, his anxiety improved dramatically and he became a happier child,” Dr. Olteanu said.
What is the gut-brain connection?
Research into the gut-brain connection has become one of the fastest-growing areas of integrative medicine. The gut contains millions of nerve cells and produces many of the same neurotransmitters found in the brain, helping explain why digestive issues and mental health conditions often occur together.
To support a healthy gut microbiome, Dr. Olteanu encourages families to reduce processed foods while adding fruits, vegetables, fiber, omega-3-rich foods and probiotics when appropriate. More information about nutritional recipes for children can be found in Dr. Olteanu’s book, titled Brain Food for the Whole Family: Easy, Kid-Friendly Recipes, Packed with Nutrients for Whole Body Health.
What can families expect from the new Plano location?
Whole Child Texas is moving to Plano in August, and the clinic will create what Dr. Olteanu called a "village.”
“[The Plano location] isn't simply a larger building; it's the beginning of a village,” Dr. Olteanu said. “My vision is to bring together pediatric care, prenatal chiropractic care, lactation consultants, doulas, prenatal education, Mommy & Me yoga and other professionals who share one common goal: helping children and families thrive.”
The Plano location will not only make it easier for the entire family to access care; it will also connect families together, creating a tight-knit community that can support one another.
“Parenting was never meant to happen alone. Neither was healing,” Dr. Olteanu said.
How can positive health care experiences shape a child's future?
Dr. Olteanu said that pediatricians do much more than treat childhood illnesses; they help shape a child's relationship with health care for decades to come.
When children feel safe, respected and heard, they're more likely to become adults who seek preventive care, build trusting relationships with physicians and take an active role in their health.
Dr. Olteanu also believes that longevity begins long before adulthood.
Healthy nutrition, movement, quality sleep, emotional resilience and secure relationships established during childhood lay the foundation for lifelong wellness. Many physical and mental health conditions begin much earlier than people realize, making early intervention one of the greatest investments families can make.
Ultimately, that's the mission behind Whole Child Texas: helping children not only recover from illness but flourish throughout every stage of life.
Those interested in learning more can find resources here:
Website: www.wholechildtexas.com
Phone number: 214-736-1954
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. From 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fri. from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Address: 5677 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Ste. 105, Plano
A quick recap FAQ
How is integrative medicine different from holistic medicine?
Integrative medicine combines traditional Western medicine with scientifically researched practices, including lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, stress reduction and more, rather than replacing conventional care.
What services will be offered at the new Plano location?
The new office will provide pediatric care alongside prenatal chiropractic care, Mommy & Me yoga, adult holistic primary care and other family-centered wellness services designed to support children and parents together.
What age groups does Whole Child Texas see?
Whole Child Texas is a pediatric practice serving children of all ages. The new Plano location will offer adult primary care with a holistic focus, making it a resource for the whole family.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.