20 Under 40
Sonya Addison
Physician, Boone Medical Group – Diabetes and Endocrinology
Owner, Tucker’s Fine Jewelry and Gift Gallery
Age: 36
Job description:
1 — Physician who treats hormone issues. Areas of focus: diabetes, thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, adrenal glands, pituitary and others.
2 — Owner, sales, design, stringing pearls, appraisals, maid, etc.
Hometown:
Fairfax, Missouri
Years lived in Columbia:
Five, but I’ve lived in mid-Missouri for 18 years (The rest in Fayette). I’ve worked in Columbia for 17 years continuously.
Education:
BS in biology, Central Methodist University; MD from MU School of Medicine; internal medicine residency at MU Health Care; fellowship in endocrinology at MU Health Care.
Professional background:
Five years in training as a physician at MU; two years in practice at Boone Medical Group. In the jewelry industry, I’ve worked at Tucker’s since 2001, then purchased Tucker’s with my husband, Justin, in 2009.
Mentor:
Many! David Gardner, MD, from MU endocrinology, O.A. “Doc” Robinson, PhD, from Central Methodist, and Judy Nemyer “Mom,” from Fairfax, Missouri.
What don’t people know about your job?
That I have two of them! Being a jewelry store owner is much more than just wearing pretty stuff and going to fundraisers. Being a small business owner is very hard work, and every penny is earned the hard way. As a doctor, I spend more time doing paperwork than I do seeing patients. It is sad, but necessary.
What is the best thing about your job?
Being a part of people’s lives in both of my jobs. Making people’s lives longer and higher quality. Seeing people get excited when I help give them the power to make themselves healthier.
A favorite recent project?
I’ve been trying to read more for pleasure. It’s not much of a “project,” but certainly makes me a better, more well-rounded person.
What was your New Year’s resolution in 2015? Did you accomplish it?
To lose 10 percent of my body weight. I’m currently at 9 percent, and as of this interview, I plan to make that goal by 2016.
What are your specific professional goals for 2016?
To make everyone within the sound of my voice realize that they can control their diabetes, weight and other health issues.
What about your day do you look forward to most? What motivates you?
I love to see people happy. I love to tell them that they’ve reached their goals, then feel their sense of accomplishment. I really enjoy hearing my patients’ stories about family, trips, or other things that they wouldn’t have been able to do if they hadn’t improved their health. I look forward to going home and getting loves and snuggles from my little boys.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Full-time jewelry store owner, or an astronaut, or a professional musician (flute) or a stay-at-home mom. (Tough question – I like lots of things).
Community involvement:
Annual Boone Diabetes Fair, local charities (donations or sponsorships), vet school, med school, American Heart Association (speaker and donor), Dough for Mo, local high schools. I like small, local events because I can see their benefit first hand.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of?
My two boys, Jake and Alex. They are sweet, handsome, ornery and very smart. (Jake, my preschooler, age 5, knows all of the states in alphabetical order — yes, I’m very proud).
What do you do for fun?
Sleep! Really, I love to travel, and I plan to do more of it as my kids get older. I also love to garden and play in the dirt.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Words With Friends.
Greatest lesson learned?
To know when I don’t know. Then to go find the answer or find someone who knows. This is honestly one of the things that makes me an effective physician.
Want more 2016 20 Under 40? Check out Madeleine LeMieux’s Q&A.
