From the Navy to Holistic Healing: Shawn Blankenship’s Mission to Redefine Healthcare in Charleston, WV

Few healthcare stories are as inspiring as that of Shawn Blankenship, FNP, founder and Medical Director of Holistic Inc. in Charleston, West Virginia. A U.S. Navy veteran turned Family Nurse Practitioner, Blankenship has dedicated his career to transforming the patient experience—delivering care that goes beyond symptoms to treat the whole person, body and mind.

A Foundation Built on Service and Resilience

Blankenship’s journey began long before opening Holistic Inc. Raised by a single parent, he learned early on the importance of perseverance, empathy, and supporting others through challenges. These core values only deepened during his service in the U.S. Navy, where he developed the discipline, accountability, and leadership that now shape his approach to healthcare.

His military background provided more than clinical skills—it instilled a commitment to being fully present for others, especially in difficult moments. That ethos remains at the heart of his work today.

Pursuing a Purpose-Driven Career in Medicine

After leaving the military, Blankenship charted a new course in healthcare. Returning to school as a nontraditional student, he excelled academically, graduating with honors from St. Mary’s School of Nursing and serving as class president. His pursuit of advanced training took him to Marshall University and the Chamberlain School of Nursing, where he earned his Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) credentials in 2015.

From the beginning, Blankenship’s focus wasn’t on titles or accolades—it was about answering a calling to provide consistent, compassionate care to his community.

The Vision Behind Holistic Inc.

In 2018, Blankenship launched Holistic Inc., an integrated healthcare practice in Charleston, WV, with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between physical health and emotional well-being. He saw firsthand that many patients seeking medical help were also struggling with unaddressed stress, trauma, or anxiety—factors often overlooked in traditional care models.

Holistic Inc. was created to change that dynamic. The practice combines primary care services with counseling and mental health support, offering a safe, judgment-free space where patients are treated as whole individuals—not just as diagnoses.

Leadership Rooted in Community

As Medical Director, Blankenship remains deeply involved in both patient care and community outreach. His leadership is hands-on and grounded, emphasizing mentorship for new practitioners and support for local initiatives, including women’s shelters and trauma recovery programs.

Outside of his clinical work, Blankenship prioritizes balance and wellness in his own life. Whether running long distances, golfing, or spending time with his wife Julie and their daughter Clara, he models the importance of self-care—reinforcing the same values he shares with patients.

A Human-Centered Approach to Modern Healthcare

Under Blankenship’s guidance, Holistic Inc. has become a trusted healthcare resource for the Charleston community. The practice offers an alternative to rushed, impersonal medical systems by providing patient-centered care that blends medical expertise with emotional support.

This integrated model ensures patients feel seen, heard, and understood—helping them achieve true, lasting wellness.

About Shawn Blankenship, FNP

Shawn Blankenship, FNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, U.S. Navy veteran, and founder of Holistic Inc. in Charleston, West Virginia. His practice specializes in whole-person healthcare, combining primary medical services, counseling, and holistic health solutions to improve both physical and emotional well-being. With decades of service-minded leadership and clinical experience, Blankenship is redefining what compassionate, patient-focused healthcare looks like in the heart of West Virginia.