Man with frosty beard in snowy outdoors.

Patrick Self, M. Ed Co-Founder | HealthSurge

I’ve always believed that health is more than the absence of disease—it’s the integration of strength, balance, and purpose across every dimension of life. That belief has shaped my personal journey through small business ownership, coaching, education, leadership, and now, functional medicine innovation.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to one central question: What does it take to live a truly high-quality life? Not just to avoid illness, but to feel strong, clear, energized, and deeply aligned. That curiosity led me to study health, movement, and human performance. But it wasn’t until years later—working within a tribal health system, nurturing a family, and witnessing loved ones face chronic illness—that I fully understood: health isn’t a destination. It’s a relationship.

At HealthSurge, I bring a deep commitment to building that relationship—not just through personal wellness, but by building systems that truly support it. While I oversee operations and strategic planning, what drives me most is people and their growth. I believe everyone deserves access to care that doesn’t simply manage symptoms but cultivates vitality, purpose, and resilience from the inside out.

Before co-founding HealthSurge, I spent nearly two decades in diverse leadership roles, most recently with a rural Alaska Native Tribal Health Organization. There, I led child and youth development programs, managed transformational grant initiatives, and served as interim CFO. But across every title and responsibility, my focus has always been the same: creating structures that see all people thrive.

I believe health is our most powerful resource. It influences how we show up in our relationships, our work, and our purpose. And when we align our systems, our care, and our everyday choices with that truth—everything changes.

HealthSurge is where that alignment begins. It’s more than a clinic—it’s a platform for transformation. And I’m honored to help shape the systems that make that transformation possible.

Why Functional Health over Traditional Medicine?

I believe traditional medicine saves lives—and I’m grateful for its precision, urgency, and technological advances. But I also believe that most people don’t want to just survive. They want to feel clear-headed, energized, resilient, and connected to a deeper sense of wellness.

That’s where functional medicine comes in. It doesn’t just treat symptoms—it asks why they’re happening. It helps us connect the dots between inflammation, stress, nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindset. It doesn’t assume you’re broken. It assumes you’re capable—and helps you uncover what’s standing in the way of that potential.

Functional medicine has given my own family answers we never received through conventional care. It’s helped me reframe how we approach wellness—not as a crisis to manage, but a relationship to strengthen. That’s the model I believe in, and that’s the model we’ve built at HealthSurge.

A Few Fun Facts About Me

I was born at home and didn’t see a healthcare provider until I was six years old.
I’ve visited all 50 U.S. states—and believe that adventure is one of life’s greatest teachers.
I believe a great pre-game speech can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
I’ve coached every age group from tiny first-timers, to state-bound HS champions and Division 1 University Conference champions—and I still get energized watching a team come together.
I believe laughter and movement should be part of every health plan.

My Philosophy

I believe that lasting health begins when we stop outsourcing our intuition. You know more about your body than you’ve been taught to trust. My role is to help you reconnect with that knowing—through structure, strategy, and a system that supports your growth.

I believe in the power of movement, mindset, and rhythm. I believe that discipline is a form of self-respect. And I believe that healing isn’t just about removing what's wrong—it’s about building a life that feels right to live in.

No one-size-fits-all. No quick fixes. Just a commitment to walking beside you—so you’re no longer managing symptoms in isolation, but rising into alignment with who you’re meant to be.

Education and Experience

M. Ed. in Educational Leadership – Northwestern State University
B.S. in Health & Human Performance – Northwestern State University
Former Director of Basketball Operations, Northwestern State University Men’s Basketball
Former Physical Education Master Teacher – mentoring aspiring educators in wellness-based instruction
Two decades of experience coaching student-athletes in basketball, cross-country, volleyball, and track
Former Interim CFO at a rural Alaska Native Tribal Health Organization
Experienced grant writer, school administrator, and systems leader in healthcare and education

Additional Trainings

Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach by the Functional Medicine Academy, 2025

Background in Performance & Coaching

My foundation in health and human performance began long before I entered the world of healthcare leadership. I’ve coached student-athletes at every level—from youth programs and high school state championship contenders, to collegiate competitors who went on to become professional athletes. As Director of Basketball Operations for the Northwestern State University men’s basketball program, and as a longtime varsity coach in Texas, I learned how to lead teams through discipline, adversity, and purpose.

I also served as a Physical Education master teacher—preparing aspiring educators to teach with passion, clarity, and intention. I’ve walked alongside countless students as they pursued both academic and athletic scholarships, helping them develop the character and confidence needed to thrive in higher education and beyond.

These experiences weren’t just about sports—they were about building systems of belief and consistency. They taught me how to help people unlock what’s possible inside themselves. That same philosophy underpins the work I do at HealthSurge today.

Whether in a locker room or a boardroom, my focus is always the same: help people rise. With structure, clarity, and care—we all have the capacity to transform.