Off Grid Doc: Revolutionizing Health Care in Bonners Ferry

From personal healing to professional caregiving

By Like Media Team | Photo by Moriah Aispuro

Nestled along Highway 95 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Off Grid Doc stands out not just for its scenic location but for its innovative approach to health care. Founded by Dr. Ramon Issa and his wife Celeste in June 2021, their practice has quickly become a beacon of hope for many seeking alternatives to the conventional medical model.

Dr. Issa’s journey into medicine has been both profound and personal. Graduating from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2001, he has worn many hats — from a family practitioner to an emergency medicine specialist in critical access hospitals. However, it was a personal health crisis that reshaped his medical philosophy. After his father passed away from metabolic-related health issues and facing his own health struggles, Dr. Issa embarked on a transformative journey. Weighing 308 pounds with mounting health issues, he decided to rethink his lifestyle and medical practice. "In May of 2017, I started thinking 'outside the box' of medicine that I had practiced," he recalls. Over the next 100 days, he lost 94 pounds and revitalized his health without surgery, special exotic supplements nor an expensive gym membership — he simply changed his lifestyle and nutrition.

Inspired by his transformation and encouraged by family and friends, Dr. Issa, alongside Celeste — who manages everything from scheduling to billing and medical assistance — opened Off Grid Doc. "We started this practice with the desire to provide patients with an alternative to the medical options that are available in the mainstream medical system that many feel is broken," explains Dr. Issa. Off Grid Doc is a membership-based, Direct Primary Care practice specializing in weight loss and metabolic health. It offers comprehensive care though one-time 90-minute consultations, yearly and monthly memberships, including a detailed 90-minute initial visit and one-time 90-minute consultations for non-members and specialized programs for metabolic health and weight loss.

What sets Off Grid Doc apart is its deeply personal approach to health care. The practice operates from a home-like setting, creating a relaxed environment where patients feel genuinely heard. "We do not accept insurance, which allows us to spend much more time with our patients, fully addressing their medical needs," says Dr. Issa. This model enables them to focus on the root causes of illnesses rather than merely managing symptoms with medication.

Dr. Issa and Celeste are also deeply embedded in the Bonners Ferry community. Having moved to the area for its strong Christian values and supportive environment for homeschoolers, they are active in their local church and participate in community activities like the Rod Benders Car Club. Their faith and community service are integral to their identity and practice.

For Dr. Issa, the most rewarding aspect of his work is providing alternatives for healing. "We enjoy helping people reduce or eliminate their prescription medication and heal their bodies from symptoms of metabolic dysfunction," he shares. His method involves using intermittent fasting, low-carb diets and the ketogenic diet, tailored to each individual's needs, proving that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to health.

Off Grid Doc is more than just a medical practice; it's a place where healing begins with understanding and caring. As Dr. Issa puts it, "We are successful when our patients have completed our program and have reached their goals of weight loss or reduced their need for prescription medications." Through their innovative approach, Dr. Ramon and Celeste Issa are not just practicing medicine; they are transforming lives, one patient at a time.

For more information about Off Grid Doc and its unique approach to health care, visit OffGridDoc.com or call 208.217.3485.

Off Grid Doc

514857 Highway 95

Bonners Ferry, Idaho

208.217.3485

OffGridDoc.com