Marivic Gillooley
Marivic Gillooley, DNP, APRN is an advanced practice provider in gastroenterology with Florida Digestive Health, where she has been a valued member for over 20 years. In addition to her clinical practice, Marivic is the owner and educator of World System Builder, a financial literacy franchise she launched during the COVID-19 era to expand community education on personal finance. Through her dual focus on healthcare and financial literacy, she empowers individuals to improve both their physical health and financial well-being.
Marivic combines clinical care with education, addressing how financial stress can impact health while providing expert gastroenterology care. She is deeply committed to mentorship, service, and sharing her skills, guiding others through both medical care and financial literacy programs. Her approach reflects a belief that holistic support—covering both health and finances—can create stronger, more resilient communities.
Marivic began her nursing training in the Philippines and has practiced nursing since 1994, earning her master’s degree in 2004 and a doctorate in nursing in 2018. Over her career, she has served as a pharmaceutical speaker, founded a nonprofit to mentor nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and launched her financial education franchise in 2020 to scale community-focused financial coaching. With decades of clinical experience and a passion for teaching, Marivic continues to inspire and empower others to achieve both personal and professional success.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• Rotary
• Accelerate Brevard
• Women of the Space Coast
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers
• Founder: Advanced Practice Provider of Brevard
• Charity: Water
• Faith in Action
• Park Avenue Christian Church Mission
• Hope for North Brevard
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the challenges I faced along the way, including the tough professors I encountered in nursing school. At the time, their rigor felt overwhelming, but with perspective, I came to see them as strict yet caring guides—much like parents—whose high expectations pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. Coming from a humble beginning, I learned early the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of whatever life brings. Those experiences taught me discipline, humility, and the importance of showing up even when the journey is uncomfortable.
What once felt like obstacles became the foundation for growth. Through those challenges, I built meaningful professional relationships and developed the strength and character that continue to shape me into what I am today. Now, I carry those lessons forward by mentoring and empowering others—encouraging them to rise to their potential, navigate challenges with confidence, and believe in themselves even when the path feels demanding.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Entering the nursing field is truly a rollercoaster, and I’ve learned to embrace the ride, stay resilient, and seek guidance from mentors along the way. I believe it’s important not to let age or perceived status hold you back—every person has valuable insights and contributions to offer, and nursing thrives when we learn from one another. Never be afraid, continue to be humble, keep learning, and pass the knowledge to others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
With a 30-year career in nursing, she brings more than two decades of specialized experience in gastroenterology through her work with Florida Digestive Health. Her calling to healthcare revealed itself early in life. While playing as children, her cousin—now a physician in the Philippines—remembers that she was always the first to jump in whenever someone got hurt. That natural instinct to help, comfort, and take action stayed with her and eventually led her to nursing school.
Among her most rewarding accomplishments is the feedback she has received from patients—stories of how her care, compassion, and presence made a meaningful difference in their lives. Beyond patient care, she finds deep fulfillment in mentoring and inspiring young men and women, believing that empowering others is one of the most impactful ways to serve and create lasting change.
Her commitment to healthcare extends far beyond the clinic. She has been extensively involved in nonprofit medical initiatives, including mission trips to Kenya and prior work in China, Guatemala, and Mexico. She is preparing for another mission trip to Guatemala in 2027, partnering with colleagues from her financial services work to combine healthcare outreach with education and empowerment.
Recognizing the growing connection between financial stress and overall health, she is passionate about expanding financial education across the U.S. population. Her vision is to help individuals and families build financial stability as a foundation for improved health outcomes, resilience, and long-term well-being.