I've had several requests to share how I came to naturopathic medicine. Here's my story of how I became a naturopathic doctor in Missoula, MT. - My journey into medicine began in undergraduate school at Gonzaga University where I finished my bachelor’s degree with a double major in visual arts and biology. ...
Adrenal Fatigue is a term often used by naturopathic physicians, but frequently misunderstood by patients and conventional medical doctors. What are the adrenal glands? The adrenal glands are small endocrine (hormone-producing) organs that sit on top of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland has two parts - the cortex (outside) and the medulla...
Naturopathic physicians are NOT: 1. Doctors who prescribe herbs instead of drugs. Naturopathic medicine is not about using a natural substance in place of a medication. True naturopathic medicine is based on a philosophy that the human body is capable of healing itself, given the proper environment. In order to facilitate...
Continuing on the hot-button issues in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is that of vaccinations. Once again I'm going out on a bit of a limb with this one, because I'm presenting my personal views and not necessarily those of the profession as a whole. I can,...
Easily the most misunderstood and explosively controversial subject in Complementary and Alternative Medicine is that of homeopathy. Before I begin, let me say that I'm going out on a bit of a limb with this post, because I'm sure to tick off both advocates and vehement opponents of homeopathy with this...
Well readers, up until this time this blog has been devoted to all things philosophical and instructional in the world of naturopathic medicine. Time for a little change...
This morning I had a fascinating conversation with a current medical student who wants to transfer from her allopathic school to Bastyr's ND program. This young woman wants to be a primary care provider, and after much soul-searching decided it was in the best interest of herself and her future...
This morning I am in Washington DC preparing to speak with my senators and representative about naturopathic medicine. Every year the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the AANP (www.naturopathic.org), hosts an event called the DC FLI, where hundreds of naturopathic medical students and naturopathic physicians travel to DC to support federal...
I strongly believe that prevention is the answer to our current healthcare crisis. I have heard a lot of discussion in the media lately saying preventive services are too expensive and significantly add to the enormous cost of healthcare in this country. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, the concept...
We are in the age of passive medicine. Our current medical model reimburses physicians for investigating/making a diagnosis, and managing treatment of that particular diagnosis. Physicians get paid for the diagnosis or treatment, not for the amount of time spent with patients (with some exceptions). This leads to short patient visits...
I love the philosophical principles of naturopathic medicine: Treat the Whole, Treat the Cause, Prevention, First Do No Harm, and Doctor as Teacher. I find these concepts easy to discuss with patients, colleagues and my peers in the medical profession. Then we get to The Vix Medicatrix Naturae, translated The Healing...
Another philosophical principle that guides naturopathic physicians is called Tolle Totem or "Treat the Whole". Naturopathic physicians have long been advocates of treating the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. Addressing the emotional, mental, and physical problems simultaneously is often the key to uncovering the true cause of a disease...