IIAM | Aesthetic Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine, and how does that inspiration continue to shape your work today? My passion for naturopathic medicine grew from two powerful experiences. First, as an athlete, I saw firsthand how natural therapies, like targeted nutrition and recovery protocols, optimized performance in ways conventional approaches couldn’t. This taught me that the body thrives when given the right tools to heal itself.

Second, when my sister faced a chronic illness in my young adult years, I witnessed how fragmented our healthcare system could be. Naturopathic medicine’s focus on root-cause healing and patient empowerment became my calling. Today, these experiences shape how I practice: merging evidence-based science with individualized care to help patients function and excel.

1. What has been the most fulfilling moment or achievement in your career as a naturopathic doctor? The most fulfilling part of my career isn’t tied to a single moment, instead more about the privilege of witnessing patients reclaim their lives. Whether it’s a busy patient finally overcoming chronic fatigue, a student restoring their gut health after years of discomfort, or an athlete returning to peak performance without relying on quick fixes, these transformations reaffirm why I chose this path.

Naturopathic medicine doesn’t just treat symptoms; it reignites possibility. When a patient tells me, ‘I feel like myself again,’ or ‘I didn’t know I could feel this good’, that’s the ultimate achievement. It’s why I’m passionate about making holistic care accessible because everyone deserves to be healthy and thrive.

1. What has been the greatest challenge in your journey as an ND, and how have you overcome it ? One of the greatest challenges in my journey as an ND has been holding space for profound suffering, especially when faced with the limits of what medicine can do. Early in my career, I cared for an 18-year-old cancer patient whose life ended far too soon. While I was grateful to offer comfort in his final days, the experience left a lasting weight. It was a stark reminder that healing doesn’t always mean curing, and that our role extends beyond prescriptions to being fully present with patients in their hardest moments.

This reality reshaped how I approach both practice and self-care. I’ve learned to lean on my ND community for support, prioritize my own emotional resilience through mindfulness and boundaries, and honor the privilege of walking alongside patients whether toward recovery or peace.

1. What advice would you give to someone curious about becoming a naturopathic doctor or exploring naturopathic medicine? Becoming a naturopathic doctor isn’t just a career, it’s a lifestyle. This path demands dedication beyond your typical “office hours”. Whether it’s staying current with emerging research, holding space for patients after hours, or advocating for our profession in a skeptical world. This profession is so rewarding as I’ve witnessed lives transform through holistic healing and it makes every challenge worth it.

If you’re curious, I’d say: shadow an ND, talk to current students, and reflect on why you’re drawn to this work. NDs are often lifelong learners, compassionate listeners, and relentless advocates for their patients. It’s not an easy journey, but if you’re passionate about empowering others to heal (mind, body, and spirit) there’s no more fulfilling path.

1. What’s one thing you wish everyone knew or understood about naturopathic medicine and the role of NDs? Naturopathic doctors are your trained guides in the often-overwhelming world of health information. While anyone can Google symptoms or supplements, an ND brings 4+ years of rigorous medical training to interpret that data through the lens of your unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. We don’t just hand out protocols, we help you navigate the noise with evidence-based wisdom, so you can make choices that align with your body’s true needs, not trends or guesswork.

I like to think of an ND as your health interpreter, translating science into actionable steps. In an era of information overload, our role is to empower you with clarity, not more confusion.

1. If you could describe what it means to be an ND in one sentence, what would it be?
   To be an ND is to empower healing and equipping patients with the knowledge, tools, and compassion they need to not just feel better, but live better.

2. How does your work as an ND positively impact your patients and your community?
   For patients, it’s about supporting them by either guiding a perimenopausal woman to navigate hot flashes and brain fog with herbs and lifestyle changes or helping chronic illness patients to understand their bodies rather than fear them. This is an “aha” moment when someone realizes they are not broken, and providing the right support can change how they see their health positively.

For the community, it’s preventative medicine in action. Every patient who learns to nourish their gut, manage stress effectively, or prioritize sleep becomes a beacon for their family, coworkers, and social circles. By addressing root causes, we reduce long-term strain on healthcare systems and redefine what “healthcare” can look like with less crisis management and more sustained vitality.

1. What is one aspect of naturopathic medicine that you feel makes it truly unique in today’s healthcare landscape? One unique aspect of naturopathic medicine is the use of time. NDs utilize time to listen deeply, unravel complex health histories, and to see the whole person behind the symptoms. While today’s healthcare system often reduces patients to quick diagnoses and prescriptions, NDs prioritize thorough assessments that consider physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. This careful approach allows us to identify underlying concerns, and to build partnerships where patients feel heard, not rushed.