Why I became a naturopathic doctor:

Growing up I was obese. We ate the standard American diet and exercise was minimal. My health was poor, but it was all I knew so I thought it was normal.

After graduating from Albright College with a B.S. in biology, I moved in with a couple of friends. I found myself getting winded climbing the stairs to the apartment, which was disconcerting. There were only two steps. With the support of my roommates I began to run and gradually improved my food choices. I lost 90 lbs. and my health and mood dramatically improved.

Years later I was in two bad car accidents within a few months, rear ended at high speeds, leaving me in severe pain. The anti-inflammatory and pain medications my medical doctor prescribed were effective, but when the prescription ran out the pain returned. After two years on the meds I asked what the long-term plan was. He said, “This is it. You will need to take these medications for the rest of your life. And you shouldn’t do anything active like running or hiking again. Your body can’t handle it.”

I knew there had to be someone who could help me get better. After trying other doctors and other branches of medicine without improvement, a trusted friend recommend I see his naturopath. I didn’t know what that was, but I went. He explained the body has the wisdom and ability to heal itself if obstacles are removed and you give it what it needs.

We did just that. With time and commitment, the pain stopped. I began to run and hike again. I have since run marathons and don’t need to take anything to manage a symptom. That’s the difference between treating a symptom and addressing the source and healing.