What is a typical pediatric visit like?

The best way to create healthy habits with children is to engage them in conversations regarding health at a young age. Developing a trusting doctor patient relationship is important, and can foster comfort discussing medical concerns or even bringing up questions related to issues at school, home, or friends.

Younger children such as babies and toddlers often have negative experiences at doctor's offices, being rushed through a visit with poking and prodding. I make my patient's comfort a top priority, as first experiences often color one's future attitudes about health and wellness, so I strive to make visits a positive experience.

Is Naturopathic medicine right for my child?

If you are looking for a more natural approach to your child's health care, naturopathic medicine is right for you. Conditions seen by naturopathic doctors are similar to conditions seen at a pediatrician's office. Often, parents are looking  for different options in dealing with a health problem that is not resolving, or second opinion when considering an invasive procedure. In addition, many parents seek preventative consultations on topics such as food introduction, nutrition, general remedies for boosting immunity, and exercise. Other common naturopathic visits include food allergies, gastrointestinal complaints, eczema, ADHD, learning disorders, failure to thrive, infections, headaches, anemia, hormonal balance etc.

How are Naturopathic Doctor's certified?

A naturopathic doctor attends four years of medical school after obtaining a bachelor or masters degree that includes pre-med courses. The first two years of Naturopathic Medical School consists of basic science courses such as: anatomy, physiology, embryology, biochemistry, physical clinical diagnosis, pathology, microbiology etc. This training is very similar to what an MD would receive. The final two years of Naturopathic Medical School differs from conventional medical school in that natural modalities are introduced in classes such as gastroenterology, pediatrics, immunology, endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology, family medicine etc. Some of the natural modalities include, nutrition, herbs, supplements, physical medicine, at home remedies, epigenetic therapy, homeopathy, flower essences, lifestyle counseling etc.

A licensed Naturopathic Doctor graduating from an accredited medical school must take national board exams. A one-day basic science board exam is administered after the second year of medical school and a three-day clinical board exam is administered following receipt of the ND degree.  An ND must also pass an OSCE exam, Objective Structured Clinical Examination. 

14 of the USA states license Naturopathic Doctors as primary care physicians. Currently, Massachusetts is not one of these states. To participate in licensing efforts in the state of MA, see http://www.msnd.org. NDs that completed their board exams practicing in unlicensed states would usually hold a license to practice in another state. NDs practicing in unlicensed states will have limited scopes of practice and will not perform minor surgery, administer immunizations or prescribe prescription drugs for example. Be sure to check with your ND that they hold a license to practice, and have not revived training from non-accredited colleges. http://www.aanmc.org/naturopathic-medicine.php


What is a typical visit like?

There isn’t a typical visit. Visits are different patient to patient because care is individualized. However generally, a visit starts with a session of talking about your medical issues thoroughly. Discussion of symptoms other than your main complaint is important because they often are related in some way. I may also ask you what you eat, if you are happy with life, your lifestyle habits, family history, what medications or supplements you are taking etc. 

Then objective information such as your vital signs are collected. You also get a pulse and iris analysis. Certain points in the eye and wrist can give some insight to the health of some organ systems. Next, we discuss your individualized health optimization plan and you leave with a printout of instructions to take home. 

In office BIA testing (bio Impedance analysis) may be run to determine your body's metabolism and general cellular function. In office Genotype testing is available to further individualize your care. Other laboratory tests such as food allergy, blood type, heavy metal toxicity, neurotransmitters, reproductive hormones, cortisol, intestinal function, and genetic polymorphism tests may be ordered. Some visits may consist of bodywork such as visceral manipulation. 


How is my practice different?

I support you as a patient, providing exceptional care so you can have the health to achieve your life goals, and dreams. Any obstacles to being healthy, such as unsatisfactory care, lack of information, or even lack of belief that improvements can be made, need not be obstacles. My goal is to inspire you to be inspired.

I spend time with my patients, and am open to discussing options of care so you feel comfortable with the approach. I believe in educating you so that you can make informed decisions. I believe that you have the tools within yourself to get better, standing alongside as your ally. I believe in empowering you to make healthy choices. It is my responsibility to you, as my patients, to provide the best of care, keep up with latest scientific advances, literature, and art of medicine.