What is your Practice Philosophy?
My patient care philosophy is built on a foundation in evidence-based science and research, critical evaluation of specialist guidelines and integration of each individual’s unique needs. My goal is the healthiest and most fulfilling life for every patient; incorporating science, culture, and your individual life experiences and needs to ensure we create a plan for wellness, together, while maintaining patient autonomy.
What is a DO?
I’m a DO, which is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. I was trained in the US, taking the same medical school courses as an MD, however I also received training in musculoskeletal exam skills and osteopathic treatment. From medical school I went on to an MD or “allopathic” residency in Family Medicine. In the US, DO’s have full practice rights in every state, just like an MD. DO’s used to be different in that they practiced “whole person” medicine, but most MD schools now teach the same way, because it turns out treating people, not just their diagnoses, does make a positive difference in the care physicians provide.
This means there are DOs in every specialty, but I chose to become a Family Medicine physician and specialize in a little bit of everything.
DOs is the US are not the same as osteopaths in other countries, who are more like chiropractors or massage therapists.
Are you like a naturopath?
No. Naturopaths do not have the same practice rights as MDs and DOs, nor do they have equivalent training. In some states they are licensed, and others they are not. In some states they are allowed to refer to themselves as doctor or physician, and others they cannot. Regardless of state, in the US they can provide primary care but cannot enter a specialty or perform surgery.
But you have integrative training!
It’s true, but I didn’t learn that in osteopathic school! My integrative training was part of my allopathic (MD) residency, and was an option I chose to pursue to better understand what local naturopaths and functional medicine providers were offering to patients.
So… do you even do integrative medicine?
That depends on your definition. My integrative training provided a foundation of knowledge about supplements, herbals, vitamins and botanicals people use, how they might interact with prescription medications and helps me provide full-person care. It is balanced with my training in evidence-based medicine and let’s me approach integrative options with a critical eye. I’m able to discuss the potential risks and benefits of multiple alternative and integrative options – the same way I do with every prescription medication.
Last Updated: December 11th, 2021