Lyann Villanueva Montoyo

HW310 Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Unit 9 Assignment
An interview with Christine L. Girard, executive vice president of academic and

clinical affairs for the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe,

Arizona, is presented. When asked about how she chose her career being a

naturopathic physician, she said she always wanted to do family medicine. She

mentions the reason that led her to become a doctor rather than to an acupuncturist or

other medical personnel. She talks about her general medical residency with

naturopathic medicine.

Lampe, F., & Snyder, S. (2010). Christine Girard, Nd: Enriching Education for

Naturopathic Physicians. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 16(2), 66–73.

The article focuses on the naturopathic oncological approach in treating persons with

metastatic cancer, which are divided into several parts. It states that the first part, the

integrative approach, necessitates the communication between the allopathic

and naturophatic practitioners. Other parts include the molecular, immunologic and

the holistic/lifestyle approach.

Alschuler, L., & Rubin, D. (2008). Naturopathic Medicine. Integrative Cancer

Therapies, 7(2), 105–108.

https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.1177/1534735408319064
History of Naturopathic Medicine:

Naturopathic medicine has its roots in various traditional healing practices from

around the world, including herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and

European hydrotherapy.

In the United States, the modern naturopathic medicine movement began in the late

19th century with the establishment of naturopathic medical schools.

The early naturopaths emphasized the use of natural remedies, dietary changes, and

lifestyle modifications to support the body's natural healing abilities.

Over the years, naturopathic medicine has evolved and incorporated scientific

research and evidence-based practices.

Current Scope of Practice:

Naturopathic physicians, or naturopaths, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range

of health conditions using natural and holistic approaches.

They may use various therapies, including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine,

acupuncture, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling.

Naturopaths also focus on preventive care and health promotion, helping patients

make lifestyle changes to enhance overall well-being.

The scope of practice may vary by state or country, as regulations and licensing

requirements differ.

Economic and Social Impact:

Naturopathic medicine has gained popularity in recent years, with more people

seeking alternative and complementary healthcare options.

The economic impact of naturopathic medicine includes the growth of naturopathic

clinics, supplement industries, and the creation of jobs for naturopathic physicians,

herbalists, and other holistic practitioners.

Patients who choose naturopathic care often report high levels of satisfaction, as it

provides them with personalized, patient-centered care.

Integrative healthcare models, which combine conventional and naturopathic

approaches, are becoming more common, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Naturopathic medicine also has a social impact by promoting health and wellness,

emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and empowering patients to take an

active role in their health.

It's important to note that the acceptance and integration of naturopathic medicine can

vary by region and healthcare system. Some individuals and communities may

embrace it as a valuable complement to conventional medicine, while others may

have differing opinions or concerns about its efficacy and safety.

As naturopathic medicine continues to evolve and gain recognition, research into its

effectiveness and safety will play a crucial role in shaping its future impact on

healthcare and society.

Interview with Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios, ND:

I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios, a naturopathic

physician practicing in San Juan, PR, to learn more about her approach to

naturopathic medicine and her clinic. The interview covered various topics, including
her background, philosophy of care, and the types of conditions she commonly treats.

Interviewer (I): Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a

naturopathic physician?

Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios (DRMB): Certainly. My journey into naturopathic

medicine began with a deep passion for helping people achieve optimal health and

well-being. I was inspired by the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself

when given the right support, and I wanted to harness the power of natural remedies

and holistic approaches to complement conventional medicine.

I: What are the fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine that guide your

practice?

DRMB: Naturopathic medicine is guided by several fundamental principles, including

"First, Do No Harm," "The Healing Power of Nature," "Identify and Treat the Root

Cause," "Treat the Whole Person," "Doctor as Teacher," and "Prevention." These

principles shape how I approach patient care and treatment plans.

I: How do you integrate naturopathic approaches with conventional medicine, and

how do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

DRMB: I believe in a collaborative and integrative approach to healthcare. I work

closely with conventional medical professionals when necessary, ensuring the best

possible care for my patients. We share information, coordinate treatments, and refer

patients to specialists when needed, allowing us to provide comprehensive care.

I: What types of conditions or health concerns do you commonly treat in your

naturopathic practice?
DRMB: In my naturopathic practice, I commonly treat a wide range of conditions,

including chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, digestive disorders,

hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, stress management, nutritional

counseling, weight management, allergies, and pain management. Each patient

receives personalized care based on their unique needs.

Observations: During the interview, Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios exuded a sense of

genuine care and passion for her patients' well-being. She emphasized the importance

of a patient-centered approach and the integration of naturopathic principles with

conventional medicine.

Dr. Berrios' clinic had a welcoming and calming atmosphere, with natural elements

incorporated into the decor, such as potted plants and soothing colors. The clinic's

waiting area featured educational materials on various aspects of naturopathic

medicine, promoting patient education.

The interview and observations conveyed a holistic and patient-focused approach to

healthcare, emphasizing the body's natural healing abilities and the importance of

addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

Overall, Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios appeared dedicated to providing comprehensive

and evidence-based naturopathic care to her patients in San Juan, PR. Her clinic

reflected her commitment to promoting health and wellness through natural and

holistic approaches.
Self-Reflective Component:

My experience with Dr. Maria Rodriguez Berrios, a naturopathic physician in San

Juan, PR, was eye-opening and thought-provoking. It offered valuable insights into

the integration of complementary approaches alongside conventional techniques in

healthcare, as well as personal growth and changes in my perspective on

Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM).

Integration of Complementary Approaches with Conventional Techniques: Dr. Berrios

seamlessly integrated complementary approaches with conventional techniques in her

practice. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with other healthcare

professionals, recognizing that each system of medicine has its strengths. By

combining the principles of naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine, she

provided a well-rounded and patient-centered approach to healthcare. Witnessing this

integration made me appreciate the potential for CIM to offer comprehensive and

holistic care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of health issues.

My Experience: My experience with Dr. Berrios was enlightening. I appreciated her

commitment to patient education and empowerment. She encouraged questions and

discussion during our interview, fostering an open and collaborative environment.

Visiting her clinic also made me feel welcomed and reassured by the emphasis on

natural elements and educational resources. Overall, it was a positive experience that

expanded my understanding of healthcare options.

Building a Respectful Relationship: To build a respectful relationship with Dr.

Berrios, I approached the interview with an open mind and a genuine interest in
learning about naturopathic medicine. I asked questions with curiosity and respect for

her expertise and philosophy. Dr. Berrios reciprocated by sharing her insights and

experiences openly, creating a respectful and productive dialogue.

Conflicts and Resolutions: During the interview and observations, I did not encounter

significant conflicts. However, it was important to remain open to different

perspectives and be receptive to naturopathic principles, even if they differed from my

previous understanding of healthcare. This willingness to embrace diversity in

healthcare approaches allowed me to appreciate the value of CIM.

Changing Ideas About CIM and Community Impact: My ideas about CIM have

evolved significantly through this experience. I now see CIM as a valuable

complement to conventional medicine, offering patients a broader range of options for

their healthcare needs. This change in perspective has the potential to positively

impact my greater community by promoting awareness of and access to CIM

practices that prioritize patient-centered care and holistic well-being.

What I've Learned: I have learned that CIM, when practiced by dedicated and

knowledgeable professionals like Dr. Berrios, can provide effective, evidence-based,

and patient-centered care. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of considering

all available healthcare options and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs.

Surprises and Expectations for Working in the Field: I was pleasantly surprised by the

level of dedication and expertise exhibited by Dr. Berrios and her clinic. This

experience has solidified my interest in exploring career opportunities within the CIM

field, whether through advocacy, research, or healthcare practice. I expect that

working in this field will require a commitment to continuous learning and

collaboration with diverse healthcare practitioners.

Coming Away with Insights: From this experience, I am coming away with a deeper

appreciation for the potential of CIM to enhance patient care and improve overall

health outcomes. I am motivated to continue exploring the intersections of

conventional and complementary medicine and advocate for a more integrative

approach to healthcare within my community and beyond.

 References

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. (n.d). Information.

https://naturopathic.org/

NIH. (2017). Naturopathy. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy

WebMD. (2023). What is Naturopathic Medicine?

https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-naturopathic-medicine