I didn’t always know I wanted to be a naturopathic doctor, in fact, I didn’t know what naturopathic medicine was until I finished my university degree. It wasn’t long after I heard about this wonderful profession and couldn’t help but go for it! While going through a rigorous yet enlightening program, I realized I had found my treasure.
But why was I so convinced that this was my path?
Why did it become so obvious?
In 2006, my grandmother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in which she was hospitalized long-term. In addition to several surgeries, there were complications with her feeding and inability to move, as she was in a coma. Only in her 60s, she did not smoke, drink alcohol, or have a detrimental family history. I, like you, would give anything to help our loved ones. You would sacrifice so much for them, but that isn’t how our health works. I may have been young, but my deep sense of pain and hopelessness was real and left its mark on me. From there, I knew I wanted to help people in healthcare, I didn’t want to feel this helpless again.
I experienced anxiety at an early age, losing a large part of my support system. I promised myself that I would raise children to value relationships as a non-negotiable. Even if I gained the entire world’s material desires, my family connection was the most important to me. I also treasured my friendships dearly as a pillar of who I am. With this, I knew my profession needed to be with people, I wanted to follow a person’s progress and really get to know them. Despite graduating with a bachelor of science, I couldn’t imagine myself cooped up in a lab, staring into a microscope for the rest of my life. I am so appreciative of the scientists that discover all the amazing things that we know today, but I knew myself enough that it wasn’t a job for me.
Growing up on an organic blueberry farm, as you can imagine, was a huge influence on my decision. The farm was originally conventional, we contracted a lot of the land, as though it were merely a commodity. There was something about the land that felt dead, disposable, unimportant. I did, however, appreciate the space to venture out as I pleased. Connecting with the rocks and the clovers, I felt much calmer outside. When we transitioned into a certified organic farm it was as if new life was born. Our farm became luscious, booming with biodiversity, and it felt really good to eat our fruit. The community recognized that too, we attracted so many great supporters and the connections we made with our customers were so endearing. Our family never felt more proud that this land became a blessing to not just us, but everyone who set foot on it.
I wrestled with what career path I wanted to take. I even considered applying to medical school or pharmacy. But my value in being invested in a relationship with patients turned me away from those options. I didn’t want to only spend 10-15 minutes with someone, it was too quick, too many, and too overwhelming. I was especially challenged with the idea of working on the farm instead. I would be able to support my parents, meet great people, and grow great organic produce. It seemed like a great option. Then, my uncle introduced me to naturopathic medicine. I was immediately intrigued and did some homework. It was expensive, time-consuming, and a whole lot of work; but the philosophy was there, a naturopathic philosophy and I really connected with it. I prayed, A LOT, and one night it came to me that I was meant to be a healer. I wasn’t going to let that go to waste out of fear.
In the program, many things about health and wellness came to light. For myself, my family, and especially my grandma. Growing up, my grandmother constantly beamed with a light of pure positivity. Cheerful and kind, she was quick to discern any conflict and shrewd with her decisions. In fact, she and my grandpa started the blueberry farm that I live on today. She was someone I looked up to with admiration and respect. But what happened with her health? I realized the risk of her lifestyle, picturing the types of food she loved to eat, and lack of vigorous exercise causing obesity. I later learned that a heavy contributor was her immense stress from abuse and self-sacrifice in her younger years. It made sense and I didn’t want anyone else to suffer from that silently harmful path.
With this, I recognized I had a strong family history for all of the major age-related diseases. So this program has benefited me so much as I made a commitment to upkeep and nourish my body. Now being an advocate of preventative medicine, I studied naturopathic medicine so that I can eventually help others live life optimally.
Through faith, I know that I have the strength and ability which enables me to care deeply for others, especially in their times of need. I am so excited to call myself a naturopathic doctor and connect with those who just need a little extra push in the right direction.
