Meghan Walker, ND is the ‘Chief Cheerleader’ at Clinician Business Labs – a platform built to empower clinicians and help their businesses thrive. Dr. Walker is an award-winning speaker on topics related to women’s performance medicine, brain health, and her niche – entrepreneurship. She hosts an annual entrepreneurship conference – Impact LIVEs. Dr. Walker shares how she combines her degree in naturopathic medicine with her passion for business.

Laying the groundwork to become an ND

“I learned about naturopathic medicine while I was in high school. I had been ill for six weeks, and a family friend recommended I see a naturopathic doctor. The first question the ND asked me was: “How has your body historically responded to stress?” It was such a simple question but it made so much sense to me. The quality of care is determined by the quality of the questioning. I was forever enamored by and called to naturopathic medicine.”

CCNM as a springboard

“The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) was a great choice. I had a diverse education and was able to connect with an amazing cohort of people. As a larger school, I was also afforded the opportunity to access a variety of clinical exposures. Seeing diverse groups of patients, especially early in the journey, is critical to sculpting a strong foundation.

Following graduation, I had the privilege of opening an integrative practice with my friend and colleague, Dr. Erin Wiley. Our vision was to build a clinic based on community and conversation. The Integrative Health Institute is still in operation in Toronto with nearly 25 practitioners!”

Finding fulfillment as an ND and an entrepreneur

“Naturopathic medicine not only enables me to help people in a profound way, but it is equally satisfying for my entrepreneurial itch. I believe that when people have their health, they can change the world. My practice caters almost exclusively to the health needs of entrepreneurs. They need their health to support their work.”

Dr. Walker has found “the ultimate opportunity to address the health of the naturopathic profession at a root-cause level” by taking sabbatical from her private practice to focus on supporting colleagues in business development.

“With the onset of COVID-19, there was nearly an overnight shift in the delivery model of care. For some time, I have spoken about the need to transition, at least a portion of practice online. When this became forced upon us, my team was able to rapidly pull together experts and training to assist in the transition through the launch of a toolkit for setting up an online clinic.

I did not want price to be a barrier, so we moved quickly and through the help of industry partners, were able to release it within one week of the lock-down and most importantly, for free. I feel strongly that the health of the naturopathic profession will rely heavily on the speed in which our professionals pivot to telemedicine.

I am grateful to have a career that enables me to have impact and freedom at the same time. Most of my daily work happens from my home office or traveling and speaking at events. I record several episodes of my podcast each week from my home studio and connect to our coaching groups online. I am also balancing a busy life with three kids under the age of nine.”

Advice for aspiring NDs

“Get clear on why you want to pursue naturopathic medicine. Your purpose and clarity around your why will see you through the tough times. Succeeding in this, or any career will require that you step outside your comfort zone. If you are not connected to your why, your fear will win.”