“My favorite part about being an ND is being able to truly make a difference in lives of families and to bring hope. I’m passionate about being able to provide safe and effective treatment options for my patients particularly through the use of herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition.”
Laying the groundwork to become an ND
“I knew that naturopathic medicine was the right path for me after reading about the naturopathic principles, the healing power of nature, and treating the person as a whole.”
Recognizing that parents of special needs children have one the highest divorce rates, Lindsey Wells, ND was motivated to focus her medical career on keeping families together. After shadowing allopathic doctors and observing some of the challenges with limited therapeutic options and time spent with the patients, she knew there had to be another approach to care. Her belief that “a child will thrive emotionally, physically, and academically if the family members are also thriving in all aspects of their health” led her to pursue naturopathic medicine. She found that the holistic approach was the best way for her to support children with special needs and their families.
UBSNM as a springboard
Dr. Wells pursued her naturopathic medical education at the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine (UBSNM). She chose UBSNM for its location and for the clinic’s community outreach opportunities.
“UBSNM offered a very strong foundation of the core modalities of naturopathic medicine including homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, nutrition, etc. I gained a deep appreciation for the philosophy of naturopathic medicine.”
Dr. Wells knew that she wanted to specialize in pediatrics early on in her education, so she jumped at every opportunity to network with, and shadow local pediatric health professionals. Her persistence in following up with an integrative medical doctor eventually led to a job offer at her current practice.
Following graduation, Dr. Wells received job opportunities with pediatric NDs with whom she had mentored with. She began her career as an independent contractor and also began teaching Anatomy and Physiology as an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University.
Finding fulfillment as an ND
“My favorite part about being an ND is being able to truly make a difference in lives of families and to bring hope. I’m passionate about being able to provide safe and effective treatment options for my patients particularly through the use of herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition.”
Dr. Wells currently practices with an integrative medical doctor and registered dietitian in Wilton, Connecticut. The practice specializes in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, Dr. Wells lectures at Autism parent conferences around the country.
Over the past few years, Dr. Wells has been traveling to Ghana to mentor doctors on integrative medicine for children with ASD. She is in the early stages of organizing an ASD clinic with the Nyaho Medical Center in Ghana.
As President of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association (CNPA), Dr. Wells focuses on legislative efforts to expand the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Connecticut. Furthermore, she and the CNPA work to build a sense of community for the naturopathic doctors within the state.
Dr. Wells enjoys hiking and exploring all that nature has to offer with her husband and their dog named Ed. Together, they aspire to visit all of the national parks across the United States. If you stop by her clinic, you might be lucky enough to meet Ed, as he provides emotional support for children and families.
Advice for aspiring NDs
The field of naturopathic medicine offers many career paths and opportunities for those who are motivated, passionate, and invested. “It’s not easy but it’s so worth it!” Put yourself out there and be your own personal advocate. If you do, the future of naturopathic medicine will be yours!
Learn more about Dr. Wells
