Ever wonder how NDs address the number one killer? Hear from Dr. Lai Chim Chan about the many ways naturopathic doctors address cardiovascular disease. Spoiler alert, the approach is rooted in what’s best for the patient, and often very simple to implement.
Since its founding in 1956, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has built a strong base from which to look back 2,000 years, to the ancient roots of classical Chinese medicine. Now, NUNM looks to the future by launching the first-of-its-kind, first-year online naturopathic degree program.
I am a first-year student in the dual Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Classical Chinese Medicine (ND/MSOM) program at National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, OR.
Senior Research Investigator at National University of Natural Medicine Helfgott Research Institute Affiliate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University Department of Neurology and Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
As a naturopathic doctor who is board certified in naturopathic oncology, I work with chronic disease and provide integrative cancer care. I also use acupuncture extensively in my practice. Going through cancer treatment is extremely stressful for patients and their families. By providing complementary oncology care, I love that we can educate, improve a quality of life, and help recovery of so many people.
I deeply resonated with the of using the healing power of nature and food as medicine to facilitate self-healing and wellness. This belief is also prevalent in my own Southern Black-American roots and traditions, because for generations, my family had to depend on growing our own food, using herbs from the backyard/forest as our medicine, and passing along home remedies to manage our health.
I left a PhD program in Pharmacology to pursue an ND because I wanted to do research on lifestyle and non-pharmacologic interventions. Before I left Duke University to go to ND school, the Heart Health Study was published by Dean Ornish, MD, demonstrating advanced cardiovascular disease could be stabilized by lifestyle changes. Upon learning about that study’s findings, I decided I didn’t want to study drug mechanisms anymore, and instead I wanted to learn how to help people create health.
I want to be a provider who focuses on engaging patients in the cultivation of a healthy lifestyle which is individualized based on family history and identified risk factors so people can live, healthier, happier, longer lives. When I came upon the principles of naturopathic medicine, I knew naturopathic medicine was it for me. The principles speak for themselves, and, if followed well, they work wonders.