In retrospect, I came to naturopathic medical school seeking solutions to my own health issues. Today I hope to inspire and educate those seeking additional therapies to treat their illnesses as illness can often be cured when one creates the conditions for health.
We have so many powerful tools and can make so many positive changes with naturopathic medicine because it is so good at working on the whole person and not just the disease. Being passionate about naturopathic medicine and having a clear vision of what you want to do will set you up for success.
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.
"When I saw the principles of naturopathic medicine, I knew instantly that this was the profession I was looking for. I knew I wanted to be a doctor of some sort, but could not decide how I was going to combine my love for holistic psychology with medicine." states Monicka Fosnocht
Like many who find our profession, I struggled with my own unresolved chronic health issues from years of stress, frequent travel, and excessive antibiotic use. I found the best solutions for myself with naturopathic medicine.
Sonoran University Student, Clara Sage Sartor states, "Embrace your struggles. Don’t let failure define you but do let it shape you. It’s through adversity that we grow stronger and are shaped into the person we are meant to become."
Dr. Crystal Foresman-Landers, OT, ND, CNS is the first and only dual licensed occupational therapist and naturopathic doctor in the United States. Dr. Foresman-Landers is also a board certified nutrition specialist. She provides naturopathic, functional medicine, functional integrative nutrition and integrative occupational therapy services in Wheaton, Illinois.
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.