This month's OANP Member Spotlight is Dr. Valeria Manning, ND, MSCP (she/her)

Dr. Valeria Manning practices community health at La Clínica de Guadalupe in Salem, where she has served since 2018 and currently holds the role of Executive Director. She also practices integrative primary care and women’s health at Lake Oswego Health Center, where she has been seeing patients since 2022.

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I became an OANP member as a student. Initially, I was interested in their work in legislative advocacy and for pay parity. Since then, my participation with OANP has transitioned to volunteering annually at the Fall Conference, serving on the DEIB committee, and most recently as a speaker for the Spring Seminar. I appreciate their dedication to the profession and look forward to continuing my membership.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
I have many "favorite" parts of being a naturopathic doctor! One of them is the opportunity to cultivate meaningful, transformative and lasting relationships with my patients. It is an honor and privilege to walk alongside them in their health journeys.

I also appreciate opportunities to engage with recent graduates, or current students, to lend real-world experience and professional mentorship.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice/research/ learning? 
I am a strong advocate for safe, individualized, and evidence-informed menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). It has been exciting to follow emerging research highlighting its benefits, especially as more patients are seeking guidance on this topic. I remain especially grateful to Dr. Tori Hudson for her mentorship and teachings during my residency in 2017.

What OANP CE event have you enjoyed most recently? 
I really enjoyed the new format of the 2025 Fall Conference and always look forward to reconnecting with former classmates each year (hello, Rachael Karlin and Joy Nauman!). The DEIB Committee also has some exciting offerings planned for 2026... stay tuned for more details.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
My hope is that naturopathic physicians continue to build strong partnerships with other medical disciplines, creating a more cohesive, collaborative, and effective healthcare system.

What motivates you to continue practicing/researching/learning about naturopathic medicine?
I find great joy in both deepening my existing skillset and expanding into new areas of medicine. Recently, I’ve been especially interested in the microbiome, the nervous system, and immunology. Working in a community clinic also motivates me to continually find ways to make our medicine more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for underserved populations.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
I would love to see naturopathic medicine more fully integrated into everyday life: within workplaces, schools, and even the food system. If naturopathic physicians could help educate children early on about nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and environmental health, we could prevent many chronic diseases before they develop.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? 
I lean heavily on stress management, exercise and whole foods nutrition, not only in my practice, but my personal life as well.

What are some of your favorite natural places in Oregon/PNW to explore and unplug?
I was lucky to meet my Oregonian husband in medical school, and through him I've developed a deep appreciation for the Pacific Northwest. I love spending time on the water, exploring forest trails, and out of cell phone range. Some of my favorites are Wallowa Lake, Tryon Creek, the Oregon Coast, and the McKenzie River Trail. My favorite outdoor recreation is simple: walking.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?
In my role as Executive Director of La Clínica de Guadalupe, I am currently helping to plan a fundraising event in Salem this June. We are also in the final stages of strategic planning, and over the past year have welcomed an incredibly talented Board of Directors. Despite ongoing political and economic challenges, this feels like a year of growth, expansion, strengthened community, and hope.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Manning!

This month's OANP Member Spotlight is Dr. Aimée Bonneval. Dr Bonneval is the owner of Meliora Clinic, a naturopathic primary care clinic that also offers bodywork and acupuncture. "I enjoy primary care and tend to have long-term patients with more complex medical needs. The naturopathic model allows me to develop a relationship where I get to know the whole person, which I think is ideal in a primary care setting."

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I think the best way for naturopathic medicine to reach more patients is for us to work together. OANP does a great job of keeping conversations about NDs in the legislature, and helps to facilitate larger conversations with insurance companies.

How does OANP support you?
Access to the broader naturopathic community, continuing education that is applicable to my practice, and professional advocacy.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
Relationship-building. I think that the traditional medical model doesn't foster a relationship between providers and patients. Taking the time to get to know patients helps us to understand them to provide better care. As NDs, working outside of the typical system, we are afforded this opportunity and I feel lucky to be able to both work with people in this way, and create a space where this can happen.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice/research/ learning? 
Prior to studying at NUNM, I spent 6 years in immunology, microbiology and parasitology education and research. I have recently had a few patients diagnosed with immuno-deficient conditions, which has renewed an interest in this area.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?
We just expanded into a new space in the Central Eastside! Our original clinic only had space for two providers each day. We now have space for up to 6 of us (and a lab!) to practice. We just welcomed two new providers to our team and I look forward to bringing on a couple more in the coming months. We would also LOVE to offer a private residency in the next year, so are looking forward to that, as well.

What OANP CE event have you enjoyed most recently? 
I am bummed to have missed the annual conference this year. I am looking forward to attending (or hosting!) one of the upcoming networking events!

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
I would love to see Naturopathic Medicine continue to grow as a profession, and for us to gain more opportunities to work alongside colleagues in other medical specialties. It's been really refreshing to hear how many providers are referring their patients to NDs and Integrated Medicine providers recently. I hope to see even more of that in the future.

What motivates you to continue practicing/researching/learning about naturopathic medicine?
It's really gratifying to know that the time we spend with patients can result in "breakthroughs" in their health and understanding of their bodies. Even things that we might consider basic medical knowledge aren't necessarily known to the general public and it is empowering for patients to be educated about themselves. This is a really privileged role to be in.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
Oh, pay parity and a better understanding of what we do by other medical professionals.

What are some of your favorite natural places in Oregon/PNW to explore and unplug?
I am a big fan of the water. The Oregon Coast and Puget Sound are such an interesting mix of forest and ocean, which I will never get tired of. If I can't make it out of the city, Elk Rock is always an interesting spot nearby.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Bonneval!

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I always felt it was important to support our local professional organization. By being a member, I contribute to naturopathic medicine in Oregon and also receive support in return. OANP allows me to practice peacefully, knowing they are watching out for us at the legislature and protecting our scope. That is very valuable to me.

How does OANP support you?
OANP supports me in many ways. They work on legislation that helps naturopathic doctors in Oregon maintain and expand our practice rights. We now have a broad scope of practice and prescription rights, which raises our status in the medical field. Even though I don’t prescribe medication myself, just being able to do so makes insurance and other providers see us differently. Insurance reimburses me the same as a medical doctor, which is very important. OANP also makes continuing education simple. I don’t have to spend hours hunting for which courses will count, because I know OANP events are reliable. They provide CE, advocacy, and also community, so I feel supported and not alone in this profession.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
My favorite part is that we have such a broad scope. I can choose acupuncture,
functional medicine, herbs, nutrition, or any number of modalities depending on what the patient needs. We are not limited like other professions. Having this freedom allows me to practice in a way that is both creative and effective.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?
In recent years, I’ve been really drawn to nutrigenomics — the idea that nutrition and lifestyle can actually influence how our genes express. I believe that understanding our genes and how they express can help strengthen the foundation of healing. Even a basic understanding of a patient’s genetics can offer helpful clues about where they may struggle — whether that’s with stress response, detoxification, digestion, or neurotransmitter balance. From there, I work to tailor support using herbs, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, or other tools that might help meet each patient’s unique needs. I think of it like building or repairing a house. You have to clean up first, then repair, then strengthen. Once I understand the foundation, I can put together the right pieces. Every patient is like a new discovery. It keeps my practice exciting because I feel like I am helping people discover their own user manual for their body and use their user manual to keep their body stay healthy.

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? 
I really enjoyed the annual OANP pharmacy conference and the ND MedTalks. One of my favorite teachers is Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed. She always makes information very practical, especially around individual factors that influence stress response. I take any class she offers because she explains things in a way that helps me see how to apply it directly with patients.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
I hope that future naturopathic doctors will have strong foundations not only in naturopathic principles but also in functional medicine, conventional diagnostics, and business. We need to know how to run a successful practice, find our niche early, and specialize. I also hope the field will be more individualized and science-based. I imagine a future where testing is widely used and every treatment is based on each person’s unique genetics and environment. That way, naturopathic doctors can practice both primary care and deep specialized care with confidence.

What motivates you to continue practicing, researching, or learning about naturopathic medicine?
I am motivated by the ongoing process of discovery. Each patient is like a puzzle, and I love putting the pieces together. When I can show someone their “user manual” and teach them how to operate their body in a healthy way, it feels very rewarding. I am always building on what I know, whether it’s understanding genetics or testing or stress physiology. For me, it is an endless journey of discovery, and that keeps me going.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
In a perfect world, I would spend all my time focusing on patient care and research, without worrying so much about marketing and business. I also wish I had more opportunities to connect with colleagues who share my passion for going deeper into the science and integration of naturopathic medicine. When you can exchange ideas with people who really understand, it is so stimulating.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? 
I like therapeutic drainage remedies, adaptogens for stress, and protomorphogens from Standard Process. Protomorphogens are especially interesting to me because they target specific organ systems and support them at the cellular level. I use them often when I want to strengthen a system. Stress management is always the first step, because nothing else works well until stress physiology is balanced. I also integrate genetics into my treatments, because that helps me know which herbs or nutrients are best for each patient.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
I love going to farmers markets. It is very relaxing for me to walk around, see the local food, and enjoy the creativity of farmers here. I also enjoy walking in parks like Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and going to the Oregon coast when I have time. Oregon is very lucky to have such variety in fresh food and nature.

What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
I like walking and hiking in natural parks and on the beach. I also enjoy traveling, because it allows me to learn from other cultures and see things differently. Travel refreshes my mind and gives me new perspective, which also helps me in my practice.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?
I am focusing my work on post-injury recovery. After going through my own healing journey from a car accident, I realized how powerful integration is — using nutrition, genetics, acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle all together. There are many people who suffer for years after injuries and never fully recover. My goal is to help them find their weak links, address what blocks healing, and turn their lives around.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am slowing my practice somewhat to care for my family, especially my elderly mother who lives in China. Supporting her health has taken a lot of time and energy, but it is important to me. At the same time, I remain passionate about naturopathic medicine and functional medicine. For me, it is never finished. It is always about discovery, teaching, and healing. I want to keep building on this idea of a “user’s manual” so patients can understand their own bodies and live long, healthy lives.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Zhang!

Interviewed by Vasena Masaligin, NUNM Student and OANP Work Study Student

The book is a special collaboration between Dr. Greenberg, two board-certified dermatologists, and a nutritionist. Together, they’ve crafted a comprehensive guide that goes beyond typical skincare by addressing the root causes of skin and hair problems. It even includes real case studies from Dr. Greenberg’s practice, showcasing the effectiveness of her integrative methods.

As the founder of The Center for Integrative & Naturopathic Dermatology and RootCauseDermatology.com, Dr. Greenberg is a leader in functional dermatology. Her approach blends traditional knowledge with modern science to treat dermatological conditions holistically. This book reflects her groundbreaking work and the cutting-edge treatments she teaches at several naturopathic medical schools.

Congratulations on this great accomplishment, Dr. Greenberg!

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I’ve been involved in state politics since the early ‘80s, and OANP has always been my way in. I served as an officer, represented Oregon at the AANP House of Delegates, and when Jim Sensenig tried to rebuild a national professional association, he called me because he knew I was in the trenches of Oregon politics. I went to those meetings and helped shape what naturopathic advocacy looks like today. I stay involved because without a strong, unified voice, we’re vulnerable.

How does OANP support you?
Back in the day, OANP was the shield that kept our profession from being wiped out by the Oregon Medical Association. They tried more than once to pass bills that would have taken us down, but OANP was always ahead, reading the fine print, testifying at hearings, and making sure we had our own legislation in play.

OANP didn’t just protect our ability to practice it also made sure we had access to the education we needed. They teamed up with organizations in Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, and Idaho to create the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Association, which put on an annual conference that covered our CE requirements. Over time, more conferences popped up, and OANP started running its own annual pharmacy conference, which I still go to every year.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
The absolute best part is when people actually get better especially when they've been told by other doctors that there’s no hope. Watching someone completely turn their health around is what keeps me in this work.

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? 
The fall pharmacy conference, hands down. I go every year. In-person conferences beat online ones any day; being able to talk with colleagues, trade ideas, and hear fresh insights is invaluable. I’ve picked up some of my best knowledge at these events, like when a friend casually mentioned a Cochrane study that changed how I view blood pressure treatment.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
I see a future where naturopaths are the primary doctors people turn to first. More and more MDs are dabbling in naturopathic techniques, but they don’t have the philosophy to use them right. If leadership in public health shifts, we might finally get the national recognition we deserve.

What motivates you to continue practicing, researching, or learning about naturopathic medicine?
I genuinely love what I do. Burnout has never been an issue for me. Even when cases are tough, they just push me to learn more. People come to us after being told they’re out of options, and then we actually help them. That’s what keeps me going.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
Back when I started, I wanted more recognition for naturopathic medicine. Now, I’d love to see us licensed in every state. What worries me is the creeping over-reliance on pharmaceuticals in naturopathic education. I saw it happen in Washington; when NDs got full prescribing rights, the use of herbs and homeopathy dropped overnight. That’s not what we’re about.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? 
Lomatium dissectum is a powerhouse; it’s an antiviral, and just a drop or two can take out a sore throat. Hydrastis and yarrow are also up there. Homeopathy is another go-to; it’s precise, effective, and doesn’t do any harm. Acupuncture is something I use a lot too. But really, it’s all about the therapeutic order: fix digestion first, stimulate self-healing, use herbs and supplements when necessary, and address structural issues last.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
I love the mountains and the coast; Cannon Beach, the lakes around Mount Hood, Smith Rock, the Blue Mountains. Oregon has so many incredible places to swim, and I’ll always pick a river or creek over a pool.

What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
Golf and swimming.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?
Professionally, I think my greatest accomplishment was the development of the Therapeutic Order concept, but what makes me happiest is having two of my kids working in my practice. That means the world to me. I also have 11 grandchildren, and they bring me immense joy. Family is everything to me. I truly believe that marriage and family are the foundation of life, and everything we do—our careers, our accomplishments—it all exists to support that. At the heart of society is a mother with her child, and everything around us is built to sustain that fundamental relationship.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Zeff!

This month's OANP Member Spotlight is Dr. Loch Chandler. Dr. Chandler is the Medical Director of Providence's Integrative Medicine Clinics. He also teaches at National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) clinic and is the clinic supervisor at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM).

Where do you practice, and what is your practice focus?
At Providence, we work under the umbrella of the Cancer Center, where a large part of our focus is supporting patients before, during, and after cancer treatment. We also have a strong general medicine practice with regards to natural therapeutics with 18 providers, including two chiropractors, five massage therapists, five stand-alone acupuncturists, and six naturopathic doctors. Five of the naturopaths hold dual degrees. I’ve been with Providence since 2004, and the Integrative Medicine Clinic has been around since 2002.

I completed my Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Health Administration to take on more leadership and administrative roles, and to help guide clinic growth. I became a manager in 2014 and the medical director in 2015, and I’ve been in that position since then, working on helping run the clinic, provider oversight and growth. We are primarily located at two hospitals: Providence Portland (NE 47th & Gleason) and Providence St. Vincent (SW Barnes Rd).

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I became a member to support the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians and to advocate for legislative policies that benefit both myself and my colleagues. Having strong legislative representation is crucial for ensuring our profession’s best interests are protected.

How does OANP support you?
I’ve been a member since 2001. OANP indirectly supports us through legislative advocacy on key issues like pay equity and other policy initiatives that benefit naturopathic doctors.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
Helping people help themselves. I’ve always been drawn to guiding patients toward better health by using foundational naturopathic tools like comprehensive diet and lifestyle changes. These remain the top two evidence-based recommendations for nearly any disease condition, yet they are often underutilized.

One of my favorite aspects of this work is the detective-like process of figuring out what will truly help a patient. Empowering people to take control of their own health is what keeps me passionate about naturopathic medicine.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning? I'm currently focused on long COVID and cancer patients and how potential therapeutic aspects of those conditions interact. Lately, I’ve been leaning more into long COVID because of its ongoing relevance, but there’s also overlap with cancer and how it plays a role. At the same time, I’m navigating the administrative side of running a clinic and finding ways to grow sustainably without the risk of being cut due to financial concerns. Sustainability is key to ensuring we can persist and expand. 

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? 
I’ve really enjoyed the pharmacy CE events, especially those focused on natural remedies and mechanisms of action. I attend a lot of pharmacy-related discussions at the hospital, like grand rounds and tumor boards. While it’s not a new topic for me, I appreciate the directness and practical applications that these CE events provide.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
I hope to see naturopathic doctors grow in both numbers and utilization because we are among the best-trained providers in preventive medicine. Preventive care is frequently discussed in hospital settings when it comes to patient care, and my goal is to further integrate naturopathic medicine into those discussions. Building stronger bridges between naturopathic and conventional medicine working with hospitals, clinics, and providers will reinforce the value of an integrative model.

To me, the future of medicine is about collaboration. Every modality should be honored and utilized for the benefit of the patient. My dad and I have talked about this idea of "round table medicine," where every provider involved in a patient’s care sits at the same table, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? 
One of my go-to herb and seems to be the most utilized is calendula, especially in the form of calendula cream. I use it regularly on my hands because they tend to dry out from frequent washing and recommend I in different forms to my patients.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?

The coast is always a favorite, as well as the Cascade Lakes in Central Oregon. I also love being out on the water; boating and camping are some of my favorite ways to unwind.

One of my passions is helping grow the sport of lacrosse. I started officiating boy’s college, high school and youth lacrosse in 2000, and this will be my third year refereeing women’s lacrosse. I played lacrosse during undergrad and postgrad, and it’s something I continue to be involved in.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?

I’ve been compiling data from a nine-year infusion acupuncture study I did here at Providence. We collected survey responses from about 4,400 patients, with 17 different questions assessing the impact of acupuncture. For three years, we conducted the study at Providence St. Vincent, followed by 6 1/2 years at Providence Portland. During that time, I supervised Chinese medicine students from OCOM and NUNM as they treated patients in the infusion suite.

Now, I’m in the process of pulling all that data together, and we’re looking forward to presenting our findings at upcoming conferences.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Chandler!

This month's OANP Member Spotlight is Dr. Gibran Ramos, ND, MSOM, LAc. Dr. Ramos now practices at Kwan Yin Healing Arts Center in Northwest Portland and Pohala Clinic in Southeast Portland. He has been an OANP member since 2005. 

How does OANP support you?
The OANP advocates for naturopathic physicians by pursuing health insurance pay parity, preserving licensing scope of practice, and securing access to state incentives and programs. It works to enhance the profession's recognition, expand practice rights, and support financial sustainability for NDs statewide.

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I joined OANP because they’re fighting for fair insurance payments and making sure NDs like me can thrive and be recognized in Oregon. It’s about supporting my profession and creating a better future for our work and most importantly our patients. 

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
What I love most about practicing naturopathic medicine is really getting to know my patients and helping them figure out what’s behind their health struggles. There’s nothing better than seeing someone feel truly heard and then watching them heal and take control of their health.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?

Lately I’ve been intrigued by how mental health and physical health are so deeply connected. Exploring how stress, emotions, and trauma show up in the body. Finding ways to help patients heal through both naturopathic approaches and physical medicine has been incredibly rewarding. 

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? I enjoyed the fall OANP Conference: Updates in Primary Care. Even though I don't do much primary care, it was quite informative. 

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
My hope for NDs in 2050 is that we’ll be fully integrated into the healthcare system, working alongside other providers as equals, with pay parity and access to resources that let us focus on patient care instead of fighting for recognition. I want future NDs to have thriving practices in every community, urban and rural, where anyone can access our care regardless of their income.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different? 
In a perfect professional world, I wish NDs were fully valued as an integral and necessary part of the US healthcare system.  Equal pay and seamless insurance coverage for our services would not be issues. It would be amazing if the healthcare system prioritized prevention and whole-person care, allowing us to focus entirely on helping patients without the constant battle for recognition or reimbursement.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? Fascial counterstrain. Crocus sativus (Saffron)

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation? Wildflower walks at Iron Mountain in late spring/early summer. 

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you'd like to share?  I'm opening a new micro practice in SE PDX.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Board Member, and Insurance Committee Member, Dr. Ramos!

This month's OANP Member Spotlight is Dr. Kristie Ritchey, ND, MPA:HA. Dr. Ritchey has been a member since 2006. She practices at Revitalize Health & Wellness in Wilsonville with a focus on the Endocrine system (reproductive, thyroid and diabetes), cancer, IV therapy, and PCP.

How does OANP support you?
I really appreciated their dedication to helping achieve pay parity.

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
To support the organization.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
The daily health miracles I have the honor to witness.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?

Cancer care; benefits of ursolic acid

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
That we are considered frontline medical professionals.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
Pay parity, improved integrative care for the benefit of the patients.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients?
IV therapy, and the large medical toolbox we have available to us.

What motivates you to continue practicing naturopathic medicine?
The health benefits we are able to achieve for our patients.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?

Cannon Beach, Timberline, Columbia River Gorge

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Ritchey!

Dr. Laura Torgerson, ND, Member Since 2007

Practices at: Everyday Wellness Clinic in Portland, OR

Focus: Wellness everyday, be it through better diet, advising more exercise, helping to improve sleep, identification of food sensitivities, strengthening gut health or prescribing bio-identical hormone replacement

How does OANP support you?
The OANP is a good advocate for Naturopathic Physicians. I like the bi-monthly lectures and the CMEs that come with membership. I also enjoy the annual OANP seminar and the opportunity to gather and learn with other NDs.

Why did you become an OANP Member? 

I became an OANP member when I was a student because I knew that our profession needed a strong advocate. I continue to be a member because our profession continues to need strong advocacy, which the OANP provides, especially for those of us still trying to participate in the insurance model. I have always felt strongly that patients should be able to use their insurance to be treated by Naturopathic Physicians.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
I enjoy the practice of narrative medicine. I like the doctor-patient relationship. Some patients have been with me for almost 20 years. Some are younger, others are older. I have been with them through thick and thin, health and health challenges, happy times and tragic times. It feels good to be a positive and helpful presence in someone's journey. And, I learn something from each of them.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?
I am intrigued by bio-phages, and the absolute reversal of mainstream medicine's attitude to bio-identical hormone replacement. I have advocated bio-identical hormone replacement for years. I now have women coming in to the clinic very upset that they haven't been on hormones all this time.

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? Why?
I really enjoy the annual Pharmacy and Ethics Seminar. I started volunteering years ago to give back to the association and to put faces to names as the physicians signed in early each morning. I particularly enjoy our tradition of honoring our Living Legends.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
My hope for NDs in 2050 is that the profession is thriving and well-compensated in all 50 states.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
I wish that we would be reimbursed by the insurance companies for our time, expertise and our outcomes; I believe wholeheartedly that patients of Naturopathic Physicians are better educated about their health, that they live healthier lives and are part of the solution versus part of the healthcare problem.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients?
I love adaptogenic herbs and bio-identical hormones. If the pharmaceutical industry were to come out with a new drug today that does everything that bio-identical hormone replacement does for menopausal and peri-menopausal women, it would be all over the networks and deemed a miracle. And, would cost a mint.

What motivates you to continue practicing naturopathic medicine?
I am motivated by years of experience that Naturopathic Medicine works and that the more we learn, the more we can support health, naturally.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you’d like to share?
I'd like to share that it is awesome to have a clinic with a fabulous staff, including a nutritionist, that works so well together in large part because I don't micromanage.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
I love that we have it all here: rivers, ocean beaches, mountains and high desert. I love to hike, swim and ski, and I also love my garden. I dig all the birds and pollinators that show up in my yard that is a haphazard mix of everything harvestable.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
An invitation to come and visit.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Torgerson!

Dr. Regina Flanagan, Member Since 2009

Practices at: Sunshine Family Health Care, a full-family practice
Focus: women's care and pediatrics

How does OANP support you?
I really appreciate the work OANP is doing, especially the advocacy part. They make it a point to support members, which is so important. It’s nice to be part of a network where I can meet other NDs, reaffirm my practice, and find community. I truly value what they do, and I don't think our profession would exist in the same way without their support.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
My core value is to serve anyone who needs care. At a certain point, that’s what it's all about—meeting people where they are and providing the care they need.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?
Lately, I’ve been focused on developing a new midwifery branch within my practice. I’m expanding by taking on three midwives and students. I’ve reached a point in my career where I can train others and help them grow. Beyond that, I’ve been taking continuing education courses on complex chronic disease and I’m always learning about how to best serve people with mental health challenges and ensure they have access to local, affordable mental health services.

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? Why?

The conference are always great because it’s a good opportunity to see old friends and meet new people. I don't have anything specific to say, but it’s always a positive experience.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050?
If I were to dream big, I would say that by 2050 NDs should be recognized as primary care providers. We’re well-trained for it, and it’s where we excel. I feel similarly about midwives—they should be the first point of care for everyone, unless someone needs specialized care. Not only is this better for people because it's based on lifestyle and preventive medicine, but it also benefits the healthcare system. Prevention saves so much money in the long run.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different?
I’d love to see the doctor-patient relationship become less influenced by outside forces like money, insurance, or politics. That relationship should be sacred and personal, and not dictated by systems beyond the doctor and the patient.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients?
What I love most is that there are so many options available. I can meet people where they are. I often get feedback that I balance conventional and naturopathic medicine well. I’m comfortable prescribing medication if it’s needed, but I’m also happy using herbs, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, and so on. I don't have a favorite modality—I just appreciate having so many tools to help people heal in ways that work best for them.

What motivates you to continue practicing naturopathic medicine?
It’s the people we help. One of the most common compliments I receive is that people leave my office feeling hopeful. Even if they aren’t better yet, they feel like they’re on the right path. That’s a powerful feeling, and it's what keeps me going. I also enjoy helping others—both my patients and now my students—who are learning how to care for people in the same way. It’s deeply fulfilling.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation?
I grew up in Government Camp, so the woods have always been my happy place. I love being in the quiet, away from the sounds of civilization. Cross-country skiing is also something I really enjoy when I have the chance.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you’d like to share?
I’m working toward establishing more financial independence in my practice, particularly through the midwifery branch. It's a huge step for me.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Flanagan!

Interview conducted by Vasena Masaligin, OANP's Naturopathic Event and Research Assistant

How does OANP support you?
I love the social aspect and the camaraderie. The social connections at OANP are the main reason I continue my membership. When you’re in a private practice, sometimes it gets lonely, so it’s nice to reconnect with familiar faces once or twice a year.

Why did you become an OANP Member? 
I joined to get involved because I felt the organization was thoughtfully put together. I stayed because I formed some great friendships, and those friends were instrumental in leading the membership program. We also host a resident at our clinic, and I believe it’s important to support new graduates to help them gain traction in their careers.

What is your favorite part about practicing naturopathic medicine?
I love working with patients and providing care. I also really enjoy collaborating with a team—it’s wonderful to see how we can synergize by using our strengths and improving our weaknesses.

What are you currently intrigued by in your practice, research, or learning?
Clinically I’ve been delving into topics like gut health, immune system function, cholesterol levels, and metabolism. There’s always more to learn in these areas. I’m also interested in publishing clinical studies, as I’ve witnessed many significant cases over the years. While research tends to be reductionistic, it’s important to maintain a holistic perspective, and I think naturopaths should start publishing more clinical cases to drive research in our field.

What OANP professional CE event or social event have you enjoyed most recently? Why?  Two years ago, I attended a conference, and I particularly enjoyed Melissa Barber’s (a friend of mine) research presentation.

What is your hope for NDs of the future, say in 2050? I hope that naturopaths will be highly successful and sought-after players in the medical field. OANP has fought hard for pay parity, but there’s a challenge with insurance companies potentially limiting the scope of care that NDs can provide. Our medicine is not linear or reductionistic—it’s patient-centered, and I want to ensure it stays that way.

In a perfect professional world, what do you wish would be different? I have a great life, but I do wish medicine wasn’t so political. I also wish patients had more freedom in their healthcare choices.

What is your favorite herb, modality, or way in which you help/treat your patients? Choosing a favorite herb is like picking a favorite child—they all hold a special place in my heart.

What motivates you to continue practicing naturopathic medicine? I love my patients and naturopathic medicine. What we do works well, and it’s beautiful to witness. That is my biggest motivator.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you’d like to share? We are expanding our clinic from 1,500 to 3,400 square feet, and it feels surreal. It’s been a lot of work, but we’re very excited about it.

What are some of your favorite places in Oregon to explore nature and unplug? What is your favorite outdoor recreation? My back porch is my happy place—where I go to unplug and relax.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? I would love to mentor any students or recent graduates. I welcome the opportunity to be a resource or a sounding board for them.

Do you have any big professional news or accomplishments that you’d like to share? We are expanding our clinic from 1,500 to 3,400 square feet, and it feels surreal. It’s been a lot of work, but we’re very excited about it.

Thank you for being an OANP Member, Dr. Walker!

Interview conducted by Vasena Masaligin, OANP's Naturopathic Event and Research Assistant

In the beginning of 2009, I left my private practice and joined the Naturopathic Medicine Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Zion, IL. Since that time, I have focused on oncology care and am a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO).

In addition to practicing, I have been teaching in various capacities including undergraduate studies and at Naturopathic Medical schools (NUHS in IL as well as NUNM and OCOM currently).

What is unique about your clinic or the way you practice?
 I am very focused on integrative oncology care – blending naturopathic medicine safely with conventional cancer treatments. Much of my focus is helping patients know what they can and can’t do while on conventional treatments. The goals are to help minimize side effects of conventional treatment, support immune function and maintain quality of life for my patients.

How is OANP valuable to you?
Since graduation, I have been highly involved with our state and national associations. I was a board member and the Vice President of the NYANP, VP and President of the ILANP and currently a member of the OANP. Additionally, I have been elected to start serving on the Board of the AANP in January 2019. In all these instances, my work has focused on advocacy and licensure of naturopathic medicine in NY and IL. Our state associations are invaluable to our profession and the advancement of naturopathic medicine. I have always felt a professional responsibility to be a part of my associations to support them, as much as I want their support back to me. Without the hard work and dedication of our Boards at the state and national level, our profession may very well have become extinct by now.

Do you have a favorite patient experience?
My favorite moments I’ve had in practice, are the times when I have been able to joke and laugh with my patients. Cancer is such an ominous diagnosis and patients are at their most vulnerable states when they are fighting cancer. It’s nice when we can lighten the mood and laugh a little bit.

Why do you practice naturopathic medicine?
I frequently reflect on how lucky I feel to have found this little-known profession. I can’t think of any other profession I would like to be in at this time. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help people in need and to help them heal, if not on the physical level, perhaps on the mental, emotional or spiritual level.

Who is/was the most influential person to you on your naturopathic journey?
There are many amazing doctors in our profession and I have learned from many of them. Attending our annual conferences and getting to reconnect with my colleagues is always fulfilling and inspiring. My most favorite teacher and mentor is Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis – he has always been supportive of me as a colleague and a naturopathic physician.  There is no better endorsement of your role, than one that comes from someone you look up to – especially when they have been practicing for 40 years!

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the advocacy and legislative work I have done over the years. Though, both states where I did legislative work have yet to become licensed, I know that the work I was involved with has increased the awareness and acceptance of our profession.

Do you have any words of wisdom for recent ND graduates?
Move to an unlicensed state – and then work to get that state licensed. You can do so much for your patients in an unlicensed state without having a script pad… and those people need our help!

What is your definition of “happiness”?
Doing a 75 mile bike ride, or fly fishing on the Deschutes River. 

Who is your favorite author?
David James Duncan

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Irritant

How are you currently using your ND? What is your primary focus area of practice?
I am a primary care physician in Tualatin, seeing patients of all ages and all complaints. I am carving out a niche focused on what I lovingly refer to as "Complex Care". These patients have multiple systems that have decompensated, such as in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and metabolic disorders. I focus on neuroendocrine rebalancing through neurotransmitter support, HPO and HPA axis rebalancing, and craniosacral therapy.

What is unique about your clinic or the way you practice?
When we started our clinic, our goal was to create sustainable job options for NDs and to create an environment that is collaborative rather than competitive. We have four physicians from 3 different schools all with different focuses, including mental health, pediatrics, nature cure and primary care. It is rare when a patient comes in with just one complaint and having such a wide variety of providers allows us to create a team approach where we readily refer to one another for specialty services such as craniosacral therapy or constitutional hydrotherapy, or for support with specific complaints, such as severe mood disorders. This allows me to focus in on what I do best and allow my colleagues to support my patients with their expertise. Our patient’s love knowing different providers and feeling like we prioritize their care over our own egos. I believe that this cooperative spirit is in large part because we are all employees of the same company based rather an assortment of independent contractors who happen to be sharing the same space.

How is OANP valuable to you and/or your profession?
Over this last year all the providers at my clinic were able to take advantage of the Medicaid EHR incentive program, which made us each eligible for ~$65,000! This incentive money has allowed our clinic to get all new IT equipment and expand the services we offer, such as with our new diathermy machine. Seeing this money come in to help our clinic was solely because of the tireless work of the OANP and has launched our business at least 2 years ahead of schedule on our growth plan. Even the first year of incentives was enough to justify a lifetime of membership. This is just one of the many projects that the OANP supports me in. Plus- the end of year conference is my favorite of the year!

Do you have a favorite patient experience?
Choosing just one experience is impossible- I love what I do and have great moments all the time. The ones that stick out for me are seeing someone get relief from pain or a mood issue that they have struggled with for years and seeing hope come back into their care. Those breakthrough moments where patients become empowered in their healthcare and start taking responsibility for their lifestyle are always moments of celebration.

Why do you practice naturopathic medicine?
Our clinic started out primarily serving low-income Medicaid patients who were assigned to our care through their insurance, and most had never heard of a naturopathic physician before meeting us. New patients were often skeptical at first, not really understanding how this type of care worked. But often, even by the end of the first appointment, patients note how for the first time they felt like they were heard, that they had hope of actually getting better, that this was the type of medicine they had were seeking without even knowing it.

My passion is in changing the paradigm of primary care back to preventative medicine and building relationships of trust with our patients, exactly what we naturopathic physicians are best at!I love that I get to take time with patients, get to know them, and help to build plans of care that are holistic. It is my belief that naturopathic physicians have the potential to help heal this broken medical system and the relationship between the average person and their health. It is a blessing to be a part of this amazing profession.

Who is the most influential person to you on your naturopathic journey?
I have many amazing mentors in our field, attending providers and professors who helped me grow in my understanding and supported me through those inevitable tough times. But my love for natural healing was inspired first by my mother. When I was a child I had strep throat 6 times in one year, and being allergic to penicillin, my options were running out. The doctors wanted to remove my tonsils, but my mother instead began classes in herbal medicine and using this was able to not only get rid of strep that year, but for years to come.She inspired me to trust the wisdom of our elders and that there are often many options that are left, even when conventional medicine has none.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
It has been my goal from the beginning to have a way to give back not only to my patients but to be a part of building our profession. This year, because of the excellent team I get to work with every day, our clinic is starting a residency program. This to me feels like a grand success and I am so proud of my staff and colleagues who have helped this practice grow so tremendously in the last two years.

Do you have any words of wisdom for recent ND graduates?
Know that this medicine we carry is desperately needed in our communities! There will be challenges in delivering it and there is always a temptation to over-do because the needs are so great. If you can, resist that temptation. Take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit so that you will have the strength to persevere. Graduation is only the beginning, but you have plenty of time. 

On a different note, don’t be afraid to make money. Have a plan on how to create profit and be ready to adapt. You have put in a lot of work to get where you are, and a part of being sustainable is being able to take care of yourself, including financially. It is possible for you to make money without sacrificing your patient care, I promise! One last thing, and this is not a fun fact, but it is the truth. We are still a small profession and how each one of us practices and behaves represents all naturopaths. We are a diverse group and have different practice styles and specialties, but we must stand together in order to make the changes we know are needed in the world. Speak kindly of one another and remember that we are in this together.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I am a huge karaoke fan and it is always fun to start out with Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.This rockin’ song gets everyone involved and allows for plenty of air guitar.