Educational Activities

One of the tenets of naturopathic medicine is Docere, a latin word meaning to teach. As a Doctor, I teach patients and medical students in matters of health and medicine.

At my alma mater medical school, I have taught laboratory medicine to medical students who are preparing to enter clinical training.  I currently provide clinical instruction at my office to third and fourth year medical students as adjunct clinical faculty.    These activities were extremely rewarding.  I love to share my knowledge and doing so increases my knowledge base as well.

Each month,  I have speaking/public engagements with Sprouts Farmers Markets in Mesa and Chandler.  My "Shop with the Doc" is a time that you may ask about products such as vitamins and herbal supplements as they apply to your particular health concerns.   I also provide opportunities for blood screening tests at a greatly discounted price.  This service is a great opportunity for individuals who lack insurance as well as a primary care doc, to have some insight into the status of their health regarding many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, liver disease, etc.

Doctor as teacher: The typical patient/doctor relationship can be one in which patients are merely given physician orders.  When this happens, the patients may become passive and uninvolved with their healthcare.  This situation promotes a “fix me” mentality.  The responsibility for the care and the outcome falls on the shoulders of the doctor and not the patient.

In my private medical practice, I educate my patients so that they can make choices in their treatment plans.  This is empowering to the patient. I discuss treatment alternatives in terms of efficacy, risks, and clinical outcomes.  When the patient assumes responsibility of choosing their treatment, they achieve ownership of the problem AND the solution.  The clinical outcomes become a source of pride and empowerment for the patient.  This leads to a long-lasting change and improved health in the future.