MY STORY.

I am an Integrative and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Family Physician also trained in culinary medicine, a mother, and most of all I am a cancer survivor. My journey through cancer has profoundly shaped my approach to health and healing, and I am here to share my story and support others facing similar battles with cancer and chronic illness.

With over 25  years of experience in family practice, I thought I had a solid understanding of medicine. However, when I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2018, I encountered a new set of physical and mental challenges. This experience compelled me to explore complementary medicine techniques to aid in my healing and recovery.

Throughout my treatment, I adhered closely to my oncologist’s recommendations, including a stem cell transplant and managing subsequent complications, including Covid. Thanks to groundbreaking advancements in conventional medicine, I survived cancer. Yet, I was left physically and mentally debilitated, which led me to pursue a fellowship in Integrative Medicine.

THE IMPACT.

Because of this experience, my focus has since shifted to using nutrition, yoga, supplements, mind-body techniques, and herbal medicine to regain my strength and enhance my well-being. This ongoing journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I now feel better than I did before my diagnosis, and nutrition and dietary changes have played a crucial role in my recovery.

I am committed to this path because the rewards have been immense. I am dedicated to helping others achieve similar transformative health outcomes, drawing from both my professional expertise and personal experience.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.

My diagnosis, treatment and recovery from Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant was not only the result of amazing new advances in cancer treatments, but also the supportive healing powers of various modalities of Integrative Medicine. I was helped tremendously by mind-body medicine, nutrition, exercise, yoga, massage therapy, meditation, and some supplements, amongst others. I felt compelled to educate myself in this area so I decided during the onset of COVID to pursue a 2 year fellowship training in Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine from the University of Arizona. Having completed this education, I want to be able to share my experiences and knowledge on how to properly use these techniques in evidence-based fashion, and when indicated, to support traditional conventional care. I hope that this will help patients as much as it has helped me!