Philosophy of Our Clinic

All living things are connected. It is our responsibility to be good citizens on this earth.  The goal of our clinic is to be more thoughtful in the approach to medical care in order to reduce waste within the medical system as well as to create a clinic, a community that considers the impact its health decisions have on others—people, plants, animals in our local and global communities. It is not about self care but creating a community of mutual care and trust.

Our elders and children are treasures to be particularly cared for. Environments, both physical spaces as well as the language and attitudes we surround them with, should reflect love and respect and consideration. A culture’s health can be gauged by its treatment of the young and old.

Healing is more than science and science is more than conventional western medicine. The scientific method is a powerful tool to be used in the discovery of truths, but it is a narrow paradigm based on fragmentation of reality, dissecting and isolating.  Reality is expansive and complex and does not always lend itself to a clinical trial or a standardized questionnaire. We live in complex associations with other people, plants, animals and elements. There is a large body of knowledge rooted in indigenous communities around the world offering instruction on life within that complexity; it is a source we have rejected to our own detriment. I am an allopathic physician with an awareness of “western” medicine’s incredible powers but also its limitations, hypocrisies and deeply prejudiced history. My practice is evolving to expand my skills and knowledge beyond medical school education to hopefully help restore this cultural heritage and become a better healer. I will always offer data in decision making but am hoping to draw also on the richness of stories, traditions and the concept of ceremony.

Good care takes focus and time. When I garden, I am weeding and watering but also I am observing, noting concerns, celebrating growth, and in this regularity of contact and attention I learn what my plants need. My goal in this clinic is to remain small so that I can offer regular expanded visits in which I can truly put my powers of heart and mind forward and find this same rhythm in my medical practice—observing and problem solving and celebrating.

Nature is incredibly well designed.  Function and form are often remarkably matched.  A sunflower follows the sun as it rises and sets in order to capture all the light it can. Fundamental in my practice is a gratitude and trust in the human body. Some of the most common ailments arise from unhealthy cultural norms rather than bodily deficiency (which is why collective and individual healing are inseparable).  I hope to help restore some trust in and knowledge about your body, and support you in navigating cultural norms as much as biologic dysfunction. 

Human beings are more than just their physical bodies.  Fundamental in my work is the belief that people have spirits.  While I would never require any particular belief to receive help, this perspective informs my practice of medicine. Whatever one’s spiritual or cultural beliefs, however one conceives of truth, my understanding and honoring your deeper dimensions is vital to finding paths forward in pursuit of health for you and for our community.  I will always offer my knowledge and perspective but only in the service of your health goals and values.