Life in the naturopathic student clinic has been such an enjoyable experience for the last several weeks! At this point, I am midway through the trimester, and I have learned a lot already (and in a way that I prefer… hands-on clinical learning). I have enjoyed sitting down with Dr. Vucaj and picking her brain about various clinical topics, such as abnormal physical exam findings, treatment options, functional issues, and labs. I have also truly enjoyed working with real patients in the clinic.

I have been listening to patients’ histories, performing both general wellness/screening and complaint-oriented physical exams, performing lab work (including doing the blood draw), creating individualized treatment plans, and carrying out or recommending various naturopathic therapies. I especially enjoy establishing and building new relationships with patients. It feels so good to apply my knowledge in a way that positively impacts patients’ lives and promotes positive clinical outcomes, but the connections I am creating and nurturing truly make the work I am doing meaningful, as it provides a larger context.

As I have shared before, I enjoy naturopathic principles along with functional medicine thinking. I feel like a detective when considering a case, uncovering findings when performing the physical exam, reviewing lab results and presenting customized treatment plans to patients in hopes that it will move the needle for them and promote health. I particularly enjoy working with autoimmune mechanisms/diseases, endocrine issues, gastrointestinal issues, metabolic issues and other complex or functional health issues.

If you are in the Lombard area and are seeking naturopathic care, I would love to see you! Please give the naturopathic student clinic a call to make an appointment, as both students and local community members can do so. I am currently in the clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Read more at Why an ND Education Should be Hands-On and Student Clinic Observation.

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