On May 7, NUHS Naturopathic Professional Student Association (NPSA) invited alumna Tessaundra Steinhebel, ND ‘24, to present how she applies the seventh principle of naturopathic medicine, “physician heal thyself,” to her life.
Dr. Steinhebel works as a resident naturopathic physician at Portland Clinic of Holistic Health in Portland, Oreg. where she practices vitalist naturopathic medicine with an emphasis on oncology.
“The principle of Physician Heal Thyself remains utterly important because if we’re not taking care of ourselves, then we may not be giving the best care to our patients,” Dr. Steinhebel said.
During her presentation, Dr. Steinhebel emphasized that maintaining good health is key to being a successful physician. As it can feel impossible to do anything outside of what is expected of as a medical student, she broke down how to prioritize health into three simple steps.
1. Establishing the conditions for health
Dr. Steinhebel highlighted these foundational habits that support health and wellness:
- Fresh air, hydration, quality sleep, proper nutrition and adequate rest are vital to maintaining a clean bill of health. Ensuring the body and mind have what they need allows physicians to deliver the highest quality of care.
- Spending time with friends and family nourishes the body, mind and spirit. Finding a group of people that believe in you fosters a sense of fulfillment.
- Maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing is equally important to supporting physical health. A healthy mind contributes to a healthy body.
- Turning to nature, religion or faith in a higher power can provide healing and support during challenging times.
- Engaging in physical activity such as jogging, running, dancing, walking and stretching helps promote your blood flow and supports overall health.
2. Asking for help when you need it
Dr. Steinhebel views asking for help as a sign of strength and emphasizes how important this step is for overall wellbeing and success. She recommends practicing self-reflection to explore available resources and build the confidence to seek support when needed.
“I really want to emphasize this point because I did a lot of soul searching when I was in school to feel comfortable asking for help. You can always ask me for help, I will always be there,” Dr. Steinhebel said.
3. Utilizing free or low-cost available resources
When Dr. Steinhebel was a student, she used these resources to ensure she was taking care of herself:
- Use the NUHS Whole Health Center for naturopathic medicine services, chiropractic medicine care and acupuncture and herbal medicine.
- Spend time in nature through campus walks or visits to local forest preserves.
- Utilize social media pages for wellness tips and exercises.
“Take this opportunity to discover who you really are, how you envision practicing naturopathic medicine and always remember to remain kind to yourself, have grace for yourself and love yourself,” Dr. Steinhebel said.
Dr. Steinhebel’s presentation highlighted the vital role of self-care in achieving success as a healthcare provider. By prioritizing health, seeking support and utilizing available resources, future naturopathic doctors can embody the principle of “physician heal thyself” in their personal and professional lives.
This speaking engagement was part of a broader event series hosted by NPSA in celebration of Naturopathic Medicine Week, held from May 4 to May 10. Established by Congress, Naturopathic Medicine Week is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the power of naturopathic medicine and its role in helping individuals achieve lasting health and wellness.
