Dr. Allen's Journey to Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture
As a young child, I grew up wanting to pursue veterinary medicine. After my first 2 years of undergraduate studies, I wanted to be sure that my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian was solid. So like my other prior interests, I threw myself into non-animal science curriculum and activities. I began participating in a research project at the Florida A&M University’s School of Pharmacy studying cathepsin D and it’s effect in Alzheimer’s disease.
The next summer, I had an opportunity to do rotations with a local gastroenterologist who was also a pharmacist. We’d see patients in his office for acute and follow up visits, do upper endoscopies and colonoscopies in his nearby surgical suite as well as see patients at the local hospital. During my rotations, I noticed how treatment options for patients were not varied at all to include the entirety of their story but that their treatment was only one-dimensional. At this point, I was confident that I wanted to practice medicine that impacted people directly but I was sure that I wanted to go about it in a more holistic manner. I graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Animal Science.
It was after much research and consideration; I decided to enroll at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA as it had the vigorous science background that I sought out. During my matriculation, I had the opportunity to evolve into a competent and empathetic physician. My coursework was intense but my clinical rotations at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and Harborview International & Chronic Fatigue Clinics were very impactful for me.
During my tenure, I had begun to suffer from frozen shoulder syndrome. I’d never tried acupuncture but thought I’d give it try. After 6 weeks of treatment, my symptoms completely resolved. After my experience, I decided that acupuncture would be a great addition to my toolbox of modalities to help patients achieve their healthcare goals. Throughout my years of studying, Naturopathic and Acupuncture treatments have assisted my family and I along our health journeys.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege to assist my patients regain their lives and enjoy a better quality of life. I’ve had the joy of providing care to children and adults who have battled with chronic issues with success by using a combination of botanical, dietary, exercise and acupuncture treatments. I find it tremendously rewarding to work with new families from preconception through pregnancy and birth.
After living in Seattle for the past 12 years, I've enjoyed returning to the east coast to offer a comprehensive, caring and effective approach to healthcare. I feel empowered and excited to be able to share this medicine, my medicine, with you.
