10 Things This ND Wants You to Know

A bit of sassy (but also quite serious) truth-telling! Read on…

1. Titles and names matter.

Alright, this one’s going to be a bit of a rant, so please bear with me. It’s common in the naturopathic world to call ourselves “Dr. [first name]”, or even “[first name only]” probably so that we’ll be seen as more approachable.  But, some of us actually prefer to be called “Dr. [last name]”, and I include myself in this category, for numerous reasons. If someone uses the former to address me, I’ll usually let it slide.  However, studies indicate that female physicians are more often called by their first name (with no professional appellation) than are male physicians, who are almost always referred to as “Doctor”. I call BS on that. 

If you’re unsure, go ahead and ask the professional in your life how they wish to be addressed! It’s a matter of basic courtesy and respect.  And please, please—be sure you are spelling their name correctly. It never fails to amaze me how many people blissfully go on spelling both my first and last names incorrectly, despite them being in my email signature, on my website, on my business cards, etc. Again, common courtesy goes a long way.

2.  I see patients, not clients.

Some NDs do see clients: the ones who work in pre-licensed states, where we are neither allowed to call ourselves “doctor” nor allowed to call the people in our care “patients”.  Nevertheless, I still get questions from well-meaning family and friends about my “clients”, (knowing full well I see patients as a doctor in a licensed state).  

3. I cannot bill your insurance for missed appointments.

Weirdly, I get this one a lot.  It’s not a thing.  Insurance companies barely want to pay for visits you actually kept; they are certainly not going to pay me for your no-show.

4. Please stop talking to me while I take your blood pressure.

You know how you hate it when dentists wait until their entire hand is in your mouth before asking you questions?  It’s kinda like that.  Two reasons: I absolutely cannot understand a word you say with a stethoscope in my ears, and talking falsely elevates blood pressure.  Technically, I need you to be sitting quietly for *at least* 5 minutes prior to taking a reading. 

5. When I ask about your poop, be precise. And don’t apologize for “TMI”.

I asked, I can handle it. And yes, I will occasionally whip out the Bristol scale and have someone point, if they’re too embarrassed to verbally explain. Do believe me when I say I have seen it all, and nothing in the realm of feces can really gross me out at this point.

6. Don’t lie about your diet (or smoking, drinking, or drug use) to please me or make yourself look good. 

I am neither impressed nor unimpressed by your assertions of keto/paleo/"clean''/GF/DF/sugar free/strict vegan/no lectins/etc. etc. I simply want to know what you are actually putting in your body so I can educate and help you make the best choices. 

7. Taking 35 supplements a day does not replace a well-rounded diet, daily exercise, stress management, therapy, and social connection. 

It just doesn’t.  And it’s likely messing with your digestion and costing you a small fortune. 

8. You probably aren’t drinking enough water.

With very, very few exceptions, most of my patients are chronically dehydrated. The basic rule: you need a baseline of 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water daily (plus more if you are working out or sweating). Never underestimate the simple power of adequate hydration!  Water is literally the lubrication that allows your body to function.

9. You’ve gotta do your homework!

When we’ve agreed upon a treatment plan, I expect you’ll have adhered to at least a little bit of it by the time we follow up.  Hey, it’s your time, your money, your life, your health.  I’m here to educate and encourage.  You’re here to actually do the hard work of making the changes!  Otherwise, why did you come to see me?  On that note….

10. It’s ok to say “no”.

If you don’t like a treatment option, or know you won’t follow through with it, please say so!  It helps me to make better individualized plans that you actually feel capable of completing. We can start as small and as simply as you’d like, so that you don’t start off feeling defeated. Your preferences are the biggest part of what guides the treatment plan, so please speak up about this!