By The Roots

Get cozy for this inspiring, heart-felt episode* with Dr. Jorge Morales.Meet Dr. Jorge:Dr. Jorge Morales is a naturopathic physician, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), and licensed dietitian nutritionist (LDN) with a passion for integrative oncology, precision nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. He currently serves as an Oncology Resident at Nourish Healthcare, where he works alongside a multidisciplinary team providing evidence-informed, whole-person cancer care. Dr. Morales is also a Nutritionist with Nutrisense, specializing in diabetes reversal, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle and stress coaching to help patients optimize their metabolic health and achieve long-term wellness. In addition, Dr. Morales is one of the clinical providers for NEO7 Bioscience, where he helps integrate advanced molecular diagnostics and precision oncology into patient care. Through NEO7's comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and biomarker testing, he assists in interpreting complex molecular data to support personalized treatment strategies and optimize integrative cancer care. As a conference speaker, Dr. Morales recently presented at the Symposium: Personalized Nutrition for Oncology & Cancer Care, where he delivered his lecture, "Emotional and Behavioral Roadblocks in Cancer Care: A Whole-Person Oncology Perspective," highlighting the critical role of emotional health, behavior change, and patient-centered care in improving oncology outcomes. Outside of clinical practice, Jorge enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their two Maltipoos. He is an avid reader who is passionate about lifelong learning and enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and perspectives.Connect w/ Dr. Jorge:[email protected]: @drjorgemoralesnd*This a teaser; to listen to the full episode, join our Patreon community at the Student Colleague/Colleague level.By The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and it supported by listeners like you on our Patreon platform.Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

In the US, naturopathic medical schools are at an impasse. With the department of education downgrading our professional status and severely limiting access to student loans, coupled with a recent pattern of declining enrollment numbers,our profession is in crisis. In this potent conversation, host Dr. Christie Wyldetalks with recent NUNM alum and creator of the site, Debt By Natural Causes, Dr. Ryan Hofer. Together, they outline just a handful of the problems currently affecting Naturopathic Medical schools and the profession, and what it could meanif we don’t rally as a collective to address them.  MeetDr. Ryan:Ryan is an Educator andNaturopathic Doctor who writes about debt in Naturopathic and Acupuncture in the Substack newsletter Debt by Natural Causes. He is the volunteer Executive Director of the Pain Relief and Education nonprofit and the Regulatory Lead forthe Acupuncture Workforce Alliance. Ryan also represented student borrowers at the Department of Education's Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization negotiated rulemaking. He enjoys spending time outdoors, video production, hot yoga, and talking about what comes next.Connect w/ Dr. Ryan:https://naturoryan.com/https://debtbynaturalcauses.substack.com/ CNME decisionletter: https://debtbynaturalcauses.substack.com/p/cnme-placed-on-12-month-monitoringBy The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and it is supported by listeners like you on our Patreon platform. Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

By The Roots is supported by our Patreon community. This episode was generously produced by Raylene Jordan. To join, visit ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/ByTheRoots/membership⁠.Dr. Hannah Cunningham was led to Naturopathic Medicine by a burning curiosity and desire to have a deeper understanding. Unlike many of her peers, she didn't aspire to be a doctor. She talks with host Dr. Christie Wylde about how her experiences as an adoptee slowly shifted her desire to serve the community she felt such a strong connection to, and how our understanding of the adoptee experience can help us all be better clinicians for this unique demographic.Meet Dr. Hannah:Dr. Hannah Cunningham, ND (she/her) is aWashington-licensed naturopathic doctor and approaches care of the mind and body through the lens of integrative mental health and social determinants of health. Her path to her work began with a deep curiosity about the human experience – from anatomy and physiology to psychology and our systemic experiences. Following a CNME accredited integrative psychiatry focused residency, she stepped into private practice recognizing wellness is both a physiologic and systemic journey. Her clinical approach emphasizes relational care, supporting patients in building resilience and using integrative modalities. Her work is informed by her own intersecting identities including being a queer, multicultural, transracial and transnational adoptee, and a commitment to incorporating patients’ personal narratives into medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys urban and nature adventures, music, and a cozy moment reading with her dog, Poppy.Connect w/ Dr. Hannah:[email protected]://www.mazurahintegrativemedicine.com/Resources for exploring the Adoptee Consciousness modelmentioned in today’s episode: The article: Adoptee Consciousness Model_Final.docxA website by one of the authors: Coming to consciousness – Harlow's Monkey

This is a just a teaser of this potent conversation; the full episode is available exclusively to our Patreon community. Join us at the Colleague level for immediate access of all exclusive content. Students can join at their special reduced amount through graduation + NPLEX II testing.Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membershipThere are many ways to use your Naturopathic Medical education, and Drs. Jackie Kirihara and Amanda Watters join host, Dr. Christie Wylde, to discuss the unique path they’ve taken. From seeing a need to sharing an idea to developing a fully-fledged nutritive product you can find on shelves, this episode has twists, turns, and loads of advice for those wanting to carve their own path in the profession.Meet the EllyPop duo:Dr. Amanda Watters is the Chief Executive Officer at EllyPop and first imagined creating natural electrolyte popsicles for kids when working in a pediatricprimary care clinic during residency. She saw first hand how quickly childrencan get dehydrated, and how important it is for parents to have convenient, healthy options to offer their kiddos.In addition to wanting new options for hydration, she feltinspired to find creative and delicious new ways to enjoy herbal tea. For generations, grandmothers have been preaching the benefits of sipping a cup of ginger tea to calm an upset tummy, or some chamomile tea to wind down at night, and Dr. Amanda has shared many of these same recommendations with her patients over the years. Working in pediatrics however, she knows many children (and their adults!) who are reluctant to sit down with a hot cup of tea, but will enthusiastically enjoy a freezer pop with the same great botanical benefits. After sitting with the idea for a few years, she shared the visionwith her friend and colleague, Dr. Jackie, and together they committed to making this dream a reality... EllyPop was born! Outside of her work at EllyPop she maintains a small clinicalpractice, and also teaches in the Pediatrics course at National University of Natural Medicine. Patient, parent, and provider education is one of her favorite parts of being a doctor, where she spends time ensuring that families continue to gain a greater understanding of how to make positive changes in their lives. Dr. Jackie Kirihara is the Chief Marketing Officer at EllyPop™.Her passion for inspiring families to think differently about their approach to children’s health started while working with Dr. Amanda Watters while attending her doctorate program. When Dr. Amanda came to her with the idea of a fun,healthy, and approachable hydrating herbal tea for families, Jackie was instantly drawn to the vision, and brought her entrepreneurial spark along for the ride.Building and nurturing a brand from the ground up through design, personality and sheer determination is a place where Jackie thrives. With the help of her designer husband and business-savvy Dad, she well equipped to bring the EllyPop business dreams to reality. Outside of her work at EllyPop, Jackie serves her community as a naturopathic doctor and midwife at an integrative functional medicine clinic in Portland, OR. She is the proud mom of two EllyPop-loving daughters. Dr. Jackie brings energy, heart, and authenticity to everything she does. Connect w/ Drs. Jackie & Amanda:www.ellypop.comIG: @ellypopnaturals

It's no secret that our Naturopathic Medical schools arefacing increasing struggles. And as Dr. Young notes in this compelling conversation, the health of profession is dependent on its schools. After all, if there are no students, there is no future. Together, Drs. Wylde and Young discuss what it looks like to innovate a clinical education that lightens the load on schools, improves the clinical education for students, and serves to fill the gap between the underserved/neglected and naturopathic providers. Her work exemplifies the power of collaboration and the creative scrappiness that the Naturopathic Medicine profession has demonstrated for decades. In this timely conversation, Dr. Lauren explains how her model can (and should!) be duplicated to bring this opportunity to more students and patients. Meet Dr. Young:Dr. Lauren Young is a distinguished naturopathic physicianwith a deep commitment to integrative medicine, education, and professional advocacy. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport after studying health psychology and conducting cardiovascularresearch at the University of Connecticut.With a diverse background in integrative healthcare,Dr. Young has worked in settings ranging from acupuncture-based detoxification at Lincoln Memorial Hospital to naturopathic care at Yale-affiliated Griffin Hospital. She founded her own clinic in 2009 and now leads a multi-specialtymulti-clinic medical group throughout Connecticut, where she specializes in complex autoimmune and endocrine conditions, as well as oncology.Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Young is passionate about education. She has served as clinical faculty for theUniversity of New England School of Osteopathic Medicine and mentors physicians in Manchester Hospital’s residency program, educating conventional practitioners on the importance of natural medicine. In 2018, ManchesterMemorial Hospital revised its bylaws to grant her medical staff privileges, making her one of the few naturopathic physicians in the country with hospital privileges. Dr. Young is a committed leader in the naturopathicprofession. She has served on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ Professional Affairs Committee, contributed to national board exam development, and currently chairs the Connecticut Board of Naturopathic Physicians. In recognition of her dedication, she received the Vitalist Awardfor leadership from her peers and the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association (CNPA) in 2023. Additionally, she has presented at numerous osteopathic and naturopathic conferences throughout New England and founded oneof Connecticut’s few naturopathic residencies in 2018.Passionate about advancing integrative medicine, Dr.Young continues to lecture, write, and advocate for the role of naturopathic medicine in healthcare.  Her greatest accomplishment is her family and children, which she enjoys being inspired and humbled by daily. Connect w/ Dr. Younghttps://www.ctnaturalhealth.com/[email protected]: collaborativehealthct By The Roots exclusively serves theNaturopathic Medicine Professional community, and it supported by listeners like you on our Patreon platform. Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership 

In 2023, Dr. Cyndi Gilbert (she/they), a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, ON, was preparing for a major career shift. A sudden and very surprising life-altering event left them facing a completely different life change. One that shift her entire perspective on patient care.This is a just a teaser of this potent conversation; the full episode is available exclusively to our Patreon community. Join us at the Colleague level for immediate access of all exclusive content. Students can join at their special reduced amount through graduation + NPLEX II testing.Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

In this episode, Dr. Morgan LeBlanc shares her journey from psychology to naturopathic medicine, while discussing the importance of building research in our field of naturopathic medicine. She shares how her personal health influenced her first research project in undergrad, and her vision for using research as portal for greater connection and collaboration within the profession.About Dr. Maurgan LeBlancDr. Maurgan LeBlanc, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. Prior to attending the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, she attained a BA(Hons) in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick, and a Diploma in Holistic Nutrition (CNP) from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. Maurgan's areas of clinical focus include mental health, digestive health, immune support, and more. They have a special passion for working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, particularly with trans and nonbinary patients. When not in clinic, Maurgan can usually be found walking her corgi, Jolene, identifying plants in the woods somewhere, or reading a good book. Connect with Dr. [email protected]: dr.maurgan.ndhttps://drmaurganleblanc.ca/By The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and it supported by listeners like you on our Patreon platform.Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter today:https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

In this rare departure from the structure of our show, Dr. Christie Wylde speaks with M. McCubbins, Intuitive Business Coach, on the unique value NDs bring to the healthcare field and how they can leverage that wisdom to create a life and business that nourishes everyone involved. This potent conversation is for you, regardless of your employment status, and may just be the medicine you need. And the medicine our profession needs to move forward through these challenging times.About M. McCubbinsIntuitive Business Coach (think entrepreneur meets witch meets systems scientist meets spiritual teacher!) + Founder of two businesses — Consult with M (consultation and counseling practice for professional healers) + Therapeutic Support with M. (Private therapy practice).To me business is the art of aligning with abundance in every aspect of our work in a way that brings healing to our lives and to the world. I see our professional paths as a conduit for personal and collective healing and evolutionary growth.I believe when we each have a unique business path to walk that aligns perfectly with our nature, our gifts, our talents, our desires, our life experiences and even our training. And when we have the courage and support to walk that path, we experience peace, prosperity, and purpose — a feeling of meaning and satisfaction in our lives and our work. We also emerge as the bold, visionary, innovative leaders our fields and industries need. My story: I worked inside agencies, clinics, and non profits doing healing work for years, and transitioned out when I reached an extreme breaking point for my body and soul. I started my practice to help others who are on this brink of exhaustion, in need of an alternate, more holistic way to build their professional lives as healers. I’ve been actively supporting individuals, orgs, and businesses as a counselor, coach, and consultant for 10 years. **Referral Bonus! Reach out to M. at [email protected] and let them know you're a friend of the pod to gain access to their steeply discounted "Friends and Family Only" Rates -- including exclusive shorter term package options that aren't available to the general public. For practitioners at any stage.**Contact M. [email protected] The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and is supported by listeners.Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

In this episode, Dr. Anna Sitkoff shares her deep dive into the world of medicinal mushrooms, blending personal stories with scientific insights and practical advice. Discover how mushrooms can be a vital ally in patient care and personal connection.Main TopicsDr. Anna Sitkoff's personal journey into the world of medicinal mushrooms, including early influences and pivotal moments.The significance of the fruiting body versus mycelium in mushroom supplements and how to identify quality products.The science behind mushroom extraction methods, bioavailability, and the importance of heat in unlocking medicinal compounds.How to evaluate mushroom supplement labels for authenticity, extraction process, and strain-specific benefits.The impact of purity, species selection, and patient considerations in clinical mushroom use.The cultural and spiritual connection to mushrooms, including mushroom hunting as a practice of reverence and awareness.Challenges and opportunities in creating high-quality mushroom supplement brands within industry regulations.Meet Dr. Anna SitkoffAnna Sitkoff is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert with over a decade of experience, blending clinical practice with laboratory research and hands-on knowledge. As Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals, she formulates evidence-based mushroom supplements designed to support immune, lung, and nervous system health, using only bioavailable fruiting body extracts for maximum efficacy. Anna’s extensive clinical experience, combined with her commitment to educating practitioners and patients on the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms, has earned her recognition as a leading expert in the field. She is the author of the Medicinal Mushrooms chapter in The Textbook of Natural Medicine, has published research in the Journal of Immunology and is a member of The North American Mycological Associations Medicinal Mushroom Committee. She frequently speaks on topics related to functional medicine, women’s health, and evidence-based herbalism and mycology. Anna's experience as a wildcrafter, formulator and primary care physician gives a rare holistic perspective on the use of medicinal mushrooms.Connect w/ Dr. Sitkoff, Lucidum [email protected] - @drannasitkoffdrannasitkoff.com lucidummedicinals.comBy The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and is supported by listeners. Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership

In this episode, Dr. Mai Heath shares her journey from theater directing to naturopathic medicine, her work in community-based doula programs, and her efforts to decolonize healthcare and support Black maternal health. Discover insights on healing arts, advocacy, and building community-led initiatives.About Dr. Mai Heath: Dr. Mai Heath, ND is an artist, wife, mother to three daughters, and medical advocate. Mai is a proud recipient of the National Council of Negro Women's 2024 Women Making History Award and the 2013 Go Natural Inspiration Award. Her undergraduate studies earned her a BA (Hons) from Columbia College Chicago in 2005. She obtained her first doula training certification in 2012. In 2013, Mai received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, first-professional degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario.After years of attending births privately, Mai served as a community based doula, case manager, and home visitor. In 2019, Mai was among the first group of birthworkers to attend birthing people through the Cook County Jail Pilot Program. Recently, she has served as group facilitator, program and design directors for various reproductive health groups in Chicago, IL. Mai’s special interest in trauma-informed support & violence prevention leads her to focus on mentorship, volunteering, and family.She is Founding Director of health equity & social justice nonprofit NDoula Community Alliance and Artistic Director for its Elemental Reproductive Healing Arts program. Her understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection shapes how she communicates in this world. Mai bridges art and science to eagerly share in others’ journeys as they accesspower and inspire their communities.Mai is proud to serve Chicago, the traditional homelands ofthe Council of Three Fires, Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. About NDoula: NDoula Community Alliance is a movement building organization addressing quality of life gaps within Chicago communities by influencing perceptions and policy toincrease access to patient-centered, equitable, integrative healthcare & healing justice. We serve those hardest hit by the Black Maternal Health Crisis, including community care workers.We approach health literacy with a specifically inclusive, trauma informed, and violence prevention lens. NDoula works to build a Chicago where all patients and birthing people benefit from informed decision making among a culturally reflective care team.NDoula was founded in 2022 by Black women committed to addressing the urgent disparities facing BIPOC birthing people and patients in Cook County. We are dedicated to transforming healthcare by amplifying community knowledge, fostering research and evaluation led by people of color, and ensuring that the insights of those most affected by the Black Maternal Health Crisis inform policymakers, academics, and medical professionals. NDoula was born out of a desire to share what we’ve learned as integrative and community service workers, and ourlived experiences as vulnerable people and patients navigating intracultural struggles and the medical industrial complex. This perspective catalyzes our innovative and sustainable approach to systems change.To learn more about NDoula:http://www.ndoula.org⁠Connect w/ Dr. Mai:[email protected]: @ndoulacommunityallianceBy The Roots exclusively serves the Naturopathic Medicine Professional community, and is supported by listeners. Special thanks to the Producer of this episode:Raylene JordanJoin our Patreon community and become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/bytheroots/membership