By The Roots. the podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of By the Roots podcast, host Christie Wylde is joined by Dr. Jenny Bennett, an autoimmune specialist, to explore the complexities of autoimmune diseases and the role of naturopathic medicine in their treatment. Dr. Bennett discusses the multifaceted nature of autoimmune conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental triggers. She outlines five main areas that can influence autoimmune responses, including diet, microbiome, infections, hormones, and environmental factors. The conversation also delves into the challenges patientsface in navigating their health journeys, the potential for remission, and the importance of a collaborative approach to care. In this conversation, Dr. Jenny Bennett shares her journey from a new doctor facing personal challenges to a seasoned practitioner who emphasizes the importance of curiosity over ego in patient care. She discusses the emotional toll of medical practice, the limitations of conventional training, and the need for community and mentorship in the medical field. Dr. Bennett also highlights the significance of whole person care and the challenges posed by algorithmic approaches in functionalmedicine.

About Dr. Bennett
Dr. Jenny Bennett(Dr. Jenny Berg) is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist and founder of Aria Integrative Medicine. She received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Prior to medical school, she received her BS in Pharmacological Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Bennett utilizes treatments from both Eastern and Western medical practices to find the best approach for treating all diseases. She recognizes that every person expresses conditions differently, therefore each person needs to have an individualized treatment plan for that condition. Her extensive knowledge in conventional and alternative medicine allows her to provide the best possible care for her patients.

Dr. Bennett’s special interests include treating a wide variety of conditions associated with autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Since having been diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013, she has a deep appreciation for the effect that thyroid conditions have on people, and has developed sincere compassion for those living with lifelong chronic conditions.

When she is not busy seeing patients at Aria Integrative Medicine, she enjoys spending time with her partner, sonand crazy dog, exploring all the pacific northwest has to offer. She also teaches Rheumatology at Bastyr University is on the Board of Directors for the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (GastroANP) and has participated on the Board of Directors for the Autoimmune AdvocacyAlliance.

Contact:
jennybergnd@gmail.com
https://www.ariaintegrative.com
IG: @ariaintegrative
TikTok: @drjennybennett

#autoimmunediseases #naturopathicmedicine #rheumatology #patientcare #hormones #environmentaltriggers #remission #holistichealth #mentorship #integrativemedicine #autoimmunediseases #medicalpractice #mentorship #patientcare #curiosity #ego #functionalmedicine #wholepersoncare #medicaltraining #communitysupport

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Kathryn Kloos (she/her) discussesher work as a naturopathic physician specializing in women's health, particularly pelvic floor therapy. She shares her journey into this field, the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects of women's health, and the integration of psychedelic therapies in her practice. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding and treating sexual trauma, the emotional impacts of childbirth, and the need for holistic approaches in women's healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Kloos shares her extensive experience inhealing through ceremony, plant medicines (including ayahuasca and psilocybin), and body-based therapies. She discusses the importance of self-awareness and self-work in the healing process, particularly for practitioners in the fieldwith Kloos emphasizing the importance of training for practitioners to effectively hold space for their patients' healing journeys.

Meet Dr. Kloos

Dr. Kathryn Kloos is a board certified Naturopathic primarycare physician, herbalist and licensed massage therapist. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science at Bastyr University’s first ever Herbal Science degree in 2003. As a licensed massage therapist, she has many years of experience intreating musculoskeletal conditions using myofascial massage, deep tissue and intuitive energy work.

Her deep reverence for nature and sincere desire to learnherbal medicine led her to South America where she spent 6 months experiencing the traditional healing practices of Chilean indigenous healers and Amazonianfolk healers. Witnessing the extraordinary healing power of nature inspired her to pursue further training as a naturopathic physician. She graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon with specialinterests in physical medicine, women’s health and pediatrics. Her practice focuses on strengthening overall health through nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage/bodywork, Holistic Pelvic Care™ and lifestyle counseling.

#womenshealth #pelvicfloortherapy #naturopathicmedicine #emotionalhealing #sexualtrauma #integrativehealth #psychedelic therapy #reproductivehealth #somaticdialogue #holisticcare #healing #plantmedicines #trauma #ketamine #therapy #psilocybin #pelvicfloortherapy #selfwork #mindfulness #holistichealth #woundedhealer

Summary:

In this conversation, Dr. Sunita Iyer (she/her) shares her journey as a midwife and naturopathic physician, discussing the concept of the ''town doctor'' and the deep relationships formed with patients throughout their life stages. She reflects on her transition from a busy clinical practice to a more balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community. Dr. Ayer also addresses the challenges of growth in her practice, the feelings of disconnection during her busiest times, and the process of letting go of her previous role to embrace new opportunities in teaching and personal development. In this conversation, Sunita Iyer discusses her transition from clinical care to teaching, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and the need for self-care among practitioners. She highlights the significance of sleep and rest in maintaining health and well-being, and the necessity of pausing to reflect on one's practice. Sunita also shares her approach to building a sustainable practice model that prioritizes connection with patients and offers a membership-based service.

About Dr. Iyer:

As a midwife and a naturopathic physician, I have always enjoyed a bit of the ‘town doctor’ life. Working with families to get healthy, have babies, parent, and grow older is just a snippet of what my practice entailed over the years. I am captivated by Transitions and Transformations: Birth. Postpartum. Adolescence. Menopause. Aging. Retirement. Loss. My role is to sit by the patient as a guide, educator, and resource through all of it.

Contact Dr. Iyer:

drsunitaiyer@gmail.com

IG: @doctorsunitaiyer

https://drsunita.blog

#midwifery #naturopathicmedicine #healthcaretransitions #community care #personal growth #professional development #burnout #teaching #practicemanagement #holistic health #naturopathic medicine #individualized care #self-care #sleep #teaching #sustainablepractice #coaching #patientconnection #health #wellness

In this episode of 'By the Roots', host Christie Wylde engages with Dr. Sarah Preston Hessler and Dr. Sean Hessler, a married couple and accomplished naturopathic physicians. They discuss their journey into regenerative medicine, the importance of empowering future practitioners, andthe holistic approach to patient care. The conversation delves into the specifics of perineural injection therapy and the broader philosophy of regenerative medicine, emphasizing the need to consider the whole person in treatment.In this conversation, Sarah and Sean discuss the influence of family narratives on health perceptions, the integration of conventional and naturopathic medicine, and the importance of collaboration in healthcare. They emphasize theneed for building bridges between different medical professions to enhance patient care and the future of medicine. The couple also shares insights on maintaining their personal and professional relationship while navigating the challenges of their careers in naturopathic medicine.

Sarah Preston Hesler, NMD is an award winning expert in theregenerative medicine field, is an author, business owner, humanitarian and internationally recognized trainer, instructor and speaker. She has helped tens of thousands of patients to lead healthier, happier lives and has trained thousands of students to provide practical, real-world tools they can use tohelp their patients. She is a co-founder of the charity Naturopaths Without Borders where she served as the Director of Operations for over 10 years, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide integrative care to underserved populations in the US, Mexico, Haiti, Thailand and India. She isthe co-owner of Phoenix Natural Family Medicine in Chandler, AZ, having received her medical degree from the Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College ofNaturopathic Medicine). She is also on faculty at AT Still University and is a co-founder and trainer with the Naturopathic Mastery Courses. She was the 2011 co-recipient of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Alumni Award for Community Service, the 2018 co-recipient of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ President’s Award and the 2019 Impact LIVES’ Abundance Award Recipient. Her life mission is to help 100 million people to heal mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Dr. Preston Hesler loves to listen to music, play the piano, sing, travel to new and exciting places, read, cook, practice meditation, exercise and spend time with her family. She and her husband have two well-loved dogs.

Dr. Sean Hesler, ND is the Executive Director of NaturopathsWithout Borders and a naturopathic physician practicing in Arizona. After receiving his medical training from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, he moved to Haiti and co-founded the MamaBaby Haiti birth center in 2010alongside his wife Dr. Sarah Preston Hesler. In addition to sharing lessons on global health at universities and conferences around the United States, Dr. Sean also teaches medical students and professionals through the NaturopathicMastery series of seminars and at NWB’s sites in Haiti, Mexico, Thailand, and Phoenix. He has received the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Community Service Award, American Association of Naturopathic Medicine President's Award and Impact Lives Community Leader of the Year. Currently Dr.Sean is Adjunct Faculty in the department of Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University, a street medic with Phoenix Urban Health Collective, co-founder of Naturopathic Alliance and formerly the Director of Community Health and Assistant Professor of Nutrition at SCNM.

Contact the Docs

Instagram:

@dr.seanx, @dr.sarahprestonhesler

@phxnfm @naturopathicmastery, @nwb_global

Website: www.phxnfm.com

Email:

sarahprestonhesler@gmail.com

sean.hesler@gmail.com#regenerative medicine #naturopathic medicine #pain management

In this episode of By the Roots, host Christie Wylde interviews Dr. Cheryl Burdette, an accomplished naturopathic doctor and director of education at Progressive Medical Center. They discuss the integration of naturopathic medicine within conventional healthcare, particularly in oncology, and the importance of residency programs in establishing credibility for naturopathic practitioners. Dr. Burdette shares her experiences in residency, the challenges and benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, and offers insights for other creators and directors of residency programs, as well as those applying for residency positions. The conversation emphasizes the need for networking and support within the profession to enhance patient care and professional development.

About Dr. Burdette, she/her

Dr. Cheryl Burdette is Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center which is one of the largest integrative clinics in the Southeast.  She is the co-founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, a laboratory that focuses on gut-based health and wellness.  There she designs clinical profiles and trains clinicians on their utilization. She has a rich history in the integrative medicine laboratory space.  She designed and teaches the clinical curriculum for Origins Incubator, a practice management group, that has helped to launch many successful practitioners. She is the Educational Director and on the board of advisors for Xymogen, a physician line pharmaceutical and is on the board of advisors for  TheraDura Diagnostik, a German based lab company. She serves on IRB boards, is involved in study design and translational research, and has lectured extensively worldwide. She directs an accredited Naturopathic residency at Progressive. Her passion is teaching about the practice of Integrative and Naturopathic Medicine, to increase awareness of evidenced-based natural therapies, to both rule-in and rule-out tools that are effective in patient care.

Contact Cheryl: cheryl@originsincubator.com

Progressive Medical Center: https://www.progressivemedicalcenter.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Arlie Millard, a naturopathic doctor and LGBTQIA+ wellness expert, shares her insights on creating inclusive healthcare practices. She discusses her personal experiences with misgendering during treatment and emphasizes the importance of understanding both the practitioner and patient perspectives. Dr. Millard advocates for cultural humility over cultural competency, encouraging practitioners to listen and learn from their patients' experiences. She provides practical steps for healthcare providers to improve inclusivity and highlights the ongoing journey of learning and adapting in the field of healthcare.

Takeaways

o  The dual perspective of clinician and patient enhances understanding.

o  Misgendering can significantly impact patient comfort and care.

o  Practitioners should not place the burden of inclusivity on patients.

o  Cultural humility is essential in understanding diverse identities.

o  Practitioners need to practice inclusive language and approaches.

o  Fear of making mistakes should not prevent practitioners from trying.

o  Inclusivity in healthcare is a continuous learning process.

o  Patients deserve to see practitioners who understand their identities.

o  Listening to patients enhances the therapeutic relationship.

o  Resources and training are available to support practitioners in inclusivity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Arlie Millard and Her Work

02:04 Personal Experiences with Misgendering in Healthcare

12:46 The Role of Practitioners in LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

20:19 Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competency

26:22 Overcoming the Fear of Missteps in Inclusivity

46:17 Practical Steps for Practitioners to Improve Inclusivity

About Dr. Millyard, she/her

Dr. Arlie Millyard (she/her) is a naturopathic doctor, LGBTQ2SIA+ wellness expert, and co-founder of Heal All Consulting. Arlie helps health and wellness practitioners build more inclusive practices, so they can impact more lives. With over 12 years of lived, research, and clinical experience, Arlie brings a deep understanding of both the practitioner’s and the patient’s perspective to the table, promoting clearer communication, increased trust, and better clinical outcomes for LGBTQ2SIA+ patients and their providers. Arlie is loved for her use of relatable storytelling to help practitioners become inclusive and affirming healers through her social media, workshops, and online courses.

Contact: hello@arliemillyard.ca

https://healallconsulting.ca/

IG, Facebook: @healallconsulting

Resources noted in today’s show:

What Doctors Say, What Patients Hear by Danielle Ofri, MD

Gilbert C, Millyard A. Putting Risk Factors in Context: an Anti-Oppression Approach. CANDJ [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 8 [cited 2025 Jan. 3];28(1):25-31. Available from: https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/17

FREE checklist: https://healallconsulting.ca/checklist

In this first episode of the inaugural season of By The Roots, the podcast, we meet our host, Christie Wylde. She talks about the process that led her to create BTR, as well as a delightful preview of Season One.

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