One of the greatest benefits about being a doctor, albeit a naturopathic doctor, is what I learn from my patients.

It is truly a blessing to earn a modest living by giving advice. I get to see people from newborns to centenarians and everybody in between. Ailments range from garden variety colds, allergies and digestive issues to complicated genetic and multi-dimensional chronic diseases and cancers.

Patients seek my health expertise and medical knowledge to help them navigate through their complaints and illnesses. Often, I hope some of the advice and treatments I recommend are helpful. The ancient Greek philosopher once said it is the ultimate duty of the physician to “do no harm.”

I have learned a doctor-patient relationship based on communication, honesty and trust is a reciprocal agreement. As a physician entrusted with care of the human frame, I have come to realize I don’t know everything. I spent the better part of eight years in school learning about the science of the human body, health and nutrition but I realize how much I don’t know.

From listening to patients, I have learned many things I would otherwise not have known. From new diseases, procedures and treatments, I........

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