How Biography Becomes Biology: Childhood Trauma and Adult Disease Paul Epstein, ND
Dis-ease tells a story, not just of the cells (biology) but of the self (biography). We need to listen to, and integrate, both stories in our clinical care. Stress is a contributing factor in illness. The latest research is confirming and expanding on this idea in ways that can, and should, revolutionize our treatment approach. Research into the impact of childhood trauma on adult disease reveals a deeper relationship than previously recognized between adverse childhood events, stress and trauma and chronic diseases in adulthood. Biography can and does influence our biology. There is a growing realization of importance of effectively and skillfully integrating this knowledge into the practice of medicine. I will explain the theories and current research regarding how biography becomes biology, describe a practical process for “connecting the cell and the self” in clinical practice. The essence of this presentation is that in our approach to treatment, there is a need to heal the biography and cure the biology – emphasizing that it is not either or, we need both. In fact, when we heal the biography, often we unlock the cure (by finding a missing puzzle piece) for the biology.
Paul Epstein, ND
A pioneer and leading voice in Mind-Body Integrative Medicine, Paul Epstein, ND has persistently been leading the charge to bring awareness to the mind-body connection – and its extraordinary role in healing – for over 30 years. Dr. Epstein graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 1984. His post-graduate residency program focused on preventive medicine and lifestyle counseling. He was the Co-founder and Co-director of the Israel Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Israel. In his practice, Dr. Epstein integrates naturopathic medicine with life-changing mind-body therapies. He has a long history of successfully treating patients with chronic diseases and serious health challenges. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Epstein travels worldwide, lecturing and presenting workshops. He is a sought after presenter for all of the major Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine organizations throughout the US and Canada including the AANP, NHAND, AARM, OncANP and the OAND. He has lectured and taught workshops for many Naturopathic colleges and universities – most recently SCNM and CCNM. Dr. Epstein is currently partnering with several providers of online Naturopathic Continuing Education to deliver webinars that train Naturopathic Physicians to incorporate the use of mindfulness and the treatment of trauma into their clinical care protocol.
A Novel Stool Test for Clinical Practice Kara Fitzgerald, ND
This lecture is an introduction to the first comprehensive (but straightforward!) stool panel to employ the FDA-approved DNA/PCR Luminex GPP assay. Included in the panel are the major pathogenic, opportunistic and commensal bacteria, bacterial autoimmune triggers, as well as virulence factors from H pylori. Major parasites are tested for, as well as fungi including Candida albicans, Geotricum, Microsporidia and Trichosporon. Unique to this assay is a panel of viral pathogens, including Norovirus GI and GII; Adenovirus 40 and 41, as well as Rotavirus A. Chemistries including total sIgA, anti-gliadin antibodies, elastase and lactoferrin round out this comprehensive test. Lecture will include a background on this new technology, plus case studies from clinical practice.
Kara Fitzgerald, ND
KARA FITZGERALD, ND completed post-doctorate training in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science at Metametrix Laboratory. She authored/edited Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, was a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Textbook for Functional Medicine. She has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and blogs regularly for professionals and consumers at www.drkarafitzgerald.com. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at The Institute for Functional Medicine and maintains a functional medicine practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
Diagnosis and treatment of “sublaboratory” hypothyroidism. 2. Nutrition Update Alan R. Gaby, MD
The first presentation will discuss how to approach the diagnosis and treatment of patients who appear to be clinically hypothyroid but who have normal laboratory tests for thyroid function. It will also discuss the differences between desiccated thyroid and synthetic thyroid preparations. The second presentation will review recently published research related to the use of diet and nutritional supplements for preventing or treating common illnesses.
Alan R. Gaby, MD
Dr. Gaby was in private practice for 19 years, specializing in nutritional medicine. He is past-president of the American Holistic Medical Association and gave expert testimony to the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine on the cost-effectiveness of nutritional supplements. He was professor of nutrition and a member of the clinical faculty at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, from 1995 to 2002. He is Chief Science Editor for Aisle 7 (formerly Healthnotes, Inc). He has recently completed a 30-year project, the textbook Nutritional Medicine
Perimenopause-Menopause Natural Options Tori Hudson, ND
A review of selected dietary/nutrient/botanical research studies in perimenopause/menopause. Lecture content will include reviewing the studies in a digestible format, highlighting significant details, commentary on implications for clinical practice, and assuring practical information that can be taken into the clinical setting. Studies discussed will include botanical, nutritional and nutraceutical interventions. Examples include soy, flax seed, black cohosh, maca, red clover, kava, hops, pine bark, grape seed extract, valerian, St. John’s wort, melatonin, fish oils, herbal combinations and others. Clinical symptoms highlighted in this review will include hot flashes/night sweats, insomnia, depression, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and sexual function.
Tori Hudson, ND
Dr. Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 1984 and has served the college in several capacities, including: Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. She is currently a clinical professor at The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University. Dr Hudson has been in practice for more than 31 years, is the medical director of her clinic, “A Woman’s Time” in Portland, Oregon, and director of product research and education for VITANICA. She is also the founder and co-director of NERC (Naturopathic Education and Research Director), a non-profit organization for accredited naturopathic residencies. Dr. Hudson has recently been appointed as a faculty member of the Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. Dr. Hudson was awarded the 1990 President’s award from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians for her research in women’s health, the 1999 prestigious Naturopathic Physician of the Year award, the 2003 NCNM Alumni Pioneer Award., the 2009 Natural Products Association Pioneer Award and in 2012 was inducted into the NCNM Hall of Fame. She is a nationally recognized author (book: Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine second edition, McGraw Hill 2008), speaker, educator, researcher, and clinician. Dr. Hudson serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels and as a consultant to the natural products industry.
Business Management & Best Practices Panel Rick Liva, RPh, ND, Deirdre O’Connor, ND and Lauren Young, ND
Rick Liva, RPh, ND
Dr. Rick Liva is a longtime Middletown naturopathic doctor who guides Connecticut Center for Health, PC, as managing director. He treats patients and manages five physicians and a support staff in providing family-centered care. A registered pharmacist, Dr. Rick Liva also oversees the development and manufacturing of dietary supplements. He engages closely with doctors and clinicians in providing information on Vital Nutrients’ drug-food and drug-nutrient interactions, as well as the medical uses of the supplements. He also manages the testing methodologies used to authenticate and assure the quality of all raw materials sourced.
Dr. Liva maintains a strong presence in his professional community and is active with the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association as legislative chairman and president of the board. His focus is on developing strategies for modernizing local practitioners’ scope of practice.
Deirdre O’Connor, ND
Lauren Young, ND
A Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosing Health and Vitality Richard Maurer, ND
Blood pressure, weight and conventional blood tests are well-established metrics to assess long-term health risks. Clinicians need to know what is new in health assessment, but more apt, we must know what works? Dr. Maurer describes the time and research supported diagnostic tests that should be incorporated into any office that sees clients for illness prevention, wellness and fitness. Heart rate variability devices, skin fold body fat assessments, and direct to consumer lab access have recently become common home-health-hacks for individuals seeking above average vitality. Clinician’s must be in step with clients’ demands and desire for metrics that direct progress toward health and longevity.
Richard Maurer, ND
Since 1994, in his Portland Maine practice, Dr. Richard Maurer demystifies blood test results, body fat measurements and other metrics to reveal the primal diet & fitness needs that correct weight problems, hypothyroid symptoms, prediabetic conditions and type 2 diabetes. His personal tendency toward type 2 diabetes motivates him to provide truly effective personalized solutions for metabolic health. His 2014 book, The Blood Code: Unlock the secrets of your metabolism, demystifies the meaning of blood test results and skin fold measurements to reveal the primal diet & fitness needs that lead each of us toward the healthy and long life we deserve. Connect at facebook.com/bloodcode or Twitter: @drrichardmaurer
Using Homeopathy During Conventional Cancer Care: How to Do it & Why it Matters Amy Rothenberg, ND
Dr. Rothenberg will share from her clinical experience working with cancer patients using homeopathy to optimize conventional care, decrease the occurrence of side effects, address side effects that arise and to help with the more mental /emotional aspects that are often part of a cancer diagnosis. Herself a survivor of breast and ovarian cancer, Dr. Rothenberg will also address using homeopathy alongside our other naturopathic modalities to help our cancer patients maintain quality of life both during and after cancer treatment.
Amy Rothenberg, ND
Dr. Rothenberg practices in Connecticut www.nhcmed.com. She blogs for the Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-rothenberg-nd/. Her book, The A Cappella Singer Who Lost Her Voice & Other Stories From Natural Medicine, was published in 2010 and can be found on Amazon or http://www.amyrothenberg.com . She is founder & lead instructor at the New England School of Homeopathy www.nesh.com. She recently completed a three year term on the Board of Directors of the AANP & is currently president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. She has sat on the Amherst, Massachusetts Board of Health for six years. She has raised three wonderful children with her husband, Paul Herscu ND, MPH and spends much of her non-working hours in the garden, in her art studio & on the ballroom dance floor.