GET TO KNOW
Dr. Andrea Poy, ND
Dr. Poy is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Whole Health NWC. She is extremely passionate about redefining women’s healthcare. Dr. Poy believes there is so much more that can and should be done for women beyond what conventional care has to offer. You deserve a doctor who genuinely listens to your concerns, emphasizes individualized care, investigates the root cause(s), and shows you that healing is possible with the right tools.
CREDENTIALS
Dr. Poy received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University of California and currently holds her naturopathic physician license in the state of Vermont.
EDUCATION
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions. Training is completed through a 4-year doctorate program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Educational requirements include completing a total of 301.5 credits, 1200+ clinical hours involving direct patient care, and numerous competency evaluations. NDs are thoroughly trained in the following throughout naturopathic medical school: the traditional “ologies” (pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology, etc.), clinical pharmacology, diagnostic testing and imaging, physical exam skills. In addition to the standard of care, NDs are trained in diet and nutrient therapy, botanical medicine formulation, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, behavioral medicine, and environmental medicine. In order to become a licensed naturopathic doctor, all graduation requirements must be completed in addition to passing several comprehensive licensing exams including basic sciences, clinical sciences, pharmacology, and minor surgery.
EXPERIENCE
With Dr. Poy’s 10+ years of educational training and clinical experience, she has helped hundreds of women rebalance their hormones naturally and heal from various health conditions. Some of the ways she has supported other women include:
Normalize menstrual flow and lessen period pain
Significantly reduce PMS symptoms
Induce ovulation in those with PCOS-associated anovulatory cycles
Provide fertility awareness method counseling
Help women conceive naturally or while undergoing IUI or IVF treatments
Resolve new symptoms from coming off birth control
Adjunctive preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care
Enhance thyroid function naturally or in conjunction with medication
Support women with a recent diagnosis or history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer
PHILOSOPHY
Naturopathic medicine places an emphasis on using the most natural and least invasive therapies to prevent and treat disease. Naturopathic doctors know when to refer to other providers if a patient presents in a way that is outside of their scope or level of skill.
Do no harm.
Naturopathic doctors are highly trained in using natural evidence-based therapies, either as a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment. NDs recognize the power of nature and its ability to promote healing within the body.
Utilize the healing power of nature.
Although symptomatic relief may be needed, naturopathic doctors are trained to view the body as a whole and investigate why illness is occurring. There is often more than just one cause of disease and naturopathic doctors help their patients understand and remove any obstacles to healing.
Identify and address the root cause.
Naturopathic doctors realize that patient education is key to successful outcomes. Education helps improve patient compliance and builds better trust-based relationships between a doctor and a patient. There is often more time for education during naturopathic visits because visits are 30-90 min long compared to conventional PCP visits that last 5-15 min.
Doctor as teacher.
Naturopathic doctors understand that the body works as one united entity and not as individual parts. Therefore, not just one part, system, or process of the body can be treated to achieve long-term success. This holistic approach is achieved by evaluating your entire health picture and treating both you as a whole and the environment that you are in.
Treat the whole person.
Prevention is the most important aspect of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors practice a proactive approach to medicine rather than reactive and teach their patients how to achieve healthy lifestyles.