Meet
Dr. Heather
I am a medical doctor and licensed Family Physician dedicated to helping people reach optimal wellness and improve their quality of life. I know that one-size-fits-all medicine does not fit all sizes, so I approach each patient as a complex integrated human being (not a collection of separate parts). I thoughtfully consider personal stories, life circumstances, signs and symptoms to create an individualized plan. In my roles as clinician, writer, speaker, and professor, I love to teach in a way “that makes sense.”
Medical Doctor and Licensed Family Physician
I am a passionate student of the biomedical sciences. I received my MD from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed my family medicine training in Colorado and Alabama. I specialize in prevention, restoration, and integrative medicine (mind-body-spirit-community). I have worked in several integrative clinics, collaborating with holistic doctors and body workers – PhDs, functional doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, homeopaths, physical therapists, mental health counselors, acupuncturists, Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, and modern dietitians. I have also been an adjunct professor at Nashua Community College for many years.
I embrace the Latin dictum primum non nocere (1st do no harm) and use nourishment and gentle detoxification modalities to support the body and restore balance – simple concepts rooted in a deep understanding of our complex physiology and elaborate biological systems. I try to “walk the walk” as one of those “doctors of the future” described by Thomas Edison, “that gives no medicine, but interests [my] patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” I learn and teach with an open mind and expect my patients to play an active role in self-care too.
Good Medicine Requires Compassion, Courage and a Conscience
Good prevention minimizes the “desperate times that call for desperate measures.” I try to empower patients to be pro-active so that they can avoid harmful drugs or invasive procedures unless they are absolutely necessary. I believe that good medicine requires compassion, courage and a conscience along with willingness of medical providers, patients and other services to collaborate in a shared vision to:
- Identify root causes of illness and address individual health obstacles
- Understand the historical context of patients’ symptoms and test results
- Incorporate nutrition, environment, and lifestyle ideals into actionable plans
- Use sustainable medicine that works with the innate wisdom of the body
- Help patients and caretakers access practical resources to optimize wellness
On a personal note, I am an avid gardener, cook, and life long competitive athlete. I love nature and the great outdoors. I am a singer, songwriter, yoga teacher and mother (to numerous exchange students too). I grew up in Montana and attended Montana State University. I later met my husband while we were both attending graduate school at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. English is my native language, but I am conversational in German, Dutch and Spanish.
I provide evaluations, consultations and guidance to people of all ages who take an active role in their health and want to partner with an expert to make more informed health care decisions. As an independent MD with a small staff and no other physicians in the practice, I am not in a position to offer primary care. My conventional medical training and knowledge of alternative therapies is meant to augment the offerings of primary care providers who may not be well versed in alternative healing arts or lack adequate time to address their patient’s concerns.
Welcome new patients, friends, and patients from previous practices.
Balance Point Natural Medicine
Milford, NH
The Center for Integrative Medicine
Concord, NH
Whitaker Wellness Institute
Newport Beach, CA
Montgomery Family Medicine
Montgomery, AL
Southern Colorado Family Medicine
Pueblo, CO
Health Matters
Episode 01
The Role Of The Human Voice
Episode 02
The Brain Is More Than Just What We Think
Episode 03
Health Begins Before Birth
Episode 04
Sleep Matters
Episode 05
Energy Medicine Yoga
Episode 06
Food Friend or Foe
Episode 07
Recovering From Trauma
Episode 08
Recipe For Health
Testimonials
"To me, [your practice] is a beacon of caring and competent health care especially for those of us who do not fit neatly into the proscribed constructs of the health care business and its goals and priorities. Your practice blazed a trail for others to follow as 'alternative health care'. I want you to know that you made a positive difference in my life and I have benefited from your wisdom, knowledge and compassion."
- Manchester, NH
"For the last two years I have followed a regimen that you prescribed. Last month I went for a bone density scan. When the technician scanned my spine again, she was surprised that the curve was not as bad as she had thought. She was also surprised at the results of the scan. She tried to re-work the results several times but they all came back with a positive change and a diagnosis of osteopenia."
- Manchester, NH
"Thank you so much for speaking at Rotary today. You have the kind of energy that our club thrives on."
- Milford, NH
"I woke up this morning for the first time in a long time since my cancer diagnosis... feeling like a human being!! I mean I felt great. Thank you for giving me the time and patience, and education to help me regain my quality of life. I hope I continue on this path. It feels great to be me again!"
- Northfield, NH
"Thank you for taking me on as a patient! I sing your praises to everyone and I am blessed to have you with your expertise and knowledge helping me stay healthy!"
- Concord, NH
"Words cannot express my deep gratitude for the procedure you performed on the ski slopes. It was an emergency room visit that you could have easily overlooked. My husband and I identify you as 'the angel on the slopes.' We thank God for your presence on so many levels."
- Richmond, VA