Dr. REBECCA THURMAN

A note from Dr. Thurman | My journey with naturopathic medicine began during my last year of undergraduate school, when I was diagnosed ulcerative colitis. Six years later, after all the pharmaceuticals indicated for my condition had failed and my symptoms continued to worsen, my gastroenterologist determined that the only option was to undergo surgery to remove my colon. The surgery would have been “curative,” but it also would have taken away my ability to bear children. I felt that there had to be another way. Through self-study and dietary changes, I was able to become healthy enough to regain control of my life. With a move to Portland, Oregon, I discovered naturopathic medicine. I began seeing a naturopathic physician who actually listened, and then taught me about my disease and the foundations of health. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a physician, and now I am ready to help you learn how to heal as well.

The rest of the story | Dr. Rebecca Thurman earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She has been amazed since childhood at the intricate, self-regulating, and ordered nature of the human body. She believes in the ability of the body to heal itself, provided that it is given what it needs to regain its vitality. She works with her patients (hint: the first step is listening!) to determine the root cause of their imbalance. She is passionate about educating patients and empowering them to take charge of their own journey towards health – because that’s where the real healing begins. She combines modalities such as nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, botanicals, and cranial sacral therapy to support her patients on their path to wellness. Although trained as a primary care physician, her passions include gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness.

In her spare time, Dr. Thurman enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys. You’ll likely find them outside (rain or shine!) in the back yard, on a mountain, or on the beach. In rare moments of solitude, Dr. Thurman loves to read most of all – preferably with a warm fire in front of her and a cup of tea in her hand. Come share some tea with her and tell her your story.