Dr. TARA SHELBY

Tara’s journey into medicine began as a very sick young patient who intuitively believed that there was something beyond what she was experiencing with her physicians, medications, and surgeries. After surviving what could have been viewed as a devastating diagnosis, something awakened within her. What was considered “chronic illness” suddenly became what gave her life deep purpose and meaning. It was the healing power of illness!
Tara studied at Cornell University for her undergraduate and went on to study Naturopathic Medicine and Midwifery at Bastyr University. Her background and life history have enabled Tara to maintain the very delicate composite of western medical practices and contemporary scientific literature, with ancient natural remedies and healing modalities. Tara educates her patients all the while producing meticulous assessment plans that empower patients to heal from the inside out.

In addition, Tara maintains a robust referral network beyond the state of Washington, throughout the United States, enabling even her distant telemedicine patients from other regions to have access to quality healthcare. This network extends beyond holistic healers like acupuncturists, craniosacral therapists, massage, spiritual guides, and includes allopathic physicians, osteopaths and every specialty in between.

Tara believes that the best doctors are those who serve as ambassadors of information and who take the time to consult, engage, and empower patients. She works in relational-based collaboration with her patients so that they are active participants throughout the process of their own healing and in the development of their treatment plans.

Her tools range from biochemical diagnostic testing, herbs, pharmaceuticals, vitamins & minerals, food as medicine, mindfulness techniques, pharmaceuticals, minor office surgery, and procedures. She believes that medicine is not as effective without addressing and working on a being’s spiritual wellness.

She is honored to be a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Midwife specializing in full spectrum primary care with a clinical focus in gastroenterology and the human microbiome, women’s health, hormonal balancing, preconception care, detoxification, chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, and pediatrics.

She works as a naturopathic primary care physician and while she advocates for midwives and midwifery, she is not currently attending births. She does offer naturopathic medicine appointments for pregnant women.

Born and raised in New York, Tara fell in love with the Pacific Northwest’s old growth trees and Mt. Rainer when she moved here in 2001. Her secret healing weapon often comes from her beloved, constantly snoring pup named Nyoki (named after the delicious potato pasta – Gnocchi), who offers his pet therapy services in exchange for a few snuggles.