Dr. Lisa Ghent, ND
Class of 2014, CCNM - Boucher
“I thrive on helping people feel better, not just for a few months, but for the rest of their lives. Often it’s about helping people to discover what is most important to them and showing them ways they can prioritize differently.”
Laying the groundwork to become an ND
Frustrated with the lack of help she was receiving from conventional medicine, Dr. Lisa Ghent discovered naturopathic medicine as a patient struggling with fertility. With a background in the medical field, she saw medicine in a new light, and was inspired by the holistic approach to patient care. “Considering everything about a patient – mind, body, soul – was so different than what I had previously been exposed to. Something just felt right about naturopathic medicine.”
Frustrated with the lack of help she was receiving from conventional medicine, Dr. Lisa Ghent discovered naturopathic medicine as a patient struggling with fertility. With a background in the medical field, she saw medicine in a new light, and was inspired by the holistic approach to patient care. “Considering everything about a patient – mind, body, soul – was so different than what I had previously been exposed to. Something just felt right about naturopathic medicine.”
BINM as a springboard
Following her gut instinct, Dr. Ghent took the leap of faith and completed her naturopathic medical degree at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, while working full-time and having three kids throughout the program. “The experienced and caring faculty took an interest in helping me hone my skills. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Following her gut instinct, Dr. Ghent took the leap of faith and completed her naturopathic medical degree at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, while working full-time and having three kids throughout the program. “The experienced and caring faculty took an interest in helping me hone my skills. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Following graduation, Dr. Ghent opened a small private practice where she saw patients on evenings and weekends while working a corporate day job. She admits that it was challenging to balance family, school, and a full-time job, however her determination and hard work paid off after two years when her patient base was established enough to allow her to practice full-time.
Dr. Ghent opened a clinic earlier this year, offering family-focused and community-oriented care. “For me, running a business has always been about staying true to my core values. It’s always been incredibly important to me to provide practical and affordable healthcare. I am blessed to work with other like-minded local health care practitioners and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Finding fulfillment as an ND
As a naturopathic doctor, “I thrive on helping people feel better, not just for a few months, but for the rest of their lives. Often it’s about helping people to discover what is most important to them and showing them ways they can prioritize differently.”
As a naturopathic doctor, “I thrive on helping people feel better, not just for a few months, but for the rest of their lives. Often it’s about helping people to discover what is most important to them and showing them ways they can prioritize differently.”
As a mother of three, and the wife of a pilot, career flexibility was big component to pursuing naturopathic medicine. “When things with my kids are really important, I can be there, and that is important to me.”
Advice for aspiring NDs
“This is a profession that requires you to be all in if you want to be successful, so your why has to be meaningful.” Pursue your passion by taking time to shadow or interview a local naturopathic doctor, and visit the naturopathic medical schools you are interested in to determine the best fit for you!
“This is a profession that requires you to be all in if you want to be successful, so your why has to be meaningful.” Pursue your passion by taking time to shadow or interview a local naturopathic doctor, and visit the naturopathic medical schools you are interested in to determine the best fit for you!
This article was originally posted on the AANMC blog