Graduate Spotlight
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Holly Richards, Doctor of Naturopathy
“Learn from each person”
Holly Richards says her master’s studies in sociology and statistics — marrying subjective/theoretical human observation with the actuarial tools of facts and probability — gave her a broad–brush understanding of what makes the medical profession tick. But it was her doctoral education in naturopathy that empowered Holly to reclaim her own health, and to find healthier ways to “bridge” the systems of conventional medicine and holistic wellness.
“I became interested in natural health being misdiagnosed with a heart disease that is often fatal within four years. Having endured significant cardiac impairment from medical treatment, I turned to naturopathic and holistic care options to re–establish wellness. Reiki, reflexology, neuromuscular therapies and nutrition helped me regain normal cardiac function, even with permanent heart damage — and gave me a heartfelt calling to share this knowledge.”
Holly chose CCNH’s flexible format to complement the demands of working 60 hours a week, at that time as director of clinical research and regulatory affairs at Emory University in Atlanta. She how has 15 years’ experience in conventional medicine, pharmaceutical research and development.
Upon graduation she formed a small holistic practice, incorporating complementary approaches while continuing to work within the medical arena. “As an institutional consultant, I’ve been able to bring a broader view of healthcare options to innovative settings such as Vanderbilt University, where referrals from oncologists have given me the privilege to empower those who are no longer candidates for conventional modalities.”
Among Holly’s first clients was an inspiring gentleman who deepened her understanding of the human spirit. “Having reviewed his lab work and the physicians’ notes on his prognosis, I envisioned someone frail — physically and emotionally. But when we met he jumped up, reached out his hand and said, ‘Let’s get going so I can get back to the lake for some afternoon fishing!’ I was acutely reminded that practitioners’ pre–judgments can cloud one’s thinking as to what another person might want and need. I learned more from him than I could give in return.
“Through respectful collaboration, many conventional practitioners are learning to value complementary therapies. The patient or client wins when we blend the best ideas from conventional and complementary practitioners. Working in both areas enables me to bring insights that help bridge two mindsets that, before, were more adversarial — delivering new ways of help and hope for the people we serve.
“To avoid responding (to CAM approaches) with negativity or dismissal that is simply due to a current lack of experience, it’s so important to realize that each practitioner can either create fear and distrust between conventional health and complementary wellness professionals, or we can all choose to be mutually respectful and open to learning — especially being willing to learn new philosophies that we may think we disagree with!
“Wellness must be re–defined in the unique light of each individual. The way any practitioner really learns is by recognizing that each person we work with is our teacher.”
This article was based on an interview with the graduate.
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