<strong>One of the great fears growing up in the 1950s was the terror of catching Polio and the dreaded consequences. The vaccine was a long-awaited hope that never seemed to come. Growing up in Maryland, as a young child, <br><br>I developed a high fever and stiff neck; after the doctors diagnosed me with Polio, they rushed me to the City Hospital for Children. I was treated naturally with heated wet packs and physical therapy until my health returned. My successful treatment kindled an interest in medicine and gave me a deep respect for natural therapies.</strong> <br><br> <strong>Later in my childhood, I watched as the family grieved a family member's loss to depression and addiction. As an adult, when my brother was struggling with diabetes and obesity, I realized the need for better options and became an advocate for the integrative approach to preventing, diagnosing, and treating physical, mental, and emotional health issues.</strong> <br><br> <strong>I became specialty-trained in internal medicine, nutrition, preventive medicine, and Board Certified in Psychiatry. Currently, I am the Medical director, consultant, and psychiatrist for several N.C.-based programs and continue to write, teach, and mentor.</strong>
