Welcome to my new series, “From the Journals,” where I take a moment to step back from the specific symptoms and protocols to discuss the latest research and conversations happening in the world of Naturopathic Medicine.
Today, I want to discuss a thought-provoking perspective piece from a recent issue of the CAND Journal (Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors). It addresses something many of us feel but rarely articulate: the feeling that modern medicine has become too transactional.
Article: “We Are More Than Our Tools: The Value of Presence in the Physician-Patient Relationship”
Author: Vanessa Lindsay, BSc (hons), ND
Publication: CAND Journal, Vol. 32, No. 3 (2025) https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/issue/view/32
The Gist: What the Article Says
In this insightful piece, the author challenges practitioners to look beyond their “tools”—the lab tests, the supplements, the acupuncture needles, and the prescriptions. While these tools are essential, the article argues that the most profound healing often stems from the therapeutic relationship itself.
It emphasizes that “presence”—the act of truly witnessing, listening, and holding space for a patient’s story—is not just a “nice to have” soft skill; it is a clinical intervention that builds trust and activates the healing process.
Dr. Jennifer’s Take: The Art of "Health Detective" Work
This article resonates deeply with me because it touches on the very core of why I became a Naturopathic Doctor.
In my practice, I am known for being a “health detective.” I love data. I rely on advanced tools like the DUTCH test for hormones or GI360 for gut health to get answers. But this article is a potent reminder that data without connection is incomplete.
Here is what this perspective highlights about my approach to your care:
1. You Are the Expert on Your Body:
Many patients come to me feeling dismissed. They’ve been told their labs are “normal,” yet they still feel unwell. This article reinforces that listening to your subjective experience is just as important as reading your objective lab results.
2. Trust Calms the Nervous System:
When you feel truly heard and understood by your doctor, your body shifts out of “fight or flight” (sympathetic dominance) and into a state of safety. This physiological shift is actually required for digestion, hormonal balance, and tissue repair to occur.
3. Doctor as Teacher (Docere):
The partnership isn’t about me dictating orders; it’s about collaboration. My role is to educate you on why your body is reacting this way, empowering you to take ownership of your health.
The Patient Takeaway: What This Means for You
If you have felt like a number in the healthcare system, know that you deserve more.
Healing is not just about fixing a broken part; it’s about being seen as a whole person. When you are building your healthcare team, look for practitioners who:
Prioritize time (naturopathic visits are often 30-60 minutes for this reason).
Ask “why” rather than just treating the “what.”
View you as an active partner in your own healing journey.
Ready to Be Truly Heard?
Experience a different kind of healthcare. Dr. Jennifer Luis combines advanced medical diagnostics with compassionate, patient-centered care to help you thrive.
References:
- Lindsay V. We Are More Than Our Tools: The Value of Presence in the Physician-Patient Relationship. CANDJ [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 18 [cited 2025 Dec. 8];32(3):16. Available from: https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/220
