Patients in Central Oregon search for a naturopathic doctor, a functional medicine practitioner and an integrative or holistic doctor — often meaning the same thing. Here is how those terms actually differ, and where Dr. Collins fits.
Naturopathic medicine is a licensed profession in Oregon. A naturopathic physician (N.D.) completes a four-year graduate medical program and is regulated by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Collins has practiced as a licensed N.D. since 1984.
Functional medicine describes an approach rather than a licence: using detailed laboratory testing to find the mechanism behind a symptom — thyroid, hormones, nutrient status, inflammation, gut function — instead of treating the symptom alone.
Integrative and holistic medicine means combining conventional diagnostics and treatment with natural therapies, and treating the whole person rather than a single complaint.
Proactive Choice offers all three from one clinic in Bend, and sees patients from across Central Oregon — Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, La Pine, Madras, Sunriver, Tumalo, Terrebonne and Powell Butte — as well as by secure telemedicine for patients located in Oregon, California and Arizona.