Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians can be primary care providers or specialists, and are trained to care for all members of the family, including pregnant women, infants, children and the elderly. They perform comprehensive physical exams, order laboratory tests, and create personalized treatment plans using nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements, lifestyle counseling, and other natural therapies. Our Naturopaths often use natural medicine and traditional healing tools, but they can also prescribe pharmaceuticals and help manage the drugs used in chronic conditions. This integrative approach emphasizes prevention, patient education, and empowering individuals to take an active role in their health.
Naturopathic Medicine is guided by six fundamental principles that form the foundation of naturopathic practice. They are:
First, Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere) - Naturopathic physicians use the least invasive and most natural therapies possible, minimizing the risk of harmful side effects.
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) - The body has an inherent ability to heal itself, and naturopathic medicine works to support and enhance this natural healing process.
Identify and Treat the Root Cause (Tolle Causam) - Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, naturopathic physicians look for and address the underlying causes of illness.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere) - Naturopathic physicians educate and empower patients to take responsibility for their own health through understanding and self-care.
Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum) - Health and disease result from complex interactions of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic, environmental, and social factors, all of which are considered in treatment.
Prevention is the Best Cure - Naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion by assessing risk factors and making appropriate interventions.
Susanne Booth
Naturopathic Medicine
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Susanne joined Sojourns in fall 2011 and holds a Certificate in Midwifery, a Masters in Physical Therapy, and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. As a primary care provider, she enjoys caring for whole families and has several three-generation families in her practice. She finds joy in working with patients of all ages, especially preschoolers, and particularly loves supporting women through perimenopause and post-menopause. Outside of work, Susanne enjoys quilting, reading, spending time with family, and being in nature.
Keri Brown
Naturopathic Medicine
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Keri is a naturopathic doctor with over 27 years of experience helping people who feel they have “never been well since” a major illness, stressor, or life transition. She specializes in blood sugar imbalance, hormonal concerns, fatigue, digestive issues, mold-related illness, and chronic stress. Dr. Brown offers virtual visits, personalized detox programs, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). A founding member of Sojourns Community Clinic since 1999, she continues caring for patients through telemedicine.
Alexis Chesney
Naturopathic Medicine
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Alexis Chesney joined Sojourns in 2010 and is a Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, author, and educator. She specializes in chronic complex illnesses including Lyme disease, vector-borne infections, mold toxicity, MCAS, and dysautonomia. She is the author of Preventing Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, is a past ILADS Board director, and provides mentorship through the ILADEF Physician Training Program. Her work empowers patients using a holistic, root-cause approach. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys nature, yoga, pickleball, and beach clean-ups on Georgia's barrier islands.
Kai Morrison
Naturopathic Medicine
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Kai is a Naturopathic Physician who joined Sojourns in June 2021. She earned a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. Kai provides primary care with a focus on pediatrics and family medicine, women's and trans health including trauma-informed pelvic exams, and consultations for endocrine, autoimmune, and digestive issues. She offers customized herbal formulas and has advanced certifications in Midwifery and Traditional Western Herbalism. Fluent in Spanish, Kai previously lived and practiced in Cusco, Peru and earned her BA in Latin American Studies from Brown University.
Jessica Pirkey
Naturopathic Medicine
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Jessica joined Sojourns in November 2019 as a Naturopathic Physician. She holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and completed a post-graduate residency in Family Medicine. Jessica specializes in primary care, mood disorders, digestive health, women's health, and group-based lifestyle programs. A Certified Yoga Teacher trained in Ashtanga yoga, she integrates holistic approaches including nutrition, plant-based medicine, and mindfulness into patient care. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hiking, foraging for wild mushrooms and medicinal herbs, practicing yoga, and exploring Vermont's natural beauty.