Jill Fresonke, ND ('97)
Interviewed Winter 2002
How is natural medicine accepted in your region?
People on Bainbridge Island are pretty knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine. There are many chiropractors, LAcs, and LMPs on the island.
I'm still working on forming professional relationships with the MDs here.
When I worked at HPC, the doctors at Virginia Mason (Winslow Clinic) refused to refer to any of the providers at HPC. Now that I'm on my own, I've received a few referrals from some of the doctors there, so I think they are now realizing the benefits of naturopathic medicine.
What do you find to be the most interesting aspect of practicing?
I like getting to know people. The time I spend face-to-face with patients is the best part of my day. I enjoy being challenged by difficult cases, doing research and helping people improve their health.
What are your overall marketing strategies?
Most of my patients are referred by other patients, health care providers and from insurance provider lists. Since this is a small community, I'm focusing my marketing efforts on meeting the local shopkeepers and health care providers. We invited all of the nearby businesses to our open house last month. I participate in a health care provider network that meets quarterly. I've advertised in the local paper and a monthly mailer in the past and did not get a single new patient. In the near future, I'll have an ad in the yellow pages and in the local health directory. I plan to join the chamber of commerce.
What keeps you motivated to practice?
I really do love my job. Although frustrating at times (billing, insurance, etc.), I feel like I'm making a contribution and really helping people. That is very satisfying. And I want to pay off my student loans!!
What's next for you? Where would you like to place your energies?
I have been a supervisor at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health since I graduated. I have enjoyed being a part of the clinic and I have learned so much there from my colleagues, students and patients. But, I'm looking forward to taking a break this spring and summer and really focusing on building my practice.
What would you like to see from Bastyr University?
Improved relations with the conventional medical community and more promotion of Bastyr graduates.
What types of CEU topics would you be interested in seeing Bastyr host?
I think it would be great to have "refresher" weekend seminars. For example, bring in an endocrinologist (MD) to discuss thyroid disorders or a cardiologist to talk about arrhythmias. Seminars on practice management would be helpful. Especially for billing insurance and bookkeeping. It would be great to have evening seminars for credit and have physical therapists and chiropractors teach. People that are specialists in their fields! Health care providers from other disciplines.
What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Running, cycling, downhill skiing, hiking, gardening; just about anything active and outdoors.
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