Janile Martin ND, ARNP, LAc (’02) and Michelle Robeson ND (’01), MBA
Bellevue, WA
Interviewed October 2003
Briefly describe your practice (business model): Integrative medicine:
improving patient outcomes in oncology, chronic illnesses, and women’s health by actively participating as a member of our patients’ comprehensive
health care team. Assisting patients to appropriately combine complementary
medicine in their current healthcare needs advocating a safer, more effective
approach.
How is natural medicine accepted in your region? Patients drive the
acceptance in the Northwest and it is fairly well accepted by certain patient
segments most notably in cancer, chronic conditions that are non-responsive
to conventional care, and those patients who advocate prevention. MDs and nurses
are still skeptical but aware that many patients are using natural medicine
and want to help their patients by providing the best care they can by occasionally
referring patients to us.
What do you find to be the most interesting aspect of practicing? Working
with patients and helping them understand how to unravel the causes of their
illness or health concerns. Collaborating with other healthcare providers to
benefit the patient in a way that only conventional or only naturopathic medicine
cannot provide. Providing evidence on the efficacy, and improved outcomes of
combining naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine.
What are your overall marketing strategies? Our marketing strategy
is based on a practical philosophy of being part of the healthcare system.
We target two primary market segments for patient referrals: 1. Physicians,
nurses, and social workers and 2. Patient segments in focused areas; for example
cancer support groups, and pain management. Routinely networking with health
care providers to increase awareness of what we do, how we can and are helping
their patients and why they need ‘us’ to do it.
Presenting at support groups, community forums, and professional medical organizations.
What keeps you motivated to practice? Seeing positive outcomes with
patients.
What’s next; for you? Where would you like to place
your energies? Continue and develop integrated oncology support, expanding
into Pediatric oncology while providing services in women’s health,
autoimmune, and chronic disease. In 2004 we will be extending our health
care services to include IV nutritional and immune support.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of medicine? Traveling to different cultures, Hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing,
the arts, cooking events with friends
Janile Martin ND, ARNP, LAc (’02) and Michelle Robeson ND (’01), MBA 