Member Spotlight
Adam Kozin, ND, FABNO
How did you get into Naturopathic Oncology?
Growing up I always knew that I wanted to go into medicine. Both of my parents work in the hospital, so I was exposed to medicine at a young age. My first job through high school and university was working as a porter in the imaging department of a hospital.
When I was 12 years old, my aunt was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. At diagnosis, the disease was already quite progressive. Since she lived in a small northern community she came to live with my family while undergoing treatment. I remember watching as she became weaker and weaker while undergoing conventional treatment. During conventional treatment, she began seeking out alternative care. I remember the solace and hope that these treatments provided to her as well as my family. Unfortunately, she ended up passing away, but the care provided by the alternative practitioner was something that stuck with me throughout the years.
In undergrad, I came across naturopathic medicine and knew this was what I wanted to pursue. I remembered the experiences with my aunt and knew even before applying to naturopathic medical school that I wanted to focus in Oncology. Therefore, all throughout my naturopathic medical education I sought out opportunities in the oncology field.
What do you do during your downtime and/or what do you do for fun?
Living in Alberta I am blessed with being surrounded by an abundance of nature. Getting out in nature is my preferred form of self-care. In the spring and summer, you can find me hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding with my Fiancé. In the fall and winter, I enjoy hunting and ice-fishing with my family.
What is your “broken record statement” to your patients?
That this journey with cancer is a marathon and not a sprint. Many patients come to me and want to know the options available to them both naturopathically and conventionally in X, Y, or Z scenarios. Or they may want to start every therapy they have read about or that is offered to them. Typically, I slow down the conversation and remind them that this journey is a marathon and not a sprint. That we don’t need to deal with hypotheticals as the answers will come to us in their own time. I have them set small goals and follow through with them. I have found that this approach leads to less anxiety and overall helps with sticking to the plan we created together.
About your clinic:
I currently practice at Optimum Wellness Integrated Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Under the direction of Dr. A.J. DeNault, B.Sc. Pharmacy, ND, Optimum Wellness Integrated Clinic has served the central and northern Alberta regions, as well as the rest of Western Canada, for the past 20 years. I had the honor of joining this team in 2019 where I have the pleasure of serving a mix of both rural and urban populations. At Optimum Wellness Integrated Clinic, we offer a full spectrum of Integrative Oncology therapies including IV therapy, Mistletoe therapy, and Locoregional Hyperthermia.
Website: https://optimumwellnessclinic.ca/
