Member Highlight
Laura Martell, ND, MSOM, LAc, FABNO, IFMCP, NCMP
How did you get into Naturopathic Oncology?
I found naturopathic medicine and acupuncture after being with my father as he received care for his chronic heart condition. I felt there was a whole piece of care missing from his conventional treatment and I went on a quest to educate myself to bring complementary care to patients and their families, to help care for the whole person rather than just treating the disease.
After graduation, I discovered that the patients I loved working with were the ones dealing with chronic disease and using their illness as an opportunity for deeper healing and growth. I had several patients with cancer who inspired me to learn more. Around the same time, I had the honor of helping a few of my patients transition through their dying process and these experiences expanded my desire to walk with patients throughout their healing journey.
The opportunity to work at Cancer Treatment Centers of America brought all of these pieces together; being with patients on their healing journeys while offering complementary oncology care in a hospital setting. I returned back to the Pacific Northwest to join an awesome team of providers at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland.
What do you do during your downtime and/or what do you do for fun?
I love yoga, taking walks in the woods near my house, hanging out with my family and playing with my mini Australian labradoodle puppies. We have raised a couple of litters of puppies which has brought a great deal of joy.
What quote sums up your daily practice with patients or guides your practice?
“We're all just walking each other home” - Ram Dass
About your clinic:
I currently practice at Providence’s Zidell Center for Integrative Medicine and see patients anywhere via telemedicine in my private practice
Websites:
https://www.providence.org/doctors/acupuncture/or/portland/laura-martell-1750454971