Member Spotlight

Melissa Coats, ND, FABNO

How did you get into Naturopathic Oncology?

Initially I didn’t know that I was going to be practicing naturopathic oncology. I started out wanting to make a change in the geriatric or older adult population, which as we know many of them are dealing or have dealt with cancer as well. At Naturopathic Specialists they were trying to get a group of physicians together that focused on various areas and populations. I wanted older adults to know that they have more options than taking multiple prescriptions and living with chronic issues. So initially that was my focus, however working with Dr. Dan Rubin you can imagine that I was thrust into the oncology world and I ended up falling in love with the amazing changes that we could make in patient’s lives. The more I saw in the clinic the more I knew that this is what I needed to be doing and I then pursued becoming a FABNO. Now that I have been doing this for many years I do not imaging myself doing anything else. My new goal is to continue to get the conventional community to realize the benefits of integrating naturopathic oncology with the conventional treatments. Thankfully this seems to be getting easier as time passes, but we still have a long way to go.

What do you do during your downtime and/or what do you do for fun?

When I am not working I can be found with my family as I have a 4-year-old son and husband that keep me busy. However, the way I really get away from it all is to ride my horse. I have been riding since I was 5 years old and used to compete, but now I enjoy trail riding and training my new horse, Lexie. Horses really are magical and have the ability to help you truly forget about all the stress. I usually ride every weekend unless a conference or other commitment keeps me from doing so. The picture provided is of me with my best friend, Dezigner, whom I had for 27 years. He was the best horse and was with me from high school until last year. Lexie my new horse is coming along and I look forward to many years with her as well. I always tell patients that horses are my antidepressant when they ask me how I deal with working in the oncology world everyday.

What are you most grateful for in your practice of naturopathic oncology? 

I am most grateful for the opportunity to work in an amazing clinic with amazing patients. It may sound silly, but I still remember the first time I met Dr. Rubin at a lunch talk at SCNM when I was in my 2nd year, where he spoke about the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians that he was just forming at the time. I remember saying to myself I want to work with that guy someday. Interestingly enough it worked out. I am forever grateful when patients put their trust in us to help them through. It is very rewarding.

About your clinic:

Naturopathic Specialists where I practice with Drs. Rubin, Smolinski, Alschuler, Kozin, and Waite is located in north Scottsdale. We are very proud of our new location on the Scottsdale-Shea campus in Medical Plaza I. We recently moved from our location in old town Scottsdale where the clinic had been for many years. We have a great group of naturopathic physicians that focus on all aspects of care and are happy to offer the expertise of three FABNOs. https://www.listenandcare.com/