Resident Spotlight

Korene Mosher-Varano, ND, BSN, RN

How did you get into Naturopathic Oncology?

I was born into the field of oncology at the age of twelve when I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. A tumor had eaten through my femur and surrounding muscle tissue. I underwent 18 months of intense inpatient chemotherapy. At that time, I was very sick as support drugs were not available as they are today. In a desperate call for help, my mom reached out to a local Naturopathic physician who quickly became my life saver and inspiration to pursue naturopathic medicine. His name is Dr. Daniel Heller. He utilized naturopathic medicine to help my body heal from the devastating effects of chemotherapy and was instrumental in successfully containing a bone infection that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Thus I began my passion for naturopathy at age 13. After 26 years, 17 limb reconstruction surgeries and 5 femur replacements, I decided it was time to get a new leg. I was in my final year of medical school. I began my journey as a practicing Naturopathic doctor in 2019; the first amputee doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

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

I am an athlete, I train daily for triathlons, 5k runs and currently I am training to do a 100-mile bike ride. I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time hiking and camping. I love my time with family and friends and I also am committed to my advocacy work with the Amputee Coalition on the local and federal levels. As part of my advocacy work, I meet with new amputees throughout New England to mentor and coach them through the initial stages of an amputee’s life. I spend time in Washington DC to lobby for improved health care coverage and access to prosthetic care for people with limbloss. I also serve on the Yale Trauma Support Network to meet with patients who have suffered recent limbloss due to a traumatic event or medical complication.

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

My gratitude peaks when I experience healing transformations in others. To be a part of another’s quest as they navigate healing in mind, body and/or spirit. It is a gift. I am grateful for having had a personal experience of surviving cancer in my youth, and bringing those challenges of thoughts, body sensation, fears, pains and joys into my practice. Helping others as Dr. Heller helped me.

About your clinic:

Human Nature Natural Health is a multi award-winning clinic offering a blend of traditional naturopathy and evidenced-based care for patients with a wide range of chronic conditions, with a specialty focus on oncology. We work with many supplements, including many custom formulated, mix our own tinctures, make our own salves, and offer a variety of modern and old time naturopathic therapeutic options such as IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, as well as detoxification treatments including colonic irrigation, fango-parrifin and far infrared sauna. HNNH is excited to encourage the commitment to Naturopathic principles, build confidence in young professionals, and help build a community of skilled doctors that can collaborate in the treatment of patients.

Website:  https://www.humannaturenaturalhealth.com/dr-mosher