Naturopathic Oncology Surgical Support
Michelle Smekens, ND, LDN, FABNO
Speaker Biography:
Michelle “Shelly” Smekens is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in supporting people through all stages of cancer: prevention, active treatment and survivorship. She also has special interests in naturopathic support for family medicine and behavioral health/mental illness. Dr. Smekens is a licensed dietetic nutritionist and holds a naturopathic medical license from the state of Arizona. She has focused her practice on cancer support for the past 12 years.
Dr. Smekens has worked at Cancer Treatment Centers of America for 10 years, with special focus on breast and gynecological cancers. She also has a private practice in Highwood, IL and consults with patients and international practitioners via telemedicine.
Dr. Smekens co-authored a study on treatment delays in early stage breast cancer, a paper on using circulating tumor cells to detect disease recurrence and an additional study on the immune effects of maitake mushroom extracts. She has written numerous articles on integrative oncology, women’s health and caregiver wellness. She is currently collaborating on a critical research review of both integrative and conventional treatments for hot flashes.
She is Vice President of the llinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the education committee of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and belongs to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Additionally, Dr. Smekens is a member of Certified Nutrition Specialists.
Dr. Smekens received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona with a doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine. She completed a two-year naturopathic oncology residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Dr. Smekens is board certified in naturopathic oncology (FABNO).
Abstract:
This presentation covers the process of wound healing, nutrition requirements for optimal surgical healing., including special nutrition considerations for oncologic surgeries. It updates clinicians on the latest evidence, dispelling old practices of fasting prior to surgery and avoiding consumption of omega 3 fatty acids.
Both topical and internal use of nutraceuticals is covered, including botanical medicine and homeopathy. There are slides dedicated to improving scar appearance and reducing long term pain from scar tissue. The lecture also covers interventions to help patients with sleep and mental health while recovering from cancer surgeries.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to calculate calorie and protein needs for cancer patients in varying degrees of malnourishment and in anticipation of minor, moderate or major surgery.
Understand which topical interventions best reduce hypertrophic scarring.
Learn how to use nutraceuticals with evidence for enhancing recovery from surgery.
Prescribe optimal use of homeopathy, including dosing and application, to help oncology patients during the perioperative period.