Dr. Michele Burklund, Naturopathic Physician Online Telehealth

My journey into this work wasn’t just academic; it was personal. I’ve seen how emotional pain, unresolved grief, and life transitions can manifest physically — and how traditional medicine often overlooks this connection.

That’s why I created a different kind of healing space. One where your story matters, your symptoms are clues, and your healing is guided by both science and soul.

Now, let’s discuss the technical stuff…

MEDICAL SCHOOL

Aerial view of a large green park with sports fields, a parking lot, and buildings surrounded by dense forests near a body of water.
Diagram of human anatomy with focus on muscles and skeleton, featuring a central quote about self-awareness and spirituality.
Open books with handwritten notes and a pen on a desk, with a blurred bookshelf in the background.

After completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, along with premedical studies, I chose to pursue my medical training at Bastyr University—the world’s most innovative naturopathic medical school.

Early in the program, I was honored to receive a prestigious scholarship awarded to a first-year medical student who demonstrated exceptional passion and commitment to the healing arts.

Bastyr’s rigorous, five-year, full-time doctoral program blends the best of conventional medicine with holistic modalities. Alongside in-depth courses that mirror MD and DO curricula—including a full year of human cadaver dissection—I immersed myself in countless hours of nutrition, botanical medicine, physical therapies, counseling, and mind-body techniques.

This integrative training uniquely equipped me to see patients through a lens that honors both science and spirit.

Grounded in Science

Respecting the healing power of nature

Open spiral notebook with handwritten notes and anatomical diagram of the human brain and nervous system, with four pens resting on the pages.

CLINICAL TRAINING

Naturopathic Medicine Spine, Telehealth
Naturopathic Medicine, Herbs, Online Telehealth

During my training, I had the honor of becoming the first naturopathic physician to organize a neuro-oncology preceptorship at the University of Washington Medical Center—an experience that deepened my understanding of the brain’s complexities in healing.

I was also awarded first place at the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention for a speech on naturopathic neurology, reflecting my dedication to pioneering this evolving field.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity about the human body, I pursued additional studies in infectious disease and immunology at the University of Nebraska, expanding my scientific foundation beyond the classroom.

My passion for botanical medicine led me deep into the jungles of Belize and Guatemala, where I apprenticed with bush doctors, traditional healers, and herbalists—learning firsthand the profound medicinal wisdom of native plants.

Alongside over 800 patient contacts at the Bastyr University Clinic, I completed advanced clinical training under licensed physicians in family medicine, physical medicine, oncology, women’s health, environmental medicine, medical detoxification, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD.

This blend of rigorous science, hands-on clinical experience, and global herbal wisdom shapes the integrative care I offer—honoring every facet of the body, mind, and spirit.

4,472+

Total Hours of Training at Bastyr University

1,639+

Hours in Clinical & Basic Sciences

1,925+

Hours in Clerkships & Allopathic Therapies

908+

Hours in Naturopathic Therapes

After completing my clinical training at Bastyr University and conquering my board exams, I opened a private practice rooted in deep listening and personalized healing—first welcoming patients in California, then expanding to telemedicine visits that bridged borders and time zones.

While living abroad, I continued to hold space for clients worldwide, alongside serving as a board member for Oleomed, a visionary nutraceutical company crafting clinical-grade blends with pharmaceutical-grade olive oil—where nature and science dance in perfect harmony.

My dedication to empowering others through knowledge found its home as a contributing editor for Better Nutrition Magazine, where I authored over 1,000 articles illuminating the art and science of wellness.

Later, as Chief Science Officer at Puriya, a California-based wellness brand, I channeled my passion for plants and clinical insight into crafting thoughtfully formulated, plant-based products. From farm to bottle, I curated sustainable, pure ingredients with reverence, overseeing every detail to ensure potency and integrity.

A woman sitting cross-legged on a sandy beach facing the ocean under a cloudy sky, with a distant island on the horizon.
Botanical Medicine, Online Telehealth
Ancient Greek Healing, Asklepios, Healing Medicine

TODAY…

Today, I work with women across the country through my virtual practice, offering a deeply personalized approach that blends cutting-edge science with intuitive, root-cause healing.

My ongoing research explores the intricate connections between brain health, immunity, and emotional well-being — because healing isn’t just physical, it’s energetic, neurological, and profoundly personal.

Over the years, I’ve supported thousands of women navigating everything from chronic fatigue to hormone imbalance, anxiety, grief, and more — always with the intention to listen deeply and uncover the “why” behind the symptoms.

My work has been featured in publications and platforms including MindBodyGreen, Better Nutrition, Nourish & Heal, Amazing Wellness, The Vitamin Shoppe, UCLA’s Food as Medicine Series, KOMO News, and Holistic Health.

I currently hold naturopathic medical licenses in California, Washington, and Montana.

EDUCATION

Bastyr University: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD)

An illustration of a person hiking on a mountain trail with a backpack and a walking stick, surrounded by trees and mountains.

University of Nebraska: (Infectious Disease & Immunology)

A black and white image of a person playing soccer, kicking a ball on a grassy field with a goal in the background.

Stanford University: Post Graduate Studies

A black and white illustration of a person climbing a mountain on a craggy slope with trees in the background.

University of Washington: Premedical Studies

A wooden sign with the text "BRIDGE" carved into it, mounted on a wooden post in a grassy area.

Seattle University: Albers School of Business (BA, MBA)

Black keyhole-shaped silhouette on a white background.
  • Bastyr University Clinic (Seattle, WA)

    Advanced Intravenous Nutrient Therapy

    Integrative Dermatology

  • (2023-2024 CE Courses)

    Mood Health:

    • Neuroinflammation, Histamine and other Inflammatory Mediators

    • ADHD Medication Pharmacology and Weaning

    • Bipolar Spectrum and Seizure Pharmacological and Natural Therapies

    • Benzodiazepines Pharmacology Prescribing Tapering and Management

    • Dysautonomia and EDS

    • The Influence of Diet on Human Behavior

    Anti-aging Therapies:

    • NAD Therapies

    Chronic Illness:

    • Covid & Long Covid

    • Mold & Chronic Illness

    • Chronic Inflammation

    • Common Women’s Infections including Chronic UTI’s

    • Biofilm Removal

    • Medical Detoxification/Chelation Protocols

    • Comprehensive Evaluation & Treatment of Lyme Disease

    Auto-Immune Disorders

    • Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) treatment & therapies

    • Crohn's Disease

    Integrative Dermatology

    • Potential Treatments for Psoriasis: Herbs that Target TH17/IL

    • Role of Skin pH in Skin Conditions

    • SIBO Testing for Dermatological Conditions

    • Application of Naturopathic Medicine in Aesthetic Dermatology

    • The mTOR Pathway and Acne: Linking Nutrition to Biochemistry

    • The Role of Filaggrin and L-Histadine in Eczema

    • Thyroid Testing and Related Dermatological Conditions

    • Vitamins A, D, & E and Dermatological Conditions

    Parasitic Infections

    • Natural Treatments for Leishmaniasis

    Plant Medicine

    • Botanicals Pharmacology Dosing Clinical Use Safety

    • Commonly Prescribed Drugs with Severe Side Effects & Plant Interactions

  • Medical detoxification & metabolic support, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle WA.

    Neuro-oncology preceptorship, University of Washington under Dr. Maciej M. Mrugala, M.D., Ph.D.

    The jungles of Belize and Guatemala studying from bush doctors, traditional healers, and herbalists.

    I completed additional training in family medicine, physical medicine, women's health, environmental medicine and detoxification, and ADHD under the supervision of licensed physicians in their private practices.

    I served as a student research preceptor at the Neuroscience Research Center of Bastyr University.

  • Private clinical practice for 10+ years seeing a diverse range of patients.

    I was the Chief Science Officer for Puriya, a well-known wellness company for over 5 years formulating clinical grade products and researching evidence-based ingredients.

    Formulated Orthobiome, a clinically-researched probiotic and served as the educational spokesperson for the importance of the microbiome.

  • I’ve been the featured wellness writer for National Magazines including Better Nutrition, Nourish & Heal, Mind Body Green, and Amazing Wellness. Read my articles

  • Bastyr University scholarship awarded to a first year medical student that showed passion for the profession.

    First place scholarship for a speech focused on naturopathic neurology from the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians

RECENT FEATURES

Articles written by Dr. Burklund

BECOME A PATIENT

MODALITIES

PHILOSOPHY

It’s Important To Know The Difference.

Growing up in Washington state, surrounded by the healing environment of Bastyr University, I didn’t fully understand the confusion surrounding naturopathic medicine until I traveled abroad. In the U.S., we’re fortunate that naturopathic doctors are licensed primary care physicians with a clear and defined scope of practice.

There are only seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America, each with rigorous admissions requirements—an undergraduate degree and premedical studies, followed by four to five years of full-time, in-residence training. To practice, we must pass two state board examinations.

A Comparison of the Total Hours of Training

Accredited Naturopathic Medical Universities

versus

Accredited Conventional Medical Universities

versus

Unaccredited Natural Healing (Distance Learning) Colleges.

 But here’s where it gets unclear….

The term Naturopathic Doctor isn’t legally protected in every state.

In other countries, the term Naturopathic Doctor or the letters “ND” does not mean that they attended medical school.

As you review the chart below, you can see for yourself the incredible difference between a licensed naturopathic doctor that attended an accredited naturopathic medical school compared to someone who attended an online natural health program. 

It’s critical to review their training and where they attended school and if they are licensed to practice medicine.

The terms ‘naturopath’, ‘traditional naturopath’, ‘naturopathic practitioner’ can be used legally in the United States without having any formal training.  The term ‘naturopathic doctor’ is protected in the licensed states (which are 26 states).

There are some states that allow anyone to use the term ‘naturopathic doctor’ because they lack licensing and legal enforcement. There are even some online schools that provide naturopathic doctor degrees with virtual training, but those who complete those programs are unable to obtain a license to practice medicine in the United States.

The main difference between “unlicensed naturopathic doctors” that attended unaccredited online schools is that they can only advise on nutrition and supplements. They don’t have the legal scope or medical training to diagnose, treat medical conditions, order imaging, prescribe pharmaceuticals, refer patients, or order labs (except hair analysis). With all this said, it can be very difficult to decipher a medically trained naturopathic physician from an online school from a website so its best to check the school.

You can learn more about this on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Website.