I’ve dedicated the last 20+ years…

Dr. Michele Burklund, Naturopathic Physician Online Telehealth

to figuring out how to make you feel better by uncovering the root cause behind your symptoms

Learning of my father’s stage-4 brain cancer diagnosis before even beginning my premedical studies set me on a path of relentless curiosity and devotion. I spent hours in medical libraries, devouring journals and books on neurology, and traveled across the country to attend seminars on the brain. It was clear to everyone around me—this was my calling.

During my premedical years, I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Alexander Spence, the (late) esteemed neuro-oncology director at the University of Washington, who became a mentor and guide. At the same time, I was introduced to naturopathic medicine by the late Dr. Mark Gignac, an oncologist who deeply integrated naturopathy into cancer care.

These two worlds—traditional medicine and naturopathy—would come together to shape my holistic approach to healing.

MEDICAL SCHOOL

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After completing my Bachelor's degree, Master’s degree, and Premedical studies, I chose the most innovative Medical School in the world to complete my medical training… Bastyr University.

Upon starting the program, I was chosen to receive the scholarship awarded at Bastyr University to a first year medical student that showed passion for the profession.

The doctorate program was a rigorous full-time, 5 year, in-residence, graduate level training that uniquely combined all the conventional academic classes that MD’s and DO’s complete including one-year of human (cadaver) dissection. In addition, naturopathic doctors take countless hours of nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, counseling, and mind body techniques. 

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 that period, I was the first naturopathic physician to organize a preceptorship in neuro-oncology at the University of Washington Medical Center.  I was also awarded the first place scholarship for a speech focused on naturopathic neurology from the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention. In the pursuit of wanting to learn more about how the human body worked, I took additional classes in infectious disease and immunology at the University of Nebraska. I also wanted to learn more about botanical medicine and spent time in the jungles of Belize and Guatemala studying from bush doctors, traditional healers, and herbalists learning about the medicinal properties of the local plants. In addition to the clinical and academic training alongside over 800+ patient contacts at the Bastyr University Clinic, I completed additional training in family medicine, physical medicine, oncology, women's health, environmental medicine and medical detoxification, and Autism & ADHD under the supervision of licensed physicians in their private practices.

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

Upon completing my clinical training at Bastyr University and taking my board examinations, I went on to open my own private practice where I have seen patients in person in California and later through telemedicine visits. While living abroad, I continued to consult with patients worldwide and also served as a board member for Oleomed, a clinical-grade nutraceutical company that is blended with pharmaceutical grade olive oil. I was a contributing editor for Better Nutrition Magazine and also published over a 1,000 articles online. In addition, I took on the role as Chief Science Officer for a California-based wellness company called Puriya. I was able to use my scientific knowledge of plants and clinical experience to formulate plant-based products. I oversaw every step of the process including from farm to bottle, I sought out the highest quality, most sustainable ingredient sources and I monitored quality and control.

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Botanical Medicine, Online Telehealth
Ancient Greek Healing, Asklepios, Healing Medicine

TODAY…

Today, I continue to see patients through my telemedicine practice as well as continue to pursue research in various areas including brain health and immunology. I’ve seen thousands of patients with a diverse range of aliments with the goal of getting to the root cause of why they the way they do. Some of my recent features include Mind Body Green, Better Nutrition Magazine, Nourish & Heal, Amazing Wellness, The Vitamin Shoppe, UCLA, Food as Medicine Series, Komo News, and Holistic Health. I currently hold licenses in the states of Montana, California, and Washington.

EDUCATION

Bastyr University: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD)

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University of Nebraska: (Infectious Disease & Immunology)

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Stanford University: Post Graduate Studies

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University of Washington: Premedical Studies

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

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  • 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

MICHELE BURKLUND MAGAZINE ARTICLES: Collection of magazine covers from better nutrition magazine, featuring topics on smoothies, wellness, beauty, holiday tips, weight loss, veggie noodles, Italian food, and healthy baked goods.
magazine covers focusing on health, wellness, nutrition, and natural living, with titles such as 'Better Nutrition', 'Cuisine at Home', 'Supplements Guide', 'Happy New Year', 'Beauty at Its Best', 'Wellness Winter Survival Kit', 'Nourish & Heal', and 'Amazing Wellness', each featuring articles on healthy foods, recipes, supplements, and natural living tips.
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BECOME A PATIENT

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MODALITIES

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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.