This week’s Wellness Crusader is Dr. Jacquelyn Cortez-Sammons and Transformation Health and Wellness.
About:
Dr. Jacquelyn Cortez-Sammons spent over 12 years practicing medicine in a clinical setting but did not feel like she was able to give her best to her patients because of all the “protocols” she was required to follow while treating them. A little over a year ago she took a sudden leap of faith to open up Transformation Health and Wellness, in order to better serve her patients. I had the pleasure of meeting her right after she opened her doors, and I can truly say that she a rare gem. She exudes a passion for her patients that is often hard to find in a doctor. As a doctor she made the conscience decision to place the wellness of her patients before her “professional opinion.”
How would you describe yourself as a doctor? What sets you apart from your colleagues/former colleagues?
I truly have a passion for practicing medicine. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out [the needs of] each patient as an individual. I believe [that] many of my colleagues practice protocol-based medicine, or what I term “cookbook medicine.” I often say that I am not a cook, I am a chef. I take the ‘ingredients” of each patient and my best to help them become the best version of themselves.
What is Transformation Health? How does it differ from other private practices?
We are an integrative, holistic medical practice. I have designed a format that allows you time to be heard, [that] enables us to develop an individualized, customized plan of care that best suits your needs.
What challenges have you faced when it comes to educating patients on holistic medicine, compared to traditional Western medicine?
Fortunately, many of my patients are very well-versed when it comes to these differences, and they a[ctually seek me out for that holistic approach. Often times we can use both western and holistic modalities in conjunction [in order] to best suite a patient’s needs.
Why do you believe that a holistic approach to medicine is better than most Western medicine practices?
The holistic approach celebrates the body’s innate ability to heal itself and provides the tools to do so. A lot of Western medicine will cover up symptoms of a disease process, without fixing the fundamental root cause of the disease itself. A holistic approach works to seek out and correct that root cause, which thereby slows, eliminates, or reverses the effects of the disease itself. It empowers the body to function optimally and healthfully.
Some patients do not give their Doctor their full picture of health, out of fear of judgment or simply by thinking that some symptoms are unimportant. How do you develop an open line of communication so that you can help your patients heal and not just band-aid the situation?
I make it clear early on in our relationship that I am here to help my patients facilitate their best health. I am not here to be “right,” I am here to help them achieve health. They know their own bodies best. If something isn’t working I can’t know that unless they tell me. If something isn’t working then we need to work at the issue from a different angle, and I’m ok with that. I look at is as an interesting challenge, not a personal
What suggestions do you have for other Doctors who struggle to develop a rapport with their patients?
Sit down. Make time. Make eye contact. Then, actually venture into the world of critical thinking to best help your patients, rather than rely on protocols.
What do you feel people need to be more informed about?
I believe patients need to be more informed about what their ailment is, what is causing the ailment, and what ALL their options are to fix it.
What tips do you have for people, in order for them to live a life that is as healthful as possible?
Be your own heath advocate! If you aren’t getting your questions answered by your provider, find a new provider, insist on being heard, and take your business elsewhere. Balance your mind, body, and spirit. Eat well. Hydrate.
Dr. Cortez-Sammons wants you to know:
“At our practice, we focus on a comprehensive approach to the patient. We go into great detail about what each symptom and lab study means. We discuss lifestyle changes, nutrition, supplements and therapies, and conventional medications when needed.”
For More information about Transformation Health and Wellness:
6200 E. Canyon Rim Road #105B
Anaheim, CA 92807
www.transformationhealthtoday.com
office@transformationhealthtoday.com
PK Podcast: Episode 17: Addressing Women’s Health Issues with Dr. Jackie Cortez-Sammons
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