Alumni Spotlight
Naturopathic Practice: The Continuing Journey of Alaina Gates, ND, MT
When it comes to inspiring their children, mothers still play a tremendous role.
“ It was a long road to becoming a naturopathic doctor,” said Alaina S. Gates, ND, MT,“ but I had a great start, I grew up in a home that valued nutrition. My mom encouraged using natural ways of enhancing health, including whole foods— we always had fresh foods, especially vegetables on the table. That was my foundation.”
Even so, she surprised her mother at the age of seven when she clearly stated she wanted to become a doctor. The dream grew throughout her elementary and high school years as the future Dr. Gates prepared herself by taking science, Latin, anatomy, physiology, and participating in advanced student programs.
Dr. Alaina Gates
Dr. Gates is a 2014( ND) and 2015( MT) graduate of National University of Health Sciences, and sole proprietor of Harmonious Health and Wellness located in Appleton, Wis. Her specializations include massage, trigger point therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle consulting.
Achieving balance has been a continual thread throughout her life and education. In 2005, she completed her undergraduate pre-med studies at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., receiving degrees in chemistry, biology, interdisciplinary studies, and voice performance.
While using her pre-med education to work as a phlebotomist for several years, Gates realized she did not want to become a medical doctor.“ I wanted to have more tools to help my future patients than just giving prescriptions and running labs,” she said.“ Those things are very important, to be sure, but there’ s so much more to offer people for their health.”
Gates began looking for alternative ways to serve as a doctor. It was from the late Nancy Soliven, DC, MD, and friend of NUHS’ Dr. Daniel Richardson, where she was encouraged to learn about naturopathic medicine and first heard about National University.
“ I knew it would be an intense program, and that excellence was expected,” she remembered.“ But I grew up in that kind of environment and I flourished – I was ready for it – I was trained.” Gates did indeed attend NUHS, graduating first with a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine, then a massage therapy certificate one year later.
Gates’ philosophy of health care epitomizes her practice. She said her favorite thing to do is help clients reestablish the basis for health by teaching them the steps they can take each day to restore it. This can mean diet, lifestyle, exercise, sleep, being outside, and taking in fresh air and sunlight.“ These are the most powerful and basic elements of health.”
“ I offer natural strategies and alternatives,” she continued. Clients frequently tell her they value the fact she takes time to really listen to what they have to say.“ A lot of their previous health experiences did not allow them that space.”
While the rewards of Gates’ calling are many, she said it is particularly gratifying when someone achieves success with the treatment plan they have designed together.“ I offer recommendations— opportunities to choose pathways to health. Some alternatives are more easily accepted than others, but together we tease apart what can be done to help them feel their best.”