Success Stories

A FRESH APPROACH TO LIFELONG SUFFERING

In one visit, Dr. Shields diagnosed and began successfully treating a condition that has caused a lot of suffering for most of my life.  The relief that she has given me is priceless.    She is gentle, patient,  positive, non-judgmental and full of knowledge.  She is the only doctor our family will see now and I recommend her to everyone I know.

-Stephanie P.

COMPASSIONATE & UNDERSTANDING

Dr. Shields worked wonders in making my blood sugars more regular, as well as losing some long-resented belly fat.  She is a compassionate and understanding physician who has made me feel better than I have in a long time.

-CS

FEEL 10 YEARS YOUNGER AGAIN

As a middle aged man trying to stay ahead of the aging curve I reached out to Dr. Shields to give me an overview of my overall health state. I was very impressed with the time and energy she spent on my questions during my appointments and after my appointments with follow up emails that were extremely helpful. She has a passion for what she does and it shines through in her work. I am turning 44 this September and with the guidance and knowledge I have taken in Dr. Shields I feel like I am 30 again. No more fatigue, bloating, depression and anxiety….No more guess work on how I should be treating and feeding my body. The tips, information and treatments have been life changing.

-James F.

MUCH NEEDED ENCOURAGEMENT AND TEACHER

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease in the Summer of 2008. As time went on, I became more and more discouraged and frustrated with my doctor and her office staff. I quietly began to search for a new doctor, and I was extremely interested in visiting with a naturopathic physician.

Dr. Shields came to speak to our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) group about nutrition and supplements in the Winter of 2010. She was so caring and full of knowledge, I knew that I had to get to know her better! So, I took one of her brochures and a business card from the meeting and contacted her.

Her office is cozy, comfortable, and accessible from all parts of the Portland metro area. There is ample free parking, too! Dr. Shields offers a very unique opportunity for new patients, and I took advantage of it! She welcomes new patients to her office with an absolutely free, no obligation, no strings attached, 15-20 minute consultation. During this visit, she asks a few questions and offers the prospective patients an overview of naturopathic care. I have never heard of such a generous introduction, and it sure was a blessing. After the visit, I had the choice to leave with the knowledge I had gained and keep searching or come back for more help. Thankfully, I chose to come back!

The “official” first visit was quite thorough. Dr. Shields spent about 2 hours with me. She asked every question imaginable about my health history, and brought up many ideas regarding my symptoms. She took a dried blood sample, checked my circulation, checked blood pressure sitting and standing, listened to my heart … all of the things traditional medical doctors do, and more! Naturopaths, by necessity, must really be experts in all areas. She looks at all symptoms from many angles, and really digs into ways to treat each patient in a unique way, through dietary changes and whole food supplements. She never made me feel like my ideas were unimportant. She really listened to what I had to say. She made me feel like a true partner in my own health care, instead of the stereotypical “obedient patient.” Ultimately, all decisions are up to me, but she is so helpful in steering me the healthy way.

Our management of the Hashimoto’s Disease is a journey. We’re not finished. We’re going to keep trying different dietary changes and new supplements over time. I’m so thankful that Dr. Shields in on this journey with me! She offers thorough care, using simple tools alongside the most advanced technology available today. She responds to emails and phone messages quickly. She demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, while keeping things light and comfortable. She’s not just my doctor, she’s also a friend.

-Dana J.

NATURAL HEALTH CARE AT EVERY AGE

I was pleased to find Dr Shields when looking for alternative health treatment for my elderly mother.  She had been experiencing severe headaches for months and I was desperate to do something besides treat her with over the counter pain medication.  Dr. Shields gave my mom a thorough physical and evaluation and made changes in her diet.  Within 2 months she had made significant progress in 80% less headaches and also relieving her constant sinus infections.   She is thorough and gentle and I’ve appreciated the great care she is giving my mother!  She even made a special trip to her office to make up a tincture when my mom had bladder infection symptoms!

-LW

A DOCTOR WHO LISTENS AND VIEWS YOU AS A COMPLETE PERSON NOT JUST A SYMPTOM

Dr. Shields takes her time to get to know you and figure out what is going on with your health. She is working with me to get my thyroid back on track when other doctors including an endocronoglist told me there is nothing wrong with me, despite having multiple symptoms and feeling horrible. She really listens to how you are feeling and doesn’t have you in and out of her office in 10 min!

-Jamie S.

A PARTNER IN YOUR HEALTHCARE

I sought out a naturopath after developing several new health conditions over a relatively short period of time and getting unsatisfactory treatment from traditional doctors. I first stopped into the office to ask a few questions, and Dr. Shields was available and spent 15 minutes with me talking briefly abut my situation and how she approaches treatment. This was more than any of the other docs had ever spent with me for a full appointment! I set up an appointment for my first visit, which was an in-depth, approximately 2 hour review of my whole body, health, and issues. It was incredibly detailed and thorough, and I felt very much like Dr. Shields was truly trying to get a complete picture of me. She also requested blood work and other records from my previous physician and studied those along with a dried blood sample. I returned the following week and she spent another hour plus discussing the recommended treatment plan. The primary piece of this was a significant diet change to keep me away from foods which, in me, caused an inflammatory response. She also recommended several supplements, an increase in water consumption, and several other smaller steps to help heal my body and remedy several health problems.

I have been seeing Dr. Shields for about two months now and have been incredibly satisfied with the care I’ve received. The dietary changes have been challenging (getting through the detox stage was particularly rough, but thankfully brief), but I started seeing results quickly. I’ve been able to stop taking several prescription and over the counter drugs, one of which I’d been on for 13 years. I’ve lost weight and the condition of my skin has improved. Dr. Shields has been respectful of my needs, including my financial limitations, and in one case, the need to see a specialist (she referred me to one who is just fabulous).

I am definitely a convert to natural medicine, and a huge fan of Dr. Shields. I feel I have a partner in my health care who listens to and respects me and who is truly dedicated to my wellness. I highly recommend her!

-Karen G.