Is Dr. Rienstra a Naturopath?

Although patients occasionally arrive at our office thinking Dr. Rienstra to be a naturopathic physician, he trained at Duke Medical School in a very traditional medical environment. He did two years of post-medical school training, comprising a one-year rotating internship and one-year pediatric residency. He maintains licensure as a physician and surgeon in Washington and California and meets all traditional continuing medical education requirements. He has taken numerous courses in natural and nutritional medicine. He studied ayurvedic medicine in India in 1987. 

Some more accurately call this "complementary" medicine, which we have been doing since the early 1970s.

For example, in our clinic we will sew up your laceration, then prescribe natural methods to help you reduce scarring.  We will treat high blood pressure or heart failure with pharmaceuticals or nutritional supplements, or with both.

Acupuncture and Homeopathy

Although acupuncture and homeopathy can be effective in the right hands, we have not had the time to develop expertise in these areas. 

Collaboration with Specialists

He collaborates with traditional western medical specialists in the Puget Sound region and beyond, and, when necessary, can help you obtain care in a timely fashion. He is also knowledgeable about various alternative clinics and methods.

In Summary

We "cherry-pick" from the best of traditional western medicine and the best of natural and "alternative" medicine. 

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