Member Spotlight - Whitney Hayes, ND, Lac, FABNG

What inspired you to become a Naturopathic Physician and why/how do you focus on Gastro?  I come from a long line of medical professionals on my mom's side of the family, so I was always drawn to science to find answers.  Something didn't feel right about the conventional route, so I sought out other options and found Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine.  I credit my focus on gastro from Dr. Ilana Gurevich.  She was moving across the country many years ago and I was just starting practice and I took over for her.  I never looked back and I'm glad she came back to the Pacific NW!

Describe your practice? (what GI diseases do you focus on and what modalities do you use)  My practice is highly focused on any GI condition, but mostly functional ones, such as IBS/SIBO, pancreatic insufficiency, GERD, etc.  I have a practice that sees about 50% pediatrics with GI conditions and love that part of my practice the most.  

How has GastroANP impacted your practice?  

It has provided me with even more of a community, especially during pandemic times when we all felt isolated.  I love the community we've built.  

How can students or other doctors connect with you? 

I'm always happy to connect with people over email or phone, so reach out.  I'm not taking preceptee's currently.  I do plan to be at the gastroANP conf in person this year!

Where did you go to ND school?  

NUNM, formerly NCNM when I was there, in Portland, OR

What do you like to do outside of work?  

I love spending time with my wife, our 2 kids and 2 dogs.  We love to cook together, watch movies, and get out for hikes.  I love doing improvements on the house and anything handy where I build something.  I am also a die-hard football fan, most specifically the SF 49ers!

Where do you practice and what is your practice site?  I practice in Portland, OR-the home of my heart.  I am at a large integrative clinic called Kwan Yin Healing Arts Center, and I practice at the Westside location.  I'm also the Medical Director for the clinic.