We recently connected with Anjali Kasunich and have shared our conversation below.

Anjali, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I’ve been lucky to have many heartwarming stories in my career. One that particularly stands out is when I was working with a young man who had been dealing with severe stomach pain for years. His one goal in working with me was to be able to eat a cheeseburger without doubling over in pain for days. While I’m not a proponent of eating cheeseburgers regularly, I thought this was an endearing and extremely fair goal.

He tested positive for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), a chronic gut condition, and began treatment immediately with dietary changes and an herbal protocol. Within a few months, his pain decreased significantly and he was eventually able to eat his favorite foods (including the occasional cheeseburger) without severe pain. He and his family were so happy with his progress that they wrote to his GI doctor scolding them for not ever mentioning the benefits of diet and targeted herbal remedies.

I ran into him a couple years later, and he was still doing well and enjoying the occasional cheeseburger without any problems.

Anjali, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

During the course of my life, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, particularly in the form of anxiety. This personal struggle played a pivotal role in my decision to become a Naturopathic Doctor. At a certain point, I found myself relying on medications to manage my anxiety, but deep down, I knew that there had to be a more holistic and sustainable approach to address the root causes of my health concerns.

As I delved into the world of Naturopathic Medicine, I discovered a wealth of knowledge and tools that resonated with me on a profound level. It became evident that this field could offer not only relief but true healing. Through a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, natural supplements, and other holistic approaches, I began to experience a transformation in my own health. Over time, I was able to gradually reduce and eventually come off of my medications. This experience was nothing short of life-changing, and it ignited a deep passion within me to help others in a similar way.

My journey towards becoming a Naturopathic Doctor is rooted in my desire to empower individuals to identify and address the underlying causes of their health concerns. I firmly believe that we possess the innate ability to heal when provided with the right tools and guidance. My own experience with anxiety has shown me the importance of a comprehensive and individualized approach to healthcare, one that focuses on the whole person rather than just treating symptoms.

My personal journey has instilled in me a sense of purpose and a profound commitment to helping others navigate their own health challenges. I am passionate about guiding individuals toward holistic, sustainable healing, just as I experienced in my own life. Naturopathic Medicine offers a unique perspective on health and wellness, and I am eager to share its benefits with those seeking a more profound and lasting approach to their well-being.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Over the years, I’ve recognized the power of social media as a valuable tool for connecting with both current and potential patients. I’ve consistently maintained an active and informative presence on platforms like Instagram (@DrAnjali_ND) and TikTok (@DrAnjaliND), where I share educational content related to naturopathic medicine, holistic health and wellness. By doing so, I’ve been able to establish myself as a knowledgeable and approachable resource within the field.

One of the most rewarding aspects of using social media has been the opportunity to engage with my patients and followers directly. I encourage them to ask questions, share their experiences, and seek guidance on various health-related topics. This open dialogue not only helps me provide valuable insights but also fosters a sense of trust and credibility.

In addition to my own efforts on social media, word of mouth from satisfied patients has been a tremendous asset in building my reputation. When individuals experience positive results and improvements in their health under my care, they often become enthusiastic advocates for naturopathic medicine. Many of them have willingly shared their success stories with their friends, family, and online communities.

These personal testimonials and recommendations have a profound impact. They not only validate the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments but also demonstrate the trust and rapport I’ve established with my patients. Word of mouth, in particular, has a ripple effect, as the recommendations of one satisfied patient can lead to new referrals and connections.

Overall, the combination of a strong social media presence and positive word of mouth has been instrumental in shaping my reputation as a Naturopathic Doctor. It has allowed me to reach a broader audience, educate individuals about holistic health, and, most importantly, provide effective care that leads to satisfied and empowered patients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The decision to leave conventional medical school and pursue a path in naturopathic medicine was undoubtedly one of the most pivotal and rewarding choices I’ve ever made. It was a decision grounded in a deep alignment with my values and a desire to practice medicine in a way that resonated with my belief in holistic and patient-centered care.

During my time in conventional medical school (to become an MD), I received a rigorous education and gained valuable insights into the field of medicine. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I found myself increasingly drawn to a more comprehensive approach to healthcare, one that considered not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of patients.

This internal conflict ultimately led me to explore naturopathic medicine, where I discovered an approach that closely mirrored my values and aspirations as a healthcare provider. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and places a strong emphasis on prevention and treating the root causes of illness rather than merely addressing symptoms. The holistic and patient-centered nature of naturopathic medicine felt like a perfect fit for me.

I believe that healthcare should be a partnership between the provider and the patient, with the goal of achieving optimal wellness and not just the absence of disease. Naturopathic medicine encourages this collaborative relationship and empowers patients to take an active role in their own health.

The decision to transition to naturopathic medical school was not made lightly, but it was one that I have never regretted. It has allowed me to practice medicine in a way that aligns with my values and passion for holistic health, wellness, and prevention. Each day, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with patients, addressing the underlying causes of their health concerns, and supporting their journey to optimal well-being.

In retrospect, this career shift has not only been professionally fulfilling but has also enriched my life in countless ways. It has reinforced my belief that when we follow our true calling and stay aligned with our values, it can lead to some of the best decisions we’ll ever make.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DrAnjaliND.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranjali_nd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-kasunich-nd-20b95814/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dranjalind

Image Credits
Gregory Kasunich