Felicia Assenza grew up in Hamilton which is also where she completed her undergraduate degree in
biology and psychology at McMaster University. Her own healthcare experiences led her to the wonderful
world of naturopathic medicine and after earning her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree at the
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, she returned home to Hamilton where she
currently practises. We sat down with Dr. Assenza to discuss how our medicine can help patients with
neuromuscular disease, and discussed the importance of our presence in the healing journey of our
patients.

OAND: I’d love for you to start off by telling me a bit about your story and how you decided to get into naturopathic medicine.

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in and out of the healthcare system. I was born with unexplained muscle tension, and nobody could figure out what was wrong. Something just didn’t feel right, but there were no clear answers. So, when I was just six months old, I had my first and only surgery, which was a hip flexor tenotomy. This procedure involved addressing the hip flexor muscles. From that point on, my life was a series of doctor’s appointments, and it became my norm. The interesting thing was that despite the frequent doctor visits, I started developing a deep fascination with healthcare and a strong desire to become a healthcare provider myself. However, what bothered me was that it always seemed like there were more questions than answers during these appointments. I received a lot of care and compassion from the medical professionals, but it often felt like we weren’t making any real progress. As a teenager, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, and even then, it felt like a “wait and see” situation. I ended up wearing a back brace. But it wasn’t until I got to university that I discovered a different approach to healthcare. I started exploring options outside conventional medicine and began working with a personal trainer. This was a game-changer for me because I finally felt empowered, like something was happening, and I was an active participant in my own health journey. Interestingly, I had initially planned to become a child life specialist, working in hospitals with children, explaining various procedures and illnesses to them. I felt that I could contribute a lot, given my experiences. Concurrently, I was deeply immersed in learning about essential oils, nutrition, and natural remedies. Toward the end of my undergrad, I applied for the Child Life program but didn’t get in. At that point, I had to decide whether to wait and reapply the following year. That’s when my cousin, who was studying at CCNM (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine), suggested that I might find my calling in naturopathic medicine. That’s how I was introduced to the world of naturopathy, and it resonated with me instantly. My journey at CCNM wasn’t just about learning how to be a naturopathic doctor; it was a transformative personal and spiritual growth experience. Now, I practice in Hamilton, and I genuinely love what I do. It all worked out beautifully.

It’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about empowering them to live their lives to the fullest despite their conditions.

OAND: That’s a remarkable journey, thank you for sharing! Could you tell us a bit about your practice, especially in the context of interprofessional connections and how you’re involved in managing neuromuscular disorders?

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND: My practice involves a significant focus on interprofessional collaboration, which I believe is essential for providing comprehensive care to patients. My experiences as a patient have highlighted the importance of teamwork in healthcare. In terms of interprofessional collaboration, much of it stems from my personal experiences. I find that, growing and navigating the healthcare system, medical doctors often collaborated well with physiotherapists. However, naturopathic medicine wasn’t even on my radar until I started my own research. Over time, I’ve noticed that more medical doctors are becoming informed about naturopathic medicine, which is a positive development. For example, I have a respirologist who sends my notes directly to my naturopath after our appointments, fostering collaboration. As naturopaths, we have the advantage of spending more time with patients, which allows us to explain things thoroughly and connect the dots between different aspects of their health. When patients are dealing with multiple specialists, it can be challenging to bring everything together and understand the bigger picture. Specialists are often highly knowledgeable in their respective areas, but bridging the gaps between them can be a challenge. For example, when discussing a topic from one area, they might say, “Ask your neuromuscular specialist about that” or “Consult your cardiologist for that.” As naturopaths, we can help integrate all these pieces of the puzzle, recognizing the interconnectedness of different body systems. In my practice, I collaborate with various specialists, and the key is to establish effective communication channels. For instance, when working with family doctors, I ensure that we communicate regularly and share updates about the patient’s progress. This can involve sending detailed letters or faxes outlining the treatment plan and goals. This not only keeps the family doctor informed but also helps the patient see the integration of care between different providers. However, when it comes to specialists, it can be more challenging to initiate direct communication. In such cases, I often provide patients with a letter summarizing our approach and findings, which they can bring to their specialist appointments. This ensures that the specialists are aware of the holistic care the patient is receiving. In addition to working within my clinic, I also collaborate with other allied health professionals in my community. For example, I work closely with osteopaths, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists, both inside and outside my practice. We share insights, strategies, and patient progress, making it easier to provide well-rounded care. Even when I encounter healthcare professionals who aren’t part of my immediate network, I try to understand their practices and foster collaboration, ultimately benefitting the patient.

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OAND: You’ve also been actively involved in educating other healthcare professionals about naturopathic medicine’s potential in managing neuromuscular conditions. Can you tell us more about these initiatives?

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND: My passion for educating healthcare professionals, especially about the role of naturopathic medicine in managing neuromuscular conditions, has led me to collaborate with organizations like Muscular Dystrophy Canada. They support individuals with neuromuscular disorders, and I’ve found their initiative to be highly valuable. I’ve had the privilege of conducting talks and workshops for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, where medical doctors, naturopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and psychologists come together. These events provide a platform for healthcare professionals to learn about and understand neuromuscular conditions better. The goal is to promote awareness, facilitate collaboration, and ultimately improve patient care. I’ve been focused on ensuring that naturopathic doctors are well-informed about available resources so they can provide better care to the patients. This education not only benefits the patients but also enhances the knowledge and understanding of naturopathic medicine within the broader healthcare community.

OAND: Your dedication to educating and collaborating with other professionals is truly commendable. Looking ahead, what is your vision for naturopathic medicine, especially in Ontario, and how do you see it impacting patients with neuromuscular conditions or similar health challenges?

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND: My vision for naturopathic medicine, not just in Ontario but everywhere, is for it to be recognized and integrated into primary care. I envision naturopathic doctors being an integral part of a patient’s healthcare team, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. We have unique skills that focus on the individual as a whole. For patients with neuromuscular conditions and similar health challenges, naturopathic medicine can offer holistic support. We’re well-equipped to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications. Importantly, we can also help patients navigate the complex web of healthcare providers, acting as advocates for their well-being.

OAND: That’s a visionary perspective for the future of healthcare. Before we wrap up, what words of wisdom or advice would you like to share with fellow naturopathic doctors, especially those who might be working with patients facing neuromuscular conditions?

Dr. Felicia Assenza, ND: To my fellow naturopathic doctors, I would say this: approach patients with neuromuscular conditions with confidence. Know that you possess unique skills that can make a profound difference in their lives. Spend time with your patients, ask them meaningful questions, and understand their goals and joys in life. It’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about empowering them to live their lives to the fullest despite their conditions. Sometimes, I think we forget that just being heard and seen can be the best medicine. A lot of patients with complex conditions can feel passed over or unheard, and just the act of listening and providing space is so healing. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, share insights, and learn from each other. Together, we can provide the comprehensive and compassionate care that patients with neuromuscular conditions truly deserve. Believe in the power of naturopathic medicine to make a meaningful impact on their well-being.