Alone, Together

I am female. I am Polish. I am bisexual. I am a part of the Green Party. I am a

metaphysician. I am an Omnist. Regardless of these identifiers, I am human just like everyone

else: one who grew up in a small suburb of Chicago, a place where Polish and Hispanic cultures

predominate. It wasn’t until I transitioned to Arizona State University for my undergraduate

degree and traveled internationally that I really understood the value of cultural diversity. While

abroad in Lima & Cusco, Peru I studied transcultural health, witnessing South American

medicine. Through this program I created a theoretical framework founded on cultural

sensitivity, resiliency, and humility called, “The Living Earth Model” (figure 1). That same year,

my travels to India brought me even greater gratitude for the diversity that exists on this planet.

Since then, I embrace the unknown. Discomfort is my greatest teacher. I am a student, but I am

also the teacher, acting in partnership with myself, my friends, my family, and my future

patients.

As a student at NUNM and a student of life, I am always learning. Every new day, new

patient, new case, is an opportunity to practice compassion. With an open mind and an open

heart, I can grow, no matter how challenging the case. I am simply facilitating the healing

process: regardless of religion, political view, race, gender, or sex. In fact, those factors may be

clues to the most effective treatment plan for the patient. For treatments I don’t necessarily agree

with, such as administration of pharmaceuticals or select hormone therapies, I will be sure the

treatment is administered from a spirit of beneficence with a credible evidence-base for the

practice. I realize each modality has value to offer, depending on the patient population’s unique

needs. My intention for medical school is to form an objective point of view about each

naturopathic modality, its efficacy, and collect anecdotal evidence of their utility. I am grateful to

be able to practice with the scope of treatment offered at NUNM. When I put on my white coat, I

acknowledge my inherent biases so they won’t interfere with the quality of care I can provide.
 Long before I even dreamed of wearing a white coat, my family knew how to push my

buttons and challenge my belief system more than anyone. They lead a very different lifestyle

than I do. Even though my brother primarily eats hot pockets, my grandma holds very strong

Republican views, my mother isn’t spiritually oriented, and my sister doesn’t like to exercise, I

still find small ways to love and advocate for their health. I once thought the, “you should be

doing this!” commentary would be an effective avenue for health promotion. I now realize it’s

much, much deeper than that. When I interact with my brother about veganism, we agree to

disagree. With my grandma, I choose just to listen, because I know a big hug is always stronger

than a political debate. For my mom, I simply pray she will one day reimagine her future full of

health and fulfillment. For my little sister, I provide guidance (but only when she asks for it),

leaving space for her to blaze her own path and uncover her unique identity, despite the

complexities of adolescence. There are times when nothing can be more frustrating than family

but leaning into these recurring challenges gives me insight on how to engage in patient-provider

relationships.

In a country so focused on independence and personal freedom, patients are bound to

come to me with strong beliefs and perspectives. For me these differences spark curiosity,

providing an opportunity to put myself in another’s shoes and meet them where they’re at.

Similarities, though, like the preference or need for naturopathic medicine, may help me connect

with patients. I anticipate challenges may arise when these identity-forming factors are not

communicated clearly. If there are any misunderstandings, I would be happy to speak with the

patient about their concerns. While in school, I’d reference the doctor overseeing the case, any

mentors I have, and my fellow students to see if they have any similar experiences or insights on

managing the situation. I would also reference the current literature and my transcultural health

textbook to learn more about how their culture sees the world, health, and illness. In a school

with so many resources for success, I’d undoubtedly be able to thrive in clinical rotations.
 Gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, political party, religion, and worldview are all

identities we carry with us to describe our experience on this planet. While we may look a bit

different, speak with accents, and hold various cultural preferences, we are all human. We are

composed of primarily the same genetic matter: each of us changing by the day, the hour, the

minute. As humans, our body, mind, and spirit are susceptible to illness and disease.

Consequently, each of us should be treated with the same loving-kindness and focused attention.

In my white coat, I am not Miquella Young, the Pollack, the student, or the metaphysician; I am

human, spending my time in deep love, care, and service for another’s well-being. I believe we

are all fundamentally and beautifully created to experience the breadth of health, illness, life and

death.

(figure 1. The Living Earth Model)

Theoretical Framework: The Living Earth Model

(founded on the fundamental structure of sacred geometry)
1. SEED: The perceived problem

a. Image 1: The seed of life

b. Inner circle: The individual
c. Outer circles: Societal Influences
d. Cross-roads: Experiences
2. TREE: Analysis (identifying habit patterns & triggers)

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a. Image 2: Tree of Life (Kabbalah)
b. *See text above for significance

3. FLOWER: Action Plan

a. Image 3: Flower of life (seed and tree of life embedded within)

b. Outer rings: holds space for non-maleficence (N), autonomy (A), truth-telling (T),
confidentiality (C), beneficence (B), security (S)
c. Inner circle: Seed of life *see page one
d. 6 middle circles: Energy medicine, physical medicine, prescription medicine, nutritional
medicine, psychiatric care, self-care/lifestyle medicine
e. 12 outer circles: social status, gender, income, genetics, diet, education, communication,
transportation, living environment, recreation, spirituality, employment
f. Analysis: at points of intersection
4. FRUIT: R&R, Results & Reassessment

a. Image 4: Fruit of life

b. Center circle: Balance
c. Arrows: Complementary opposites lie across from each other, as on a color wheel
i. Micro/Macro
ii. Individual/Society
iii. Needs/Wants
iv. Traditional Values/Modern Values
v. Known/Unknown
vi. Consistency/Change