Meet Breana Davis | Naturopathic Doctor and author of The Black Woman’s Health-O-Pedia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Breana Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Breana, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Everything! So many people, especially here in the South, have no idea what naturopathic medicine even is. Every time I tell someone that I’m a naturopathic doctor, it’s immediately followed up with a “what is that?”. For those readers who don’t know what naturopathic medicine is, here’s a brief description. Naturopathic medicine is a system of healing that combines the laws of nature with the rigors of modern science. Naturopathic doctors are trained as general practitioners who address disease and dysfunction at the level of the body, mind, and spirit through natural means. We receive education and training in a number of treatment methods including nutrition, botanical/herbal medicine, homeopathy, and various physical medicine modalities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Many won’t consider what I do to be a creative career, but I like to say that I practice the healing arts. My favorite part about being a naturopathic doctor is the fact that in getting to know my patients, I’m able to gather a sense of their essence and use that knowledge when I’m deciding on which unique botanical remedies to formulate for them. That’s where my creativity shines. I thoroughly enjoy taking plants and foods and creating medicines with them; using my knowledge and expertise to help people heal. And it works.

I feel that taking risks is an absolute necessity when you are pursuing your dream career or your best life. Entrepreneurship does not come easily to most, and some risks must be taken in order to find success. I had to take the initial leap to move across the country to San Diego to pursue medical school, but I knew that I was pursuing a career that was my true calling. Yes, it was risky and very challenging, but looking back now, I can absolutely say that it paid off. I’m a doctor, after all!

What really drives me is the fact that I want to improve upon the current healthcare system. I want to create a healthcare model in which my patients feel heard and cared for. I want patients to feel like I spend enough time with them, I understand their concerns, and that they are active partners in their health and wellness journey. This means me becoming the doctor as teacher, educating my patients about how their bodies work and what they need to function optimally, as well as providing them with the means to do just that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a huge foodie so I’m always down to explore some new restaurants. Some of my favorites right now are Varuni Napoli for some of the best pizza EVER, TaKorea for a fun fusion take on tacos, no. 246 for amazing and locally sourced Italian food, J.R. Crickets for the best crispy wet lemon pepper wings, Tassili’s Raw Reality when you’re feeling healthy and still want a flavor-packed meal, and Mezcalito’s for great Mexican food. I have so many more but I’ll stop there, I could talk about food forever, lol.

If we’re talking hangouts and bars, Jack’s Pizza and Wings is a super fun dive with cheap drinks and heavy pours. When you’re trying to get ratchet, Encore is the place to be. You can also check out Koo Koo Room, Midtown Bowl, and my friendly neighborhood gay bar, Felix’s.

Atlanta has so much culture to explore. There’s the historic Auburn Avenue and The King

Center which exhibits some of our rich civil rights history. The High Museum of Art and the Botanical Garden are some of my favorite places to see creative pieces and have a fun day/evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you to my Creator, without whom nothing that I’ve accomplished would have been possible. To my parents, your never-ceasing support has meant the world to me. To my loving boyfriend Isaiah, thank you for being a source of strength and support throughout my medical school journey and beyond. A special appreciation to my mentors Dr. Maurice Werness, Dr. Michael Traub, Dr. Jonci Jensen, and Drs. Sean and Sarah Hesler of Naturopaths Without Borders; you all saw my passion for healing and helped to mold me into the healer that I am today. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without your support!

Website: https://www.naturallydrbree.com

Instagram: @dr.bree_naturally

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breana-davis-nd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBreeNaturally