Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Serena Goldstein, Naturopathic Doctor.
Hi Dr. Goldstein, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began college as a psychology major/Japanese minor, as the latter I enjoyed and excelled in it in high school.
Unfortunately, it did not work out, but with a desire to have more in my schedule, a close friend said “Why don’t you go pre-med? You can do more for people.” Solely medication didn’t feel quite right, but it resonated with “more.”
That next semester, I joined a learning community to begin biology, and that’s when one of the teachers arranged a trip to visit a Naturopathic school. Seeing a type of education that focused on rapport with the patient, many more types of treatment (in addition to pharmaceuticals), and principles like “Doctor as a teacher” and “Healing with nature,” I fell in love. Not only would this provide so many ways to help people, but how the body could be explained even more deeply as a whole I found inspiring not only myself to learn, but eventually approach with curiosity and motivation to improve my own health as well.
In my early teenage years, healthwise, while curiosity in researching many aspects and theories in psychology helped provide clues to an on-going depression that surfaced after a gymnastics injury, they were also filled with Proactiv (for acne) and Midol (for menstrual cramps), which forwarded into gaining the freshman 15 in college, where I literally did not understand how one’s body could gain this much weight. I lost track of the number of diets and food games I tried, but the cycle felt never-ending. In second-year medical school, I put on 30 pounds (5 ft. frame) in one term, where it took enough stress and hormone imbalance for me to break out in hives in the middle of class and dash over to the clinic in tears.
Currently (about a decade later), I can say I’m happy with my body. Becoming more intuitively guided, figuring out which blend of diets works for me, categories and rotations of supplements that help provide healing, and incorporating various lifestyle practices and healthy routines to set the foundation. One of the biggest blessings, when I went through this, was realizing that I was equipped with the tools, mindset, and deep understanding of what was happening on a mental, emotional, and physical level.
Which is exactly what I take to my patients in practice! I see a variety of associated concerns beyond “just hormones,” and I’m all about the long-term approach and getting in touch with one’s body/intuition. Plus, my passion for spreading the word about Naturopathic (and natural) medicine has brought me opportunities like becoming an Advisory Board member of Natural Practitioner magazine, radio show appearances, multiple publications in research as well as popular sites (e.g. Shape, MindBodyGreen), and professional conference presentations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In health or practice?? Part joking… though some truth.
I think balance overall has been one of the hardest struggles, as while I found it easy to network, get my name out there, and find (or create) events, there still needs to be room for play, spending time outside (especially if you’re near water and nature), and getting together with those and/or communities that make you feel good about yourself.
Not quite so ironically, the same type of mindfulness, reflection, and asking questions whether to others or to myself of what would suit me best right now to help me visualize a big picture for a long-term plan for health, would be the same (or similar) questions I would ask myself throughout practice; for me as the doctor, CEO, and PR person.
All of this requires some sort of trust; not only from myself and my body such as along the healing path, but also trust and an intuitive knowing of who/where to go – which also goes along with honesty (especially when I’ve heard it expressed from many how they just ‘know’ they can feel better; I can help with that).
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Serena Goldstein, ND LLC?
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am always addressing the root cause of disease. This means that in addition to typically common risk factors, I will look for situations, emotions, how other organ systems tie into the concern, and even any genetic-related issue that could be contributing to (usually) more than one symptom/concern. Plus, we talk about different healing-related philosophies such as those from homeopathy to Chinese medicine.
I specialize in mostly hormone balance and weight concerns, as well as thyroid health, gut health, and mood support as it can be common for these to have some relationship in appearing together. Then, in addition to any bloodwork they have, I may recommend more specific tests, as well as research-based supplements (from nutrients to more energy-related), each customized per person in their own plan. We also talk a lot about diet from a place of how and what will work for them, and ways they can remain motivated and energized to create a more solid foundation of health and lifestyle for themselves.
I’m told I am known for my smile/energy. And that nearly every patient comments how they’ve never learned so much about their body until working with me.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to not only see the big picture of what’s needed, but how to break it down over time to provide more confidence and motivation to allow patience and balance in their own process. Plus, many tend to now enjoy exploring new knowledge of modalities or healing methods as maybe even part of their routine. Doctor as a teacher, as you will.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is when I created the phoenix rising as my logo. It includes one of my favorite colors (purple), though it’s also my belief that while health can inspire change, I have seen people change their lives and transform.
I am open to seeing patients on a one-to-one basis, as I am located in-person in Delray Beach, or virtual. The first step would be going to my website or Instagram and clicking the link to schedule a 20-minute phone call, where we talk about a plan that’s right for you. You’ll definitely want to stay connected as I also offer a free weekly newsletter, helpful handouts and videos, and some additional offerings that have already been incredibly helpful to others on their healing journey.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
In addition to competing gymnastics, I observed and learned from my coaches how to coach and motivate others. I wanted the same experience at my sleepaway camps both for myself and others, so I convinced two different places to build new facilities. It was soon a win-win situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drserenagoldstein.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drserenag
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drserenand
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drserenand
Image Credits
Carrie Roseman and John DeMato
