New Provider Claudia Dogan-Coles – Physician’s Assistant Starting Dec 2017

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE, WOMEN’S HEALTH, PRIMARY CARE – Works at BOTH 6035 SE MILWAUKIE AVE & 5736 NE Glisan Clinics

Primary Care Provider located in Portland, OR

Claudia Dogan-Coles works at both the MHW 6035 SE Milwaukie location (Tues and Wed) AND the 5736 NE Glisan St location (Thurs and Fri).

Claudia Dogan-Coles is a board certified Physician Assistant. Ms Dogan-Coles received both her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Claudia graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Claudia Dogan-Coles’ first position after graduating was in Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery. She became proficient in orthopedic examination as well as joint injection which is helpful is primary care.

Claudia Dogan-Coles believes that the key to providing excellent patient care is through communication and education. Claudia Dogan-Coles strives to develop long-term relationships with her patients. Claudia encourages them to be an active part of their healthcare decision making. Feeling trusting of, and comfortable with, your healthcare provider makes for the best patient-provider relationship. Claudia Dogan-Coles strives to maintain the relaxed and approachable demeanor.

Claudia Dogan-Coles recently moved to Oregon at the end of 2014 and enjoys the countless outdoor activities Oregon has to offer. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, yoga, horseback riding, pottery and salsa/Latin dancing. And staying true to her Wisconsin roots, she also loves the Green Bay Packers–go Pack go!

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

It is a new evolution in the practice of medicine where the underlying causes of the disease are addressed through a therapeutic partnership between the patient and practitioner. It is a treatment which is not based entirely on symptoms.

The health history of the patient is recorded, and the real cause of illness is then assessed through technologically advanced lab tests. To induce optimum health, Functional Medicine focuses on health coaching, correct use of supplements per a patient-specific nutritional plan. Food Detox, Gut Health, Hormones, Energy levels, cardio and metabolic activities are the main issues assessed during practical medicine sessions.

This practice is based entirely on natural treatments, and the practitioner and patient meet in a patient-comfortable, patient-friendly environment. This adds to the success of this method as the patient is not overwhelmed with the treatment plan. To learn more click here.

WESTERN MED

In the Western medicine practice followed till date, medication is prescribed from symptoms. This merely provides temporary symptomatic relief but does not fix the problem entirely; instead, it adds more complications in the form of side effects of chemical formulations used.

Functional medicine believes that symptoms are merely the tip of the iceberg and the chronic disability has deeper roots; hence the primary focus here is to look for the underlying cause. Extensive case study and research leads to the objects which trigger the symptoms and cause strife in the body.

The missing nutrients, healthy bacteria, and enzymes are added to the diet to remove the infections and allergies and balance the hormones to provide optimal health. Thus, in other words, Functional medicine ‘heals’ rather than ‘cures.’

WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Women’s health care is better addressed through the use of alternative medicine. Earlier the patients were not sure whether they were making the right choices, but Functional Medicine has ensured a sense of trust and women now feel and know there is a better way. Even we think we can help women better as far as women’s health care is concerned.

WHY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE?

Most women look with disdain towards the average women’s health care, but, are wary of alternative medicine. Since they are not sure of its results, they refrain from confiding in their Doctor even if they may be using alternate medication. Now, the use of integrative medicine or functional medicine has brought about a change in women’s health care, and many women are happy to be the agents of this change.

TIPS FOR PERSONAL SUCCESS

Take out some ‘me time.’ Get out of the hectic schedule, and practice being quiet. As little as ten minutes of calmness rejuvenates the physical, mental and emotional health. Deep breathing allows the mind to quieten and allows oxygen to reach each cell of the body healing it. This practice also helps to listen to the conscience.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE, COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE?

To understand the above terms entirely, let’s get some words straight.

CONVENTIONAL OR TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE

Conventional medicine does not focus on health and well being. It is symptom oriented; if you are sick of have hurt yourself you visit a doctor; a physician who ‘treats’ you by prescribing chemical-based formulations which bring relief from uneasiness and pain. This is what most of us have grown up with. Undoubtedly, this system has its advantages and has been working successfully ridding the world of diseases and infections. But, in today’s context, Prevention is the buzzword. You don’t have to fall sick. You cannot drop ill if you eat right, exercise and stay safe. Traditional doctors were trained to address disease and trauma but were not taught to advise their patient on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

ALTERNATIVE, NATURAL AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE

This form of medicine works on the person as a ‘whole’; taking into consideration not just a particular part of the body but all three –body, mind, and spirit – combined.

Here the focus is to decipher and correct the imbalances infecting the body that lead to the disease. Treatment is least invasive and done using naturally occurring foods which are quickly and gratefully accepted by the human body.

These nutrients and supplements render health enabling the body to resist and fight disease. Many leading health centers and hospitals now advocate alternative medicine.

INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Integrative medicine is destined to be the best healthcare system of the future; integrating the best of both, the western medicine and the alternative therapies.

Primary medical school around the US have now designed their curriculum including integrative medicine or functional medicine as a branch of study. This is also the guiding principle practiced at Merritt Health and Wellness.

WHY ISINTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH

Optimum health to all is the main motto and reason to introduce integrative medicine. Strong synergy obtained by the combination of traditional and alternative medicine can bring a significant transformation in health care.

Recent research showed that the average lifespan of an adult has increased, but the general health has deteriorated. Extensive and high usage of drugs has enhanced side effects which have made the quality of life miserable.

IN OTHER, WORDS MEDICINE MAYBE KEEPING US ALIVE LONGER, BUT WE AREN’T LOVING IT

At our center, we often come across women who seem to be ‘normal’ as per the medical tests and parameters, but we as well as they know that there is something not ‘quite right’ as far as general health is concerned. The disease has not manifested physically for everyone to see but there is an underlying state of being ‘unwell.’

Making minor changes in the diet plan and lifestyle have helped many a patient to bounce back to health. Conventional medicine is only useful in acute cases and in treating the sick, but it should not be used exclusively, it is better to integrate it with alternative therapies to avoid sickness entirely.

HOW DO I INTEGRATE MY HEALTHCARE

As people are becoming more aware and health conscious, visits to complementary or alternative practitioners are on the rise.

Merritt Health and Wellness center integrates these methods seamlessly, as we know that to get permanent results in health; integrative medicine is the best recourse.

FIND A PRACTIONER YOU CAN TALK TO

If you do not know about a reliable alternative therapy practitioner, it is advisable to get help and references from friends. Although some physicians may feel professionally threatened when the patient suggests a second opinion from another practitioner, one must give importance to health first rather than feel guilty about his doctor’s feelings of hurt.

IF YOU CANT FIND A PRACTIONER WHO WILL WORK WITH YOU ON AN INTEGRATIVE BASIS,GO ANYWAY

Health check-up and disease screening have its importance. One must not depend solely on self-diagnose till he/she finds an able practitioner.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

It is best advised not to ignore when your body gives signs of things not being right. Even when the tests are routine but your body indicates that things are not right, always discuss and look out for options. You are your best judge. Find out what works best for you. Adopt natural foods and natural line of treatment. Give alternate medicine time to set into your system.