About Dr. Ralph Wilson & Natural Connections Healthcare

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine -- Lobby Flyer & Essay [PDF]

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My Training and Experiences in Healthcare:

I am a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and a member of Mensa. I apply my skills to help the cause of world healing. My traditional training began in the University of Michigan Medical School in 1970, toward the M.D. degree. After completing a year I chose to go on what became a personal healing journey, discovering ways to integrate western medicine with other approaches to healthy living and health improvement. The keys to my own health improvement were: A) recognizing and treating toxic dental conditions, and, B) experiencing Homeopathy and “Integrative Medicine” approaches to remove restrictions to healthy function. I have trained with medical doctors, naturopaths, psychotherapists, shamans and others. My associations with natural medicine practitioners and doctors trained in western medicine helps me to create programs that integrate the best of both worlds. I am licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in Washington DC. This web site can give only a portion of the many studies, trainings and exposures I have had to mainstream Science as well as Complementary and Alternative Medicine approaches. 

Why I am proud to be practicing in Washington DC. What Service To Nation means:

My father was born in Georgetown University Hospital while his father was at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History doing research into the Crinoidea flexibilia (which he hoped would prove to be the "missing link" between plant and animal). My grandfather and both of my parents were dedicated to science and nature; my mother was the nurse who applied science to the practical art of healing; my father after fighting in WWII as a tailgunner in a B-17 based in Australia then earned a masters degree in animal biology and became a game biologist (Conservation Officer) and later a high school science teacher. When I was young I wanted to go into Space (here are a few pictures, including the autograph of an astronaut I met). While at the US Air Force Academy I was proud to attend inter-service training in 1968 and attended Army Airborne training at Ft. Benning, and went through jungle training in Panama -- it was sobering to know that the Army soldiers and Navy Seals with whom I trained at that time were going to be assigned to Vietnam and other locations when they finished training, while I was going to have time on leave with my family and then return to the safety of USAFA in Colorado.

Science and Spirituality: At this time in my life it is energizing to me to be giving to others from the rich background of knowledge and experience that I continue to develop while based in Washington DC. Our nation was founded in a time that held tremendous potential for humanity; the United States of America continues to provide a productive ground of creativity that will enrich science as it serves society in general: see book description and NPR audio interview on the book: The Invention of Air: A story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America. I support people in their choice of faith or philosophy.

NOTE: February 2011 -- I had a deeply moving experience at the Warrior Resilience Conference, held hear the Pentagon. Its focus was on preparing military members for the shocks and traumas of active service including combat, and preparing to support them during and after their active service including the effects of various stresses and injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injury. Here are some pictures and other information on Trauma Resources.

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My philosophy of practice includes integrating both physical and energy based ways of understanding life and health care. This includes physical medicine and laboratory testing as well as Acupuncture theory, Mind-Body techniques, Homeopathy and supportive therapies. [Added June 2011: Patient empowerment is key, FlexAware® certification leads to new ways to help unlock the Vis medicatrix naturae.]   See: Laboratory Testing |  AcuGraph | Homeopathy | Autonomic Science | The Invention of Air | The Vis medicatrix naturae

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--Graduated from Bastyr University, Seattle Washington, with the degree conferred being Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. This university teaches scientific naturopathy, based on the principles of science and trusting in the "Vis Medicatrix Naturae":  the healing power of nature.

This four-year program includes: Gross anatomy; Physiology; Biochemistry; Histology; Embryology; Pathology; Immunology; Rheumatology; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Neurology; Geriatrics; Pediatrics; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Urology; Orthopedics; Oncology; Pharmacology; Clinical Ecology; Radiographic Interpretation; Physical/Clinical Diagnosis; Minor Surgery; Medical Procedures; Jurisprudence; Botanical Medicine; Homeopathy; Addictions & Disorders; Psychological Assessment; Naturopathic Counseling; Diet and Nutrient Therapy; Fundamentals of TCM, Ayurvedic Medicine; Hydrotherapy; Naturopathic Manipulation; Clinical Rotations, and more. Honors work in Counseling and Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

Note: The elective in Iridology and guest presentations on Rayid neuro-emotional assessment of "body microcircuits" were particularly enlightening. [more] [download flyer]

Unique Coursework and Experiences:  Click here

Internship and Residency:  During the four years of education we had extensive time observing and assisting licensed naturopathic physicians in patient care. Clinical practice under supervision of licensed N.D.s has been integrated into the final two years of education and there is a flavor of the internship experience during this time. At the time of my graduation there was no program for moving into additional intern and residency situations. I was able, however, to have significant experiences in group clinics: 

--- New Health Medical Center, Edmonds, WA. Dr. Richard Kitaeff, N.D., Lic. Acup. 

--- AYU Natural Medicine Clinic, Seattle, WA. Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, M.D. (Ayu, India)

--M.S. Acupuncture: Graduated from Bastyr University

--Studied Acupuncture in China

--Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences: with a Major in Oriental Medicine  conferred by Bastyr University

--Spirituality, Health & Medicine: Graduate level certificate program at Basty University, in which students earned from a wide variety of natural medicine and spiritual/religious teachers.

--Adjunct Faculty teaching experience at Bastyr University: Physical examination; clinical laboratory techniques.

--Training w/American Academy of Neural Therapy (ART, AET, PK, APN, etc.). There, I met Dr. McClure of NIHA

--Coursework toward the Doctor of Integrative Medicine diploma, Capital University of Integrative Medicine (this was not completed; the school is disbanded and may reorganize).

Recent Selected Continuing Education Events:  Click here

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Current Clinical Practice: [see Location]

Washington Institute of Natural Medicine, Washington, DC.

Also: Support for Biological Dentistry -- National Integrated Health Associates, Washington DC

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Referral Resources and Supportive Affiliations: Click here

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Member:  [clicking on a link will open a new window]

The Academy of Functional Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology

FlexAware^®  Certified Teacher: Fitness and Neurological rehab

International Association for Biologically Closed Electric Circuits in Medicine and Biology: IABC. Formed in 1993 by Bjorn Nordenstrom, M.D.

Bioenergetic Research Institute: Nutri-Energetic Systems technology [NES]

Synaptic Connections: Brain health support. Board of Directors.

Iridology International: Board of Directors 

Not Currently Dues-Paying Member: [clicking on the link will open a new window]

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

American Association of Pastoral Counselors I joined to honor the intimate association of body, mind and spirit and the need to serve each patient with respect for their preference for religion or philosophy.

Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians

National Capital Lyme Support Group

Center for Frontier Sciences [Their Links page has interesting connections.]

Institute of Noetic Sciences  

International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine

Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology  

International Iridology Practitioners Association

DC Area Guild of Body Psychotherapists

Mensa.

I support ACEP: the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology

Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology  

I support the pioneering work of ACEP in informing the mental health community of important tools for accessing deep mental and emotional processes. Their careful development over recent years has been inspiring. Note: When you visit the ACEP web site please be aware that they are in the early stages of perceiving the importance of body energies that were originally studied by the doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ACEP members were originally members of the western psychology field who are now trying to stand in both camps. Please do not rely solely on the practitioners you may encounter after visiting their web site. I and my network of practitioners can deliver a much more robust program of individualized care than can their members. Still, I do appreciate them for their boldness in developing the work as far as they understand it.

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