Major personal events can be agents of change. Jan Patterson, M.D., candidly reflects on how her own cancer diagnosis —  shortly after her son’s suicide —  implored her to find inner strength and alternatives to augment her traditional Western medicine background. 

As a result, Dr. Patterson (an infectious disease and integrative medicine specialist) began to explore and embrace holistic remedies like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils to help balance and heal both her patients — and herself.

With a 30-year career as a physician and teacher, Dr. Patterson, co-author of the book Breath for the Soul: Self Care Steps to Wellness, focuses on how we can have agency in our health.
 
A key takeaway: Combining both Western and Eastern modalities emphasize disease prevention and stress reduction and benefit one’s physical and mental health. 

We feature a heartfelt discussion on maternal grief and guilt, having tough conversations with your children, and incorporating self-care into your life — stat!

This episode of SheVentures will explore new healing methods that can help not only your physical well-being but your mental health, too!

• What sparked Dr. Patterson’s interest in becoming an infectious diseases doctor? 
• How did Dr. Patterson’s interest in holistic medicine expand after she lost her son to suicide?
• Dr. Patterson’s fellowship at the University of Arizona allowed her to learn more about non-traditional healing methods like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils.
• What is Dr. Patterson’s biggest tip to being there for your children and those dealing with grief around you?
• How faith, friends, integrative medicine, and meaningful work helped Dr. Patterson in her healing journey.
• Despite a constant emphasis on traditional medicine, there is plenty of evidence for using non-traditional healing methods.
• How a cancer diagnosis shortly after her son’s suicide pushed Dr. Patterson to examine her life and focus on what had the most meaning
• The silver lining of life pivots 
• How to forgive yourself and address misplaced guilt
• Dr. Patterson reflects on her greatest wins — including her two sons, her contribution to improved healthcare, and her implementation of integrative medicine at the hospital, in her practice, and in her life.
• Dr. Patterson tells listeners simple preventative techniques they could implement in their lives today!