We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Alisha Bhatia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Alisha, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in raised in Portland, Oregon to a 16 year old single mom. While growing up, my mom worked her way through college. She explained that everyone was to go to college, and it was not an option to not go, so that was my reality. My mom also strongly encouraged me to become a lawyer or doctor. In high school, I joined the mock trail team, and after a court hearing experience, I decided law wasn’t for me. I then looked into medicine. However, intuitively I knew that a white coat and prescription pad wasn’t the answer for wellness. I was fortunate to take an “Intro to Pre-Med” class at PSU and was introduced to a Naturopathic Doctor, who was one of an array of various professionals who came to speak to us. She shared what medical philosophy was, that it was about treating the cause, the whole person, using the healing power of nature, focusing on prevention, and doctors actually teaching their patients, as well as honoring what all medical professions are to subscribe to, first due no harm. At her presentation she served tea, and needless to say, I fell in love with the medicine!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Naturopathic Medicine provides patients with more options than just a prescription medication.

We have core values that guide us, including:
1. First Do No Harm
2. The Healing Power of Nature
3. Treat the Cause
4. Treat the whole person
5. Doctor as Teacher
6. Prevention
 
Patients can access natural medicine, even alongside conventional/traditional medicine. As a licensed doctor, I sit with patients on their first visit for at least one hour, to have a full understanding of their health, past history, and give them a plan to help them achieve their goals, including getting lab work, and referrals to other specialties if needed. I view health as our greatest wealth, and unfortunately the mainstream medical model doesn’t yield the best outcome. My passion to help educate, enhance, and empower patients to live the best life they can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Temecula Valley is beautiful, we would start of in Wine Country and enjoy a glass of red wine and the scenery. We may choose to indulge in a massage at Pechanga’s spa, then head over to Old Town to enjoy some food and music. It’d be fun to get into the Apparition Room, as a little throw back in time. A day trip to Encinitas to enjoy the beach and a down to earth meal at Lotus Cafe, followed by strolling the streets and enjoying some window shopping. Perhaps a hike in Idyllwild on another day, or a hot air balloon ride.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m grateful to my mom for instilling higher education as a foundation, not as an option. To the amazing doctor who came to PSU in 2000, while I regretfully don’t have your name, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating your time to share Naturopathic Medicine with the community, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have the amazing fortune to be doing work that I’m passionate about. Professional Women’s Roundtable is a local group that has been encouraging and supportive, as well as someone I’m blessed to now call a friend, Nicole Albrecht. She helped educate my about financial health, as she donates her time to teach Financial Peace University. This curriculum is developed by Dave Ramsey and promotes getting out of debt, yes even with student loans, as fast as possible. One of my favorite books that transformed my life, was The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, which premieres as movie December 12, 2020.

Website: www.DrAlishaND.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralishand/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAlishaND/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alisha-bhatia-nd-temecula-2
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdujDn1tMpTEAuDBydBG1g

Image Credits
Robin Bigge Byrd Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.