1. What brought you to Portland?
The primary reason for our move to Portland was for me to pursue my medical studies at the National College of Natural Medicine. I clearly remember the first time we visited Portland in March, the temperatures were in the 50’s, there was a slight drizzle, and everything was green. My wife and I immediately fell in love with the city.
2. Why did you decide to become a naturopathic doctor?
My major influence in life that led me to become a physician was my grandmother. The image that I have of my grandmother is a person with a tremendous amount of generosity, human compassion, and selfless service to those in need. This is the model that I strive toward on a regular basis.
Although my grandmother was a conventionally-trained medical doctor, natural medicine was considered to be the traditional medicine and that was what she practiced in our native country of Moldova.
I distinctly remember hot-foot baths with mustard seeds, brief-sessions of herbal-infusions, paraffin-baths, hydrotherapy, and many other therapies that were part of a normal routine and medical treatment during my childhood years. These modalities were the standard for treating colds, flus, chronic pain, and more. As early as 12 years of age, one of my life-long dreams was to have a clinic that served many people on a daily basis that incorporated many of these modalities. This was a very positive experience in my life and I felt that I wanted to share that with others.
4. Tell me about your practice
My wife, Kendra Ward, is an acupuncturist, and we share the clinic together. We are a family treating other families. Our goal is to create a healthier world, one family at a time.
I work with people of all ages and stages of health and disease. When working with people, my role is to be their coach, their mentor, their teacher, their support, and their doctor. I have a strong interest in digestive/gastrointestinal health, autoimmune disorders, hormones, and women’s health. I mostly see people who have chronic conditions, and generally those people have seen numerous other doctors and healthcare providers, and they are still unwell.
5. Any advice for patients, Dr. Schwartzman?
Yes, health is a journey, it is a process, and there are no quick or instant-fixes. People who come in once or twice and say it did not work for them, are generally not ready to begin their journey towards improved health. Anyone with serious intentions about getting better is aware of the fact that it requires time, commitment, and willingness to participate. Those people who are motivated and willing to do the work generally benefit the most out of our treatments together.
My favorite place is Andina Restaurant in NW Portland. It offers a wonderful selection of Peruvian cuisine. The flavors are masterfully crafted together and the aromas create a sensation that I have traveled to Peru. The owner sometimes pays a surprise visit to the table and graciously welcomes you. I also love the fact that there is an additional menu that has a list of gluten-free choices, which makes this restaurant accessible to a larger audience. I highly recommend paying them a visit.
Please contact Dr. Igor Schwartzman at:
Whole Family Wellness Center 2920 SW Dolph Court, Suite 2 Portland, Oregon 97219
phone: 503.244.0500 web: www.wholefamilywellnesscenter.com email: info@wfwcenter.com