Daily Press Writer
MONTROSE — Dr. Judith Boice’s curiosity for both science and spirituality, coupled with her creativity, have led to her career as a naturopathic physician and author.
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“I have a real passion for writing,” she said. “I wanted to address one of life’s major transitions. The female has many transitions in life from that of an adolescent into an adult and then again into her elder years. These can be very potent times and many re-evaluate their lives and positions. Health is a major piece of their landscape. I am interested in the science which underlies the body’s change but I am also very interested in the more soulful aspects of our lives.”
Boice moved to Montrose in 2001 from Portland, Ore., seeking “drier weather.” She first heard of the area through a friend who had extended family in the area.
Boice graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland six years after earning a bachelor’s degree in violin performance and environmental studies from Oberlin College. She decided after attending college she needed to get real life experience and see what the world had to offer.
“I realized I needed to have some other forms of education,” she said. “I took six years off and lived and worked. It was really important for me. I think those experiences made me a much better doctor. I saw the different ways cultures do things and it gave me a great perspective.”
During her educational-break, Boice traveled and worked in Scotland, Europe, India and Australia.
While working in Australia, she helped document the plight of aboriginal tribes and land infringement by mining companies. It was experiences like these that ultimately led her into naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic medicine addresses the improvement of overall health and looks at the body as one organism, Boice explained. Conventional medicine techniques are more focused and address parts of the body singularly. Naturopathy draws on several modalities from cultures world wide such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy and herbs in addition to traditional drugs, she added.
“I work with natural therapeutics, homeopathy and conventional medical training,” Boice said. “The body is a living organism and it has innate capacities to heal. I work to find the best solution without overriding the natural process. I look for the root of the condition.”
Naturopathic medicine started in the United States in the early 1900s and is recognized by licensing procedures in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Independent groups are lobbying Colorado legislators to license and recognize naturopathic physicians.
“Naturopathic philosophies are almost like those of the pioneers. In order to be recognized by the state, we need more naturopathic physicians to move here,” she said. “In the last 10 years, the issue has gone before the legislature three times. Each time we get closer.”
Boice also has a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. The state of Colorado does recognize acupuncture as a medical modality and requires licensure for those performing acupuncture procedures.
“I work collaboratively with conventional physicians in the area,” she said. “Conventional medicine has its definite benefits too. I work with the patient and other physicians so the patient has the best of both worlds. I like to work as a bridge to bring the best results.”
Boice, who is also a single mother of twin 6-year-old boys, located her office on her property so she can be as close as possible to her children. She sees between 40 and 50 patients a week. She also has an office in Grand Junction and has patients travel as far as Rifle to see her.
“I get referrals from conventional physicians for patients in auto accidents and chronic diseases,” Boice stated. “A lot of my patients are looking for other options.” In addition to her medical practice, Boice has published several medical articles, toured the country lecturing on various medical issues and penned an online educational program for Barnes and Noble. A lot of her research has focused on menopause and she would like to write additional books on hormones and the female body addressed through both science and spirituality.
“My deepest passion is to serve my community,” she said. “I have a tremendous creative drive and by writing it allows me address topics in further depth. Writing feeds a desire that a medical practice does not.”
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