Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gianina Shek
Dr. Gianina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into medicine began at a young age. When I was 5, I was diagnosed with a mild form of epilepsy. Aside from occasional seizures, I played and learned like other healthy kids. However, I was put on anti-epileptic medication, and since there wasn’t much research at the time, I was often on new or trial medications, experiencing various side effects. I had many doctor visits and frequent trips to the hospital. During these visits, seeing other children facing even bigger challenges inspired me to dream of becoming a pediatrician. I feel so blessed that I fully recovered at 11 years old. I no longer rely on anti-epileptic medications, and my learning ability has significantly improved. This experience strengthened my resolve to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician.
I had always been pursuing a career as a doctor, but when I was about to submit my application to allopathic medical schools, my parents introduced me to naturopathic medicine. They suggested this path because of my experiences with medications and their side effects, which often did more harm than good for my situation. They believed I might struggle with following standard protocols as a conventional doctor. Discovering naturopathic medicine and its principles, particularly “do no harm,” resonated deeply with me and aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations. This is why I chose to become a naturopathic doctor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges as a naturopathic doctor is managing client’s expectations around the time it takes to see results. Unlike traditional medicine, which often relies on quick fixes to suppress symptoms, naturopathic medicine focuses on discovering and treating the root causes of illness. This approach requires patience, as significant changes don’t happen overnight.
Many of my clients, influenced by the fast results of Western medicine, expect quick improvements. I often spend a considerable amount of time educating parents about how the body needs time to heal. It can be stressful, especially when seeing patients struggle, such as children experiencing extreme itchiness from eczema at night. However, once we identify the root causes and triggers and make necessary changes to diet and lifestyle, along with other natural modalities, we start to notice improvements in health. Seeing these positive changes makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AlphaPed is a naturopathic practice that focuses on pediatric health, with a special emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, speech delays, and ADHD. Our mission is to support children and teenagers in achieving optimal health through holistic care that addresses the root causes of their health conditions.
At AlphaPed, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to health care. We don’t just focus on physical health; we also support families in making informed decisions about their child’s education. Recognizing the unique needs of homeschool families, we provide valuable resources to help care for children in a holistic manner. This includes guidance on creating supportive learning environments and integrating health-promoting practices into daily routines.
What sets AlphaPed apart is our commitment to working closely with families. We believe that understanding the family dynamic and involving parents in the care process is crucial to achieving the best outcomes for our young patients. Our personalized care plans are designed to meet each child’s specific needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective and comprehensive support possible.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Orange County is the incredible variety of cuisines available. The diverse food scene here offers a wonderful array of flavors and dishes from all around the world, making it a great place for food lovers to explore and enjoy different culinary experiences.
However, one aspect I find less favorable is the lack of sufficient support for families who choose alternative routes for their child’s health and education. While there are some resources available, I believe there is a significant need for more comprehensive support systems and communities that can assist families pursuing holistic health care and non-traditional educational paths for their children. This gap presents an opportunity for growth and improvement in our wonderful city.
Pricing:
- New Patient Pediatric Visit (45 minutes): $265
- Extended Follow-up with Lab Review (45 minutes):$225
- Standard Follow-up (30 minutes): $180
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alphaped.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gianshek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.gianshek/
