About Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM
What makes Dawn Potter unique?
She...
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is Nationally Board-Certified in Chinese herbology in addition to acupuncture.
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has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1997, and often incorporates manual therapy techniques into her patient treatments.
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spends time with patients: up to 60 minutes for the first visit and 20-30 minutes face-time for follow-up treatments, which allows for high-quality, individualized care.
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has a working knowledge of many Western and functional medicine concepts and considers both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches in her treatment strategies.
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may order blood tests or analysis of stool, urine, saliva or hair, when indicated.
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has relationships with other local qualified health care professionals, to refer patients out when needed.
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is trained in drug-herb interaction, therefore is knowledgeable about which medications may be combined with herbs or not.
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is personally available for patient questions. She often engages in e-mail dialogue with patients, sending educational materials and research information relevant to their condition or treatment.
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maintains a comprehensive on-site herbal pharmacy that contains no endangered species and is comprised of American-based brands which are GMP-certified and 3rd party tested.
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carries liquid pediatric formulas that are tailored to the needs of children.
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may be available for home visits. (Please call for availability).
Education & Licenses
Dawn Potter (formerly Dawn Balusik) graduated from the East-West College of Natural Medicine (Sarasota, FL) with a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine (2004). She also graduated with honors from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science (1996) and from the Crystal Mountain Institute for Massage Therapy in New Mexico (1997).
In the State of Florida, Dawn is licensed as an Acupuncture Physician (ap1972) and Massage Therapist (ma36601). In Rhode Island she is a Licensed Doctor of Acupuncture (da265).
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Dawn is a Nationally Board-Certified Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This designation is the highest attainable national certification in the profession, and demonstrates proficiency in acupuncture, Chinese
herbal medicine, and an understanding of many Western (biomedicine) key concepts. This infuses her practice with a unique complementary-based style.
Dawn is committed to continually furthering her knowledge through classes, seminars, reading and research. Her special areas of focus are in the fields of fertility; gynecological conditions; endometriosis; musculo-skeletal pain; whole-food nutrition; and cancer support, including certification in Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
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Associations & Affiliations
Golden Key National Honor Society
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Florida State Oriental Medical Association
Publications
Dawn has published numerous articles in various health magazines. These are now found in her Blog.
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Personal Statement
I’ve had interest in natural health since 1990. In that time I’ve extensively studied many topics related to the subject. This eventually led to schooling, certification and licensing in Acupressure Massage (1996), Massage Therapy (1997) and then Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture & Chinese Herbology (2004).
The beauty, power and grace of natural medicine never cease to strike me with awe. Every day, the simple and subtle become profound, and every day I am grateful for the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives with the inherent wisdom of natural health care.
My passion is to see people get truly well and healthy; not merely free of symptoms. The term “doctor” originally meant “teacher”; I regularly educate and encourage patients to be proactive in their healthcare with proper nutrition, self-care, lifestyle, and stress reduction.
Having lived in Ohio, California and New Mexico, I now live in Palm Harbor, FL with my 2 cats, Eli & Gideon. Besides natural medicine, my interests include yoga, reading, meditation, writing, connecting with nature, spiritual development, and playing with healthy recipes in the kitchen with my partner, Juan.
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