Meet Dr. Jessica Parker

We recently connected with Dr. Jessica Parker and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jessica, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Despite persisting imposter syndrome, I’ve managed to overcome the majority of its challenges by remaining devoted to my passion. Wholeheartedly immersed in what I do, I find immense joy in not only pursuing my interests but also in inspiring others to join my field. My commitment extends to uplifting my colleagues, even those I may view as competitors, as I believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within our shared professional realm.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
With over 13 years of experience as an Eastern medicine doctor, I integrated Functional Medicine into my practice after earning my DAOM in 2016. Embracing an approach rooted in integrative medicine, I had a unique experience during my doctorate program at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. Working across five branches, our program stood out as we collaborated closely with Western medical residents, shadowing department heads alongside MD residents.

This experience highlighted to me the deficiencies in our Western medical system, emphasizing a noticeable imbalance in medical education. My observation was that the emphasis often leans towards disease management rather than genuine healthcare. I refer to MDs as “disease managers” or “complication managers,” acknowledging their proficiency in handling diseases and emergencies. However, I believe it’s essential to recognize that this isn’t synonymous with comprehensive healthcare.

I’d also spent a year in China during my undergrad before I was interested in learning more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I spent a year living in Hangzhou, China, and this experience provided to me as a patient the integrative and collective treatment that most Chinese hospitals provide. The acupuncturists work in the hospitals on the same floors as the other doctors. The pharmacy is massive with 90% Chinese herb and western drugs on the side.
and I just loved it. That is what set the gear in motion for me to move forward into learning more about Eastern medicine and acupuncture. as truly collaborative healthcare provider.

I’m on the verge of introducing several new courses designed to empower both acupuncturists and individuals without acupuncture backgrounds to confidently grasp the holistic perspective of understanding lab work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Employed in a bustling hair salon in the vibrant city of San Francisco, I gained valuable experience navigating the fast-paced service market. Simultaneously, my commitment to community service has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth. Volunteering extensively has been a priority for me, contributing not only to my community but also fostering my own development.

Having worked in both the non-profit and for-profit healthcare sectors, my perspective on the healthcare system has undergone a significant transformation. These experiences have shaped and broadened my outlook, providing insights into the complexities and dynamics of our healthcare landscape.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Spirit of the Blood by Randine Lewis

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Image Credits
All photos by Alyssa Keys Photography https://alyssakeys.com/

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