I’m Dr. Ray Chao, a recent alumnus of National University of Health Sciences Florida. Because I wanted to practice a very well-rounded and comprehensive approach to health and wellness, I chose to complete the naturopathic, chiropractic and Chinese medicine programs.
I completed my doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Bastyr University, followed by an accredited Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) residency at Seattle Nature Cure Clinic under Masahiro Takakura, ND, PhD, DC, LAc. I then pursued my doctorate in chiropractic medicine at the National University of Health Sciences. Altogether, it took nine years to complete my education.
A rounded approach
One key influence of mine was my mentor, Masahiro Takakura, who instilled in me the principles and foundations of John Bastyr, DC, ND, when treating every patient. During my residency with him, I witnessed what I can only describe as miracles. His unwavering dedication to his patients and vast knowledge of many therapeutics and modalities was incredibly inspiring to me.
Pursuing three different professions also allowed me a deeper understanding of the philosophies of healing, as well as where they differ and complement each other. For example, naturopathic medicine places a strong emphasis on the Vis, the patient’s overall health and vital energy. In chiropractic and Chinese medicine, this concept is termed innate intelligence and qi, respectively. Integration of these philosophies allows me a unique perspective into the body, disease and the pathway to healing.
Another factor that drove my decision to complete three programs was a desire to bridge the gaps between these professions. Every field of medicine typically has its own professional organizations that seek to better the profession and community; however, they are often exclusive and don’t always have an emphasis on fostering collaboration with other medical providers. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of multi-disciplinary organizations and community outreach in the past, and it has always been a goal of mine to cultivate that habit to benefit patient care and the community.
The first year in practice
My first year of practice has allowed me to seamlessly incorporate my knowledge to provide a dynamic and individualized approach with my patients. I firmly believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, and I work with patients to uncover the root cause of their health concerns. My treatment approach is unique to the patient but routinely includes musculoskeletal manual therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and naturopathic dietary and lifestyle counseling. My holistic approach allows me to empower my patients with both knowledge and actionable steps toward better health.
Raymond Chao, DC, ND, MSAOM, LAc, is a licensed naturopathic physician, chiropractor and acupuncturist with advanced training in integrative and functional medicine. He earned his doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, and his doctorate in chiropractic medicine from National University of Health Sciences in Oldsmar, Florida.
