Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. SG Gettman, ND.
Hi Dr. SG, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised on the East Coast, and I had a strong interest in art as a young person. As a result, I pursued art in college, earning both a BFA in Fine Art and an MAT in Art Education. I spent a handful of years as an outdoor educator and art teacher throughout the US. On one particularly bitterly cold fall day, I stood in my doorway greeting students when a beloved kindergartener announced she couldn’t participate in art class that day. When I inquired more, she opened her mouth to reveal a massive visible cavity.
A few months prior, I had gotten into remission from Chronic Lyme Disease after many years of pain and fatigue. When that moment happened with my student, the external world grew quiet. It felt like a clichéd cinematic moment where everything I had been navigating in my personal life had collided with my professional life. I realized that my biggest impact might not be in the classroom, but rather in healthcare. I saw so clearly that this little girl’s tooth concerns and not having her full health and vitality were preventing her from doing the things she loved.
As a result of that moment, I began working on my prerequisite courses to apply to naturopathic medical school and was accepted later that year. I moved to Arizona and spent five years in naturopathic medical school, absorbing as much knowledge as I could. I love art and continued to teach ceramics throughout medical school; I will always be grateful for the ways it allows people to express themselves and heal from difficult things.
After graduation, I took and passed my board exams, and while I was waiting for my license to come through, I went on a three-month solo backpacking trip through the national parks. When I returned from that trip, I started my private practice, where I now see individuals who have been dismissed or gaslit by the conventional medical system.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not, and as much as we may not like it, hard times can build resilience.
Naturopathic medical school is incredibly rigorous. What many folks don’t realize is that, in addition to learning conventional treatments, we also learn naturopathic modalities, such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, and others, and dedicate a significant amount of time to nutrition.
Personally, my mother passed away from brain cancer right before my first set of board exams. Walking through grief and doing school at the same time is not for the faint of heart. And yet, my experience navigating that difficult time has given me the wisdom, hope, and ability to share and sit with my patients in their equally challenging times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I’m focused on seeing women and queer folks who’ve been dismissed, not believed, gaslit, or told that their symptoms are “just stress” or “a part of getting older.” The majority of my patients have autoimmune conditions, burnout, chronic illnesses, high levels of fatigue, or a general sense that something is wrong, even if they don’t know what exactly. Many are frustrated with short visit times, are seeking natural treatment options, or are looking for clearer insights into the causes of their symptoms.
All of my new patient visits are ninety minutes long, which gives us a lot of time to dive into your story, what you’ve tried, and truly go digging for answers. In my practice, I’m particularly interested in understanding all the factors that may influence my patients’ health, not only their physical symptoms but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. The way I approach my patients’ cases is exactly the same way I look at art: with intentionality, keen awareness to detail, and a true understanding of the bigger picture, which helps me guide them toward their goals and optimal health.
Treatment-wise, I craft holistic and comprehensive treatment plans that may include diet and lifestyle changes, natural supplementation, homeopathy, gemstone therapy, acupuncture, and pharmaceutical medications when necessary. I often say that I’m just as likely to recommend people write a “things that spark joy” list as I am to recommend a multivitamin.
Having healed a chronic condition myself, I have such a strong belief in the body’s ability to heal if given the right conditions. My goal is to provide healthcare that not only helps the physical body feel less aches, pains, and fatigue but also allows my patients to feel vibrant and vital, enabling them to go out, achieve their goals, serve their communities, and lead their happiest, healthiest, and most fulfilling glittery and sequinned-filled lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
So many things! I love this life so much! Professionally, it brings me immense joy to watch my patients heal and go on to live their happiest, healthiest, and most aligned lives. Personally, I find a lot of joy and happiness in spending time with friends, painting, hiking, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Pricing:
- New Patient Visit- $340
- Follow-up Visit- $245
- I do not accept insurance but am happy to provide a superbill if you have out-of-network benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summersunintegrative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_gettman
- Other: https://drgettman.substack.com/
Image Credits
Sierra Kneller (Cap & gown photo)
