Check Out Sarah Trahan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Trahan.

Hi Dr. Trahan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Cajun country in Southeast Louisiana. I spent a lot of my time at the barn growing up. I was blessed to be able to ride horses often and compete at local show jumping competitions. I also spent a fair amount of time at silent retreats in upstate New York, practicing meditation and yoga with my family. Early exposure to Eastern meditation and yoga influenced how I think about the mind, body, health, and my purpose in the world.  

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans and then took a year off before pursuing my doctorate. In that year, I took some classes at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, earned my certificate as a yoga teacher, and took a leap of faith to build a tiny house on wheels that I could take to medical school to live in. Once I got accepted into the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM), me and my tiny house, named Mathilda after my late grandmother, moved to Phoenix, Arizona to complete my degree. After graduating from medical school and passing boards, I started my residency at the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine under the tutelage of Klee Bethel, M.D. where I was trained in integrative pain management and regenerative medicine. I currently work with medical students to help with their clinical training at SCNM and my practice focuses on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain as well as neuropathy and aesthetics. I utilize amnion/umbilical cord products, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma as well as nutrition, therapeutic exercises, American and Chinese herbs, acupuncture with great success.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It is never a smooth road, but that is what allows for adaptation, opportunities, and growth. Imposter syndrome is one of my biggest struggles, especially in a male-dominated field, such as pain management. Being away from my family is also a heart-wrenching struggle, especially when there is death, sickness, and loneliness on either end. Even the celebrated successes are hard without my mom, siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. I have found a great community in Arizona I call my family and that has been a blessing. The landscape here makes it a place to love too.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a naturopathic physician, I was trained in individualized, preventative medicine in a healthcare system that is known for more band-aid approaches to health. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers. We are able to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions using modern treatments in combination with the wisdom of nature. Our unique training allows us to use modalities that promote the body’s natural healing processes and individualize care plans for clients and patient’s unique goals using both Western and Eastern medical traditions. 

My post-graduate training as a resident is also unique from other programs. The residency program I will graduate from in April 2021 is hosted by SCNM and the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine and is the only nationally-accredited, two year residency program in regenerative medicine. Through this residency, I have gained the knowledge and skills to offer the best options in regenerative medicine. Additionally, I have also worked with Dr. James Adams, Ph.D. to investigate the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection and severity. My experience in research has provided great insight into my patient care and given more scientific support for the role of preventative medicine in healthcare. 

What’s next?
I’ve been taught to take each day at a time, so that is what I am doing. I love learning so I will continue to seek to expand my knowledge. I want to start traveling again. Growing up, my father was able to take me to so many places and I really gained some insight into seeing other cultures. I would also like to continue providing medical care with Naturopaths Without Borders to underserved communities in Mexico and Thailand. 

Professionally, I would like to continue teaching medical students regenerative and preventative medicine at the SCNM as well as teaching patients how to live and move better in their bodies and help prevent pain and disability. I would also love to help change the scope of practice for naturopath physicians in Louisiana so that I can offer the type of healthcare that is preventative and proactive to the community in Southeast Louisiana.

Contact Info:

• Email: sjitrahan@gmail.com
• Website: https://drsarahtrahan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_trahan/

Image Credits:
Janet Zhou-Wilt took the headshot.
Sarah Trahan – me putting on my surgical mask.
Andree Lamke – photo of me in a white coat.
Dr. Carlblom – photo of me and the young girl.