Daily Inspiration: Meet Beth DuPree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth DuPree. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the seventh of seven children born to amazing parents where I was taught that the only limitations, I have in life are those I place on myself. A surgeon by education, I am a healer to my core! I transitioned my primary breast care practice to Sedona Arizona in September 2017. I had thirty-five years of expertise and passion to Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona where she led a fully integrative breast cancer program that has received NAPBC (National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers) designation in December of 2019. Sedona has long been her favorite place on the planet since visiting on vacation in 2001 on a trip to the Grand Canyon. 

I was Vice President of Holy Redeemer Health System in Huntingdon Valley PA overseeing Surgical Services, Women’s Health, Employee Wellness, and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. I held an academic appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery at The University of Pennsylvania. training young breast surgical oncologists. I have been a breast surgeon who embraces Eastern-healing philosophies yet remain on the cutting edge of Western medical technologies. I graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a BA and BS in The History and Philosophy of Science and Behavioral Neuroscience, in 1987 I graduated from Hahnemann University (Drexel) School of Medicine. 

I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and I am board certified in Surgery as well as Integrative Medicine. I have humbly received of numerous awards, achievements and serves on the advisory boards for several breast cancer organizations. I live by my favorite quote “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi), and inspire my patients, colleagues, and acquaintances to be the change. 

In 2007 I founded The Healing Consciousness Foundation that provides healing/ integrative services free of charge to women and men on their breast cancer journey. I am the author of “The Healing Consciousness: A Doctor’s Journey to Healing” and in the process of publishing “Shifting GEARS: Living Life with Intention”. I am a Reiki Master, national and international physician educator, inspirational Speaker, pilot, philanthropist, health, and wellness enthusiast, and a loving wife of 35 years and mother of two amazing adult sons. 

I am proud to have been named to Philadelphia Magazine’s 2016 and 2017 TOP DOCS in surgery and Complementary Medicine! Bringing Eastern and Western medicine together for the individuals’ highest healing intention is her passion and mission. I was voted by my peers as Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Physician of the Year for Verde Valley Medical Center 2020. 

In 2021 I am transitioning from my full-time breast cancer surgical career to focus on mental health, wellness, and alternatives for pain management. I will complete my training with a Certificate in Psychedelic Therapy and Research and plan to explore all opportunities to help patients heal. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The loss of my only brother (27) to an underage drunk driver when I was 17 and a senior in high school. 

Sexual harassment and bullying in medical school and residency training programs in the 80’s before the “me to” movement. These life lessons forced me to become tough, stand up for myself of grow thick skin and a take no prisoner attitude, 

2008 economic crisis forced the closure in 2009 of a breast care hospital that I help create in 2006. 

Becoming one of the early surgeons board-certified in integrative medicine. 

Being an outsider in a health system that is medically isolated and resistant to change. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a “healer” that chose medicine as my profession. I am technically gifted as a breast cancer surgeon but that is not why my patients chose me to care for them. I have prided myself on creating a healing bond and energetic connection that is palpable far outside of the operating room. 

It is this focus on healing that led to creating The Healing Consciousness Foundation to provide my patients with the healing services they desperately need on their journey. Too many patients suffer with PTSD, depression, and anxiety before their diagnosis and it is often worsened with a cancer journey. 

The desire to guide true healing and creating peace in my patient’s hearts has led me to shift my focus to working in the mental health space. I am working with several startup companies including transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation device for generalized wellness, a non-pharmacologic patch to treat chronic discomfort and clinics to utilize Ketamine therapy for depression. 

I am also spearheading clinical trials utilizing psilocybin in early-stage breast cancer patients to treat PTSD and depression. 

I take risks in life based upon what I feel I can gain on change not what I fear I may lose. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Making the world better each and every day. Our health is our greatest of wealth and the mental health of our society has to become a priority. COVID has made a bad mental health situation worse and I fell I can be part of the CHANGE. 

Creating quality experiences and making time for my family, my self and close personal friends is a priority. 

Contact Info:

• Email: dupreehealingdoc@aol.com
• Website: www.drbethdupree.com
• Instagram: @drbethdupree
• Facebook: @drbethdupree
• Twitter: @drbethdupree
• Youtube: @drbethdupree
• Other: www.hcfsedona.org

Image Credits
Dean W DuPree
Nico Barazza