About Natura Medica

Natura Medica has been providing naturopathic medical care to the greater Shoreline community for over 20 years. Founded in 1988 when the concept of alternative medicine was just entering the health care system, Deirdre J. O'Connor, ND pioneered the creation of comprehensive natural healthcare. In addition to caring for thousands of individual patients over the past 20 years, our physicians have served as a reliable community resource for information on natural healthcare by lecturing on a variety of health related topics.

These are exciting as well as uncertain times in the world of healthcare as scientific advances in the understanding of what keeps us healthy meet the evolving economics of healthcare delivery. Natura Medica remains dedicated to providing our community with the highest quality, trustworthy and common sense approach to healthcare and teaching our patients the art of healthy living.

Deirdre J. O'Connor, ND

Dr. Deirdre O'Connor is the founder and clinical director of Natura Medica. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in 1985 from Bastyr University and has been in private practice for over 25 years. She is a current member and past Board of Directors member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Connecticut Association of Naturopathic Physicans and the Rhode Island Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Because she believes that health education is an important component of a healthier health care system care, she has lectured both locally and nationally on numerous natural health topics.

Dr. O'Connor practices in accordance to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health which states: "Health is a state of complete physical, emotional, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

"I enjoy practicing primary care naturopathic medicine because it gives me so many opportunities to help create positive changes in a patient's health. I am committed to helping others experience a greater sense of well-being and enjoyment in their lives."

In addition to using clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and homeopathy, she emphasizes a preventative approach to health care by empowering her patients to live healthier lives. She teaches each of her patients how changes in their diet, exercise patterns and emotional responses can have positive effects on their health.

Outside of medicine, Dr. O'Connor enjoys hiking, medicinal botany, cross-country skiing and gardening. She believes that her good health and vitality are a direct result of her relationship with nature.

Anne Procyk, ND

Dr. Anne Procyk provides holistic family healthcare to people of all ages, bringing a scientific background and dedication to the art of healing to her general naturopathic and homeopathic practice at Natura Medica since 2004. She graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2000, and expanded her study of homeopathy at the New England Institute of Homeopathy in 2002. Prior to attending medical school, she graduated from Carleton College with degrees in chemistry and medical ethics. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association.

"I believe that naturopathic medicine serves as the best primary care medicine. Not only do naturopathic and homeopathic medicines cure disease more deeply and completely, without the side effects of many other more invasive therapies, when health maintenance is addressed in a holistic and preventive way, people live healthier, happier, more productive lives. It is the role of the doctor not only to guide people out of health problems, but to teach people how to avoid health issues that inhibit full experience and enjoyment of life. And because naturopathic physicians analyze each person individually, naturopathic care integrates seamlessly with all other forms of medicine benefiting the person." Patients in her practice can expect to receive the highest quality individualized care to help them optimize their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Dr. Procyk also focuses her life on living sustainably, both ecologically as well as socially. She finds joy and renewal in the wild places on this earth, particularly the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, as well as wellsprings of human spirit like New York City. Backpacking, skiing (in every form), and bicycling keep her able to enjoy lots (and lots!) of locally grown organic food!

Daniel Hartman, MD

Dr. Daniel Hartman specializes in the practice of Classical Homeopathy.

Dr. Hartman received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1985, and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent Hospital (Worcester, MA) in 1988. His pursuance of Homeopathy began in earnest in the mid 1990's after attending a Harvard Medical school conference on Alternative Medicine.

"My first formal exposure to Homeopathy was truly eye-opening. The philosophies of homeopathic healing very closely matched my own. Namely, that healing must come from within. That the mind and body must strengthen itself to become free of disease. Homoepathy does not treat the "disease," but rather it treats the person, and thus treatment is individualized,"

Under the tutelage of William Shevin, MD, a noted Homeopathic physician, Dr. Hartman began his serious study of Homeopathy, by attending lectures, conferences, and formal schooling at the National Center for Homeopathy's summer school. In 2005, Dr. Hartman completed a three-year part-time course in Classical Homeopthy at the International School for Homeopathy, taught by Dr. Alfons Geukens of Belgium, a world renowned Homeopath.

"In my practice of Classical Homeopathy, I treat a wide variety of chronic physical and emotional complaints of adults and children. I have found Homeopathy to be gentle yet very powerful healing tool for many of the chronic conditions that have become so prevalent, and I have a special interest in treating emotional disorders of adolescents. I maintain a respect for conventional "western" medicine, and often prescribe homeopathy in conjunction with conventional medicines, if needed, although usually the goal of my patients is to become well enough to stop their prescription medicines. Many patients need a "primary care" provider, and I am happy to provide that service as well, on the condition that the wellness philosophy of the patient matches my own. In the conventional medical world, I have a special interest in the treatment of high cholesterol, substituting the often over-aggressive, or even unnecessary conventional treatment with a holistic, balanced, common sense approach."

Dr. Hartman's passion for Homeopathy is closely matched by his passion for music: he is an accomplished jazz trumpet player who can often be found performing in local venues.