Jill Edwards, ND

An early mentor suggested that I look into naturopathic medicine.  She was the first to show me that as a naturopathic doctor I would be able to address not only the whole person, but the whole family using a wide variety of gentle, natural therapies. I am able to take time and listen to my patients and really get to know each and every one as individuals.  I have to say that providing care for a person before she or he is even born is one of the greatest privileges that I have. As a midwife, I am honored to attend births in family’s homes and share the intimacy of bringing the newest member of the family into this world.

When I'm not practicing medicine, I'm conducting clinical research at the Helfgott Research Institute. Research has been an important part of my life for the past twelve years.  My first introductions was at the Functional Medicine Research Center at the supplement company Metagenics.  I started as a student intern and worked my way up to Clinical Research Coordinator.  I used to joke that I was involved in just about every aspect of the clinical trial except seeing patients--and now I can even do that.  The two main projects I am currently working on are Dietary Supplements and Estrogen Metabolism in Healthy Premenopausal Women and Strontium’s effect on bone density.  I am currently continuing my research education at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) with the two year certificate program: Human Investigation Program.

On a personal note, my tenth aniversary is coming up soon to a wonderful man that I have two beautiful children with.  I do find it amusing that I left the family farm in eastern Oregon to live in the city and ended up falling in love with a country boy anyway.  We share our home with a dog and two cats that love to chase each other all over the house.  We spend time as a family bicycling, gardening, reading, hiking, and taking photographs. 

Education:
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon 2002-2007
    Honors in research & Certificate of natural childbirth
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Sociology from University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington 1994-1998
    Minors: mathematics and women’s studies

Associations:
Member - American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member - Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member - American Association of Naturopathic Midwives