Meet Kelly Parcell | Naturopathic Doctor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Parcell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to create a medical home where people could come and get the care that they want and need.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I co-own NatureMed Integrative Medicine with my husband. We started the business in 2004. We are a group of naturopathic doctors and one medical doctor striving to provide seamless care for patients who seek experts in alternative medicine. We always wanted to have a clinic that bridges the gap between conventional and alternative medicine. Due to scope limitations in Colorado for naturopathic doctors, having an MD on staff allows patients who seek alternative medical care as their primary goal to also have a like-minded provider in the same clinic to provide services the naturopathic doctors cannot provide.

My father always said, ‘follow your passion’. I found that this made starting a clinic rewarding and despite challenges, easy. Not only were we starting a practice in a state that did not license naturopathic doctors at the time, but also we were in debt from medical school, had a 2 week old child and then also needing money to start the business.

I started the business gradually while my husband was in his residency. I rented space from an acupuncturist and carried my paper charts to and from the room that I rented three days a week at her office. I took all my own calls and received my own payments. I was reception, scheduling, doctor and business owner. By the time my husband was out of residency I had enough patients to rent a two room office space and we officially started the business. We would trade off days and passed off our daughter as we switched roles between parenting and practicing. Eventually we were able to hire a receptionist. The practice grew and grew through word of mouth primarily and we soon needed to find a bigger space.

At this time, we had patients who were getting IV therapy treatments that we did not offer from an MD in town who was into alternative medicine but who had no location to practice in. The three of us teamed up in 2006 and the practice now has one MD and 4 NDs, a nurse, phlebotomist and three patient care coordinators.

We realized early on that print advertising is insanely expensive and that word of mouth was the key to our success. patient experiences could make and break our practice, so we aimed to please. We wanted to give patients the best in health care and experience. Every patient treated as VIP. We have created a medical home where patients feel heard, have a healthcare provider, liason, and teammate they can trust. We often are helping patients get back into the conventional care they need and help them navigate difficult decisions in their health.

The entire practice operates on the health principles of naturopathic medicine and we all observe the importance of the therapeutic order of health and treatments for patients.

Although there is no insurance coverage for this care and we are a cash practice, we do not gouge patients and also do not have membership fees. Patients pay as they go and we do a lot of teaching so that patients can be empowered with knowledge on how to stay well. We feel patients are the healers, not us. We are the guides.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This all depends on the season in Colorado! I am a Boulder native, so most of my recommendations will be in Boulder, however, for winter I do love the Zoo Lights and a nice lunch at Levan Deli downtown Denver.

In Boulder, Pearl Street for dinner as it is so pretty at night in winter. There are so many good restaurants and then one can take a nice walk down the mall afterwards.

Winters in Boulder are great as you can cruise right up Boulder canyon to Eldora and enjoy alpine or XC skiing. Then stop in Nederland on the way home and enjoy some of the best food and coffee! Also close is Winter park/Mary Jane or if you dont mind driving further, one could hit any other ski area up I 70.

During the day, a good hike on the trails around Boulder or even a bike ride. These days must start with a coffee or tea at historical landmarks such as the Trident Cafe or Spruce Confections of course.

In the fall, a walk through the University of Colorado campus is gorgeous with the fall leaves changing on the historic buildings. Its fun to walk on the Hill during the day as well in the fall and then eat at The Sink or grab a coffee at a local cafe.

In summer, a must is the farmers market on Saturday mornings and then a walk up the bike path towards Eben G Fine park is gorgeous. Take it a little further and walk the Boulder Creek path all the way up to the end. A visit to Eldorado Springs is also fun and great to see the climbers and where the best water in town comes from. On a hot day, spending time at the pool there is great too, but it needs to be a hot day, as the water is straight out of the river.

Some of my favorite restaurants are The Cork, Osakas, AOI sushi, Carrelli’s Italian Eatery, Il Pastaio and Piccas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Steve Parcell, ND who is my support, business partner, co-parent, husband, gravel racing partner and best friend

Website: www.naturemedclinic.com

Instagram: naturemed_clinic

Facebook: NatureMed Clinic

Youtube: @naturemedclinic.-integrativ1369

Image Credits
Rick Cummings