Rebecca Asmar, ND

Approach to Care | Biography | What Patients Say

Naturopathic medicine was not the “expected” course for me, having grown up in the Connecticut suburbs, completed my undergrad at Amherst College in Massachusetts, and worked in the New York publishing world before transplanting myself to Portland. A science and math geek from the start, there were no nature walks or meditation/yoga retreats in my childhood. Instead, spelling bees, the violin, and geometric proofs fascinated me. My mother always told me I should be a doctor, and the conventional medical field with its emphasis on logic, solving the “symptom problem,” seemed like a natural fit.

But, for me, this approach felt lacking. Behind my conventional upbringing was a less conventional thought process. Back in junior high, the mean boy teased me in class by whining “But why?” every time I raised my hand. That’s because I rarely asked any other question. From a very young age, my strengths emerged by putting details into context and searching out patterns. I worked hard to learn the particulars knowing that the bigger picture would surface by examining the specifics with precision. Similarly, with the violin, my technical mastery of the notes on the page revealed the musical personality of a piece. And, because I enjoy seeing patterns unravel from the smallest bits, I have always enjoyed puzzles—jigsaw, crossword, (this is where the geometry and spelling come in), and, most importantly, people.

Just like the proofs I loved as child, my work today is all about logic and balance—a scientific, common-sense approach with measurable outcomes paired with a more metaphysical probe into the patterns that exhibit themselves when you look hard enough. As with learning the violin, a precise, technical understanding of the systems at work in the human body—as well as an eye (or ear) for detail—helps the underlying cause for illness to emerge. By walking this line where science meets living and technique meets art, I help patients achieve the level of health they deserve and a lifestyle which allows them to do more of what they love. For a logical person, this is the medicine that makes the most sense to me.

**Dr. Asmar maintains an open, general family practice focused on optimizing health and overcoming chronic illness. She specializes in the treatment of children, autism, diabetes, hormonal problems, autoimmune disease and cancer.

I come because Dr. Asmar is very knowledgeable, knows my history, and consistently goes the extra mile. I feel extremely taken care of. Dr. Asmar is an amazing doctor and is very knowledgeable. She is kind and considerate. I appreciate being known by name and having wonderful conversations with the office staff. –MD