| Bastyr University » Academic Degree Programs » Interviews » Alumni Interview | May 16, 2008 |
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Geoffrey Lecovin, DC, ND, LAc, Practices with Integrative Medical Team
A well-rounded approach to health care characterizes Geoff Lecovin's medical practice. Geoff, a 1994 graduate of both the naturopathic medicine and the acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs at Bastyr, recently helped establish Evergreen Integrative Medicine Clinic in Kirkland, WA. The clinic's health care team incorporates both conventional and complementary medicine, including a medical doctor, (Sigrid Barnickle, MD), two naturopathic physicians (Geoff and Trina Seligman, ND '96, MSA '99) and a Bastyr nutritionist (Susan Gins, MS '98). A physical therapist, psychologist, orthopedic surgeon and fitness center are also housed in the building. The group is seeking a midwife to complement the team. "My goal was to be in an integrative practice where everyone respects what everyone else does, " explains Geoff. "The naturopathic physicians in our clinic use the medical doctor for things beyond our scope of practice. Sigrid has hospital privileges and emphasizes family practice, autism and orthopedics. She refers to us within our specialties. Both Trina and I practice common sense medicine. We are very conservative and focus on prevention, although our patients tend to come in after they are already experiencing health problems. There is no competition within our office." Geoff also has a degree in chiropractic. Understandably, his naturopathic emphasis is physical medicine, plus clinical nutrition, acupuncture and hypnosis with a focus on family medicine, dealing with chronic pain and sports injuries. Trina specializes in work with ADD patients, hyperactivity and anxiety protocols using amino acids. Susan tackles dietary problems and use of the elimination diet. Patients at this clinic come to a "one stop doctor shop," according to Geoff. A number of problems can be dealt with within one location by doctors working together to bring each patient the most comprehensive care. Asked how he established a successful practice, Geoff points to his marketing strategy: public speaking, joining groups like Toastmasters and business networking groups, connecting with local health food stores and establishing relationships with practitioners in other disciplines. He has also participated in the Bastyr speakers bureau. His business advice for new alumni? "Do what you like to do and the money will follow! If you are passionate about what you do, coming from the heart, and make an honest attempt to be known in your community, practice can be very rewarding." He suggests graduates preceptor or spend the first year out learning the business from an established practitioner. "Find a mentor and stay or establish your own practice, but keep it simple." Managed care paper work and restrictions are the down side of practice. The up side? "The opportunity to practice my life style," says Geoff. "It's an expression of who I am and what I believe in." 
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