Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Andrea Sullivan
Hi DR. ANDREA, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before receiving my degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, I was the first African American to receive a PhD in sociology/ criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. I was a special assistant for Urban Policy to the US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and an assistant professor at Howard University, lecturer at American University and University of Maryland, when I stepped away to attend to my dis-ease. I was 30 pounds overweight, tired all the time and had a face full of acne. I was 30 years old, I had no medical diagnosis. and realized I needed guidance. It was while I was a special assistant that I began going to a Naturopathic physician because of my fatigue. After hearing my story, he said to me, “You should be a Naturopathic physician.” I said to him, “Just give me some of those bat feathers or whatever you boil up in the back room, and I will be going back to DC.” I was a social scientist, not a physical scientist, and no one had ever even heard of Naturopathy. I went to see him every month and every month he said the same thing. After a few months, I started looking and feeling better and decided to go back to Howard to take prerequisites for medical school. I knew being a Naturopathic physician was a calling for me not just a career. I sold my house and car and moved to Seattle, Washington to go to Naturopathic school. It was the worst educational experience I ever had. Worse than the University of Pennsylvania. I needed to take a year off in between my 2nd and 3rd year of school because of my emotional pain being away from everything I knew and loved, and by being confronted with racism as the only African American in school. I’ve always been passionate about the lives of others, and I have found that working as a Naturopathic doctor increased my ability to assist others in creating greater spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health.
I’ve written two books, A Path to Healing: A Guide to Wellness for Body, Mind and Soul, and The Sacrifices of Superwomen: Natural Remedies to Restore Balance. I believe discipline, determination, and dedication are the ingredients for my success, in addition to the fact that I treat people, not diagnosis codes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first struggle was people didn’t know what Naturopathy was when I came back to DC. in 1988. I remember standing outside of Yes Food Store and another Health food store called Hugo’s handing out flyers about my practice and Naturopathy..
To pay bills, however, I worked for a DC Council member as an Executive Assistant, using my degree in Sociology and Criminology. I worked from 8 AM-5 PM at the Council and 7-11 PM at my first one room office. I remember the councilman said something to me, I did not like, and after 9 months, I quit. The rent became too much for me, and at the same time I was asked to join the practice of a Chiropractor in DC. I used what little savings I had to renovate the office. The Monday after my open house, I came to the office to find my furniture in the lobby and the locks changed. After sobbing in the arms of my first patient, I called some friends and moved my belongings out of the lobby. and into a garage. The next call I made was to an attorney.
My first book, A Path To Healing … came out in 1991, which helped to continue to create an awareness of this medicine. I began to get appearances on mainstream television, Channel 4, and cable, such as Howard University’s station. I began to mentor and employ other young docs as I secured an office with 3 consultation rooms and a room for hydrotherapy, after my experience with the chiropractor.. Everything was going well until the housing crisis of 2007, which finally caught up to me in 2008. After 18 years, I chose to move to a smaller office in the same building.. I was in that office for 15 years until the rent became exorbitant, the daily aroma of marijuana in the hallway was overwhelming, the dogs in the building increased, and street parking decreased. I was blessed to be able to move to Silver Spring where I am now.
Another huge struggle has been finding the right receptionist. I have had many. I am responsible for people’s lives and well-being and I take that very seriously. Years ago I couldn’t seem to find a receptionist who understood, if you call someone and they don’t answer, call them back. Or if someone calls me, give me the message if you cannot answer the question. I take responsibility for these circumstances. I often attempted to assist someone less fortunate and who seemed sincere about creating a better life. A fast-paced doctor’s office is not always the best fit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Dr. Sullivan is a founding member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She was the first naturopathic physician to be appointed by the Mayor of Washington DC to serve on the Board of Medicine, which she did for 5 years. She led the successful effort to create licensure for naturopathic doctors in Washington DC. before establishing and serving on the Naturopathic Board of Medicine.
Excerpts from her first book, A Path to Healing: A Guide To Wellness for Body, Mind and Soul (1998: Doubleday). appeared in Essence Magazine, followed by several feature stories on Dr. Sullivan over the following years. She has written for Prevention, Essence and Ebony Magazines, and The Huffington Post. She was a contributing writer for Body & Soul: The Black Women’s Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being, Linda Villarosa, Ed ( Harper Perennial, 1994), and Healing Your Body Naturally: Alternative Treatments to Illness, 3rd edition by Gary Null (Seven Stories Press 1997). Her radio interviews include: The Gary Null Show, WBLJ FM, NYC; The Kojo Nnamdi Show, WAMU FM/NPR; The Daily Drum with Herman Washington WHUR FM, Her television appearances include Nature’s Medicine with Barbara Harrison, NBC Channel 4; Our Voices BET: Evening Exchange with Kojo Nnamdi, WHMM and Great Day Washington WUSA 9. Several of Dr Sullivan’s videos can be accessed through Google/YouTube – Andrea Sullivan/naturopathic doctor and her website drandreasullivan.com.
Dr. Sullivan’s presentations include, but are not limited to, the National Coalition of 100 Back Women, Union Temple Baptist Church DC, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Senator Muse’s Ark of Safety Church PG County, MD, National Medical Association, Georgetown University, the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, the American Lung Association, and Walter Reed Hospital, Preventive Medicine Department.
My most recent book, The Sacrifices of Superwomen: Natural Remedies To Restore Balance ( November 2023 Koehler Books), won Gold from Nautilus Book Awards in the category of Health, Healing and Wellness in 2024.
As a seasoned presenter, lecturer, tv, podcast and radio guest, and licensed naturopathic physician, of 39 years, Dr. Andrea Sullivan brings a wealth of knowledge to enhance health and well-being. Dr. Sullivan is a dynamic, articulate, inspirational, encouraging, humorous, gracious, humble and engaging doctor. Her dedication to and concern for her patients and humankind is never in question. For Dr Sullivan, “naturopathic medicine is a calling not just a career”.
Dr Sullivan is also a member The International Women’s Forum, an invitation-only membership organization, which connects women leaders across every professional sector. The IWF has over 7500 women leaders in 33 countries.
She has treated people of all ethnicities and backgrounds using naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Combining sociology and naturopathic medicine she treats the whole person (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically), and empowers both those she treats and those who read or hear her words to appreciate and incorporate lifestyle changes and natural medicine for healing and primary prevention.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Vaccinations are a personal issue/choice. Provide information and let the patient decide
Contact Info:
- Website: DrandreaSullivan.com
- Instagram: dr.andreasullivan8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AndreaSullivanAuthor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrea-sullivan
- Youtube: Dr. Andrea D Sullivan
