1. Two Sisters, One Clinic: How We Got Here

**We get asked this constantly. How did you both become naturopathic doctors, and why on earth did you open a clinic together?** **So we're taking you back.** **Back to McMaster, where we were both studying kinesiology and thought we'd end up as physiotherapists. Back to the dermatologist's office where Nat asked why her skin was breaking out when her identical twin's wasn't, and was told it was bad luck. Back to the bank meeting where we were told our clinic was a nice idea on paper that would never get funded.** **We talk about the science prep year, the MCAT Nic still doesn't want to discuss, the four room clinic we opened with three empty rooms on purpose, and the week our mom worked our front desk before politely finding us a receptionist.** **Then we get into 2020, when our fully booked calendars went blank overnight, and the women in their 40s and 50s who reached out first. They weren't just stressed. Something had shifted. That question sent us down a two year deep dive into perimenopause and menopause that changed the entire direction of our clinic.** **This one is personal. Thanks for letting us share it.** **In this episode** **(01:00) Why we both ended up at McMaster for kinesiology, and the physio plan that didn't stick**  **(04:00) The presentation that introduced Nat to naturopathic medicine, and the shadowing that sealed it**  **(07:00) I have a genetic identical who doesn't have this. The dermatologist answer that started Nat's own health journey**  **(09:00) Nic's detour through the MCAT and an osteopathic program in the States, and why seven minute appointments were a dealbreaker**  **(11:30) Naturopathic school, and the business education nobody gave us**  **(13:00) Our first jobs out of school, and the conversation three months in that changed the plan**  **(14:30) The bank meeting where we were told it would never happen**  **(15:30) Opening in Pickering with four treatment rooms and two doctors**  **(16:30) Why we left rooms empty on purpose**  **(17:00) Mom at the front desk, our first hire, and doubling our space**  **(19:30) March 2020, full calendars to blank ones, and delivering supplements to doorsteps**  **(21:00) The phone call about the women in their 40s and 50s**  **(23:00) The two year fellowship, and getting our whole clinical team menopause certified**  **(24:45) Why midlife is the moment that decides your aging trajectory** **Key takeaways:** -**Symptoms are information. Bad luck is not a diagnosis.** **-Prevention and lifestyle medicine belong in the same room as prescribing---Naturopathic school covers hormones, but not midlife health in the depth  women need. We went and got it.** **-Midlife health isn't about surviving symptoms. It's about which aging trajectory you're on.** **If you're looking for deeper support, education, and community, check out the Empowered Midlife Hub, where women receive ongoing guidance to help them navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence.** **Learn more about the** Empowered Midlife Hub **Connect with us**  **Instagram: @dr\_nic\_and\_nat**  **Website:** www.drnicandnat.com **Disclaimer** **The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor patient relationship with Dr. Nicole Sandilands ND or Dr. Natalie McCulloch ND. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine, treatment plan, or medications. Opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not replace individualized medical care.**