Provider Spotlight: Kathryn Nelson-Murphy, DNP, DNH, FNP-BC
by Clinical Consulting Team
Dr. Nelson has an extensive background in education, prevention, and wellness. Having worked in the health care arena for nearly 40 years, she has had the privilege to help numerous people improve their health and well-being. She possesses expertise in bio-identical hormone replacement, thyroid management, adrenal fatigue, cardio-vascular prevention, and primary care. Dr. Nelson believes strongly in education and partnering with patients to achieve their health care goals. Many of the diseases that affect us, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic stress, can be avoided with proper nutrition, physical activity, nutritional supplements, and restoring the body to proper balance. With not only clinical expertise, but also background in education, Dr. Nelson believes it is imperative for the patient to understand what is happening to their bodies, be educated in health management, and partner with their medical practitioner to reach their goals.
Dr. Nelson has presented on various health care topics at local, state, and national events. She has also served as adjunct faculty for Indiana Wesleyan University and has been a preceptor and educator for many local universities.
DUTCH: What inspired you to become a healthcare practitioner?
Dr. Nelson: I have always had an interest in a functional approach to health and in disease prevention, as a healthcare practitioner, I can provide my patient both traditional medicine, if needed, but also to focus on how to have improved health through hormone balance, thyroid improvement and lifestyle changes. It is rewarding to see patients improve their health naturally and often they can eliminate or reduce prescription medications.
DUTCH: What is your training?
Dr. Nelson: I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree in nursing and a doctoral degree in natural/functional medicine
DUTCH: Describe your medical background/ practice?
Dr. Nelson: My practice is a functional/integrative practice focusing on hormone balance, thyroid management and lifestyle. We are starting to provide genetic testing to zero in on specific health issues and to better provide holistic care to our patients.
DUTCH: What other functional testing do you use in your practice?
Dr. Nelson: We are doing genetic testing, 11-point thyroid panels and Dutch hormone analysis.
DUTCH: How have you incorporated DUTCH Testing into your practice?
Dr. Nelson: All of our patients complete the Dutch testing as their initial testing, then periodically after that for follow-up monitoring.
DUTCH: What are the changes you have seen in your patients and practice since incorporating the DUTCH Test
Dr. Nelson: It is fantastic, comprehensive testing that really identifies areas that patients need to focus on. Patients are continually amazed at how many things are analyzed through urine testing.
DUTCH: Where do you see functional/ integrative medicine 20 years from now?
Dr. Nelson: I feel functional/integrative medicine will be the healthcare of the future, if we can change the trajectory of identified areas of health concern, we can improve the health of our patients.
DUTCH: What do you like to do outside of work?
Dr. Nelson: I enjoy spending time with my family, my 8 grandchildren, and with friends. I enjoy exercise, being outdoors, learning new things, and the arts.
