Meet Caitlin O’Connor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin O’Connor.

Caitlin, before we jump into specific questions about your practice, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been fascinated by people and their stories. For me, medicine is an opportunity to get to know people and help to figure out what story is their body telling. And if you don’t like that story, how can we shift it? I always knew conventional medicine wasn’t for me – I have lots of MDs in my family and none of them seemed happy. As early as my teen years I was studying on my own – reading books and going to the library in the pre-internet era – and providing first aid and advice for my friends. I hung out with an adventurous crowd, so there were plenty of opportunities to practice bandaging folks up after a night of questionable decision making. I started learning more about nutrition, yoga, herbal medicine while I was in college but never considered a career in medicine because I couldn’t figure out where I would fit in.

After college, I was working as an executive assistant in the beauty industry. I met a naturopathic doctor at a yoga class and as soon as I learned about the profession I knew this is what I had been looking for. I had to go back to get about 1.5 years’ worth of premed classes done before I could apply, so I did that while waiting tables at night.

I went to school at Bastyr University and decided to do the Naturopathic Midwifery program as well to get a deeper understanding of women’s health throughout the reproductive life cycle and also get more experience with lactation and early infancy. That was a five year program that included attending over 100 births and even traveling to Vanuatu to intern in a maternity ward. I did a one-year Naturopathic Family Residency at NUNM in Portland and then headed back to Denver to start practicing and have been here ever since.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My path has been straightforward – and I think that is true for several reasons. First, I figured out my passion, my calling, early on. So I didn’t have a lot of angst over figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. Also, the school was relatively easy for me – my brain is good at studying and taking tests – I wish I could be in school forever! I also have a lot of privilege – a supportive spouse and family – so I was able to start my business with a safety net. I didn’t have to be the only breadwinner. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners and I was a business minor in undergrad, so I had a good idea of what my business model should look like early on and was able to make that work. Denver is a great place to practice naturopathic medicine and not many folks have the focus and expertise that I do, so that has been a benefit as well. I am also resilient – a mix of practice, life experiences and good genes – the ability to adapt and move on is one of my superpowers.

Please tell us about your practice.
I am a naturopathic doctor specializing in women and children’s health. I work with women and families who are interested in taking a holistic and proactive approach to their wellness. I am proud of the opportunities and options I am able to offer folks to help them get better especially those who feel as if they are out of options. I love working with folks who are ready to take an active role in improving their health.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing – every choice led me here and I am happy where I am. But I am happy to offer my hard-earned wisdom up, so folks don’t have to learn the same lessons. I think some great guidelines are to envision how you want your life to look and build your business accordingly. Also, do the numbers – don’t get so overwhelmed by the beauty of your vision that you create something unsustainable. Don’t sacrifice your happiness and well-being at the altar of success. And don’t get caught up trying to live up to what success means to others – be exacting and intentional about what success looks like to you and do that.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2530 w. 29th ave denver, co 80205
• Website: drcaitlin.com, thevitalityproject.co
• Phone: 720-855-3160
• Email: info@drcaitlin.com
• Instagram: @drcaitlino

Image Credit:
Kelly Shroads (the professional head shot)

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