Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Wolford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was always an athlete, but struggled in school. Sports was my life. I actually wanted to be in the Olympics and then become a sports news broadcaster! Then a life altering sports injury crushed my athletic dreams, and placed me in physical therapy for 4yr. without much improvement. I was seeing top orthopedists and doctors to solve my pain and help my body heal so I could return to my active lifestyle. It wasn’t until I started exploring alternative medicine (Naturopathic doctors, acupuncture and chiropractic care) that I finally had quick relief and started seeing progress. I quickly learned of some root imbalances that were impeding my recovery and optimization. I had an auto-immune disease, terrible digestive function and nutrient absorption, inflammation, liver and lymph congestion, massive oxidative stress, heavy metal overload, unresolved traumas, and an out of balance hormonal system (thyroid, sex and stress hormones). I looked great, had energy, felt happy; so I thought I was great. But, I quickly learned what better, to optimal, was like. And I was sold. I wanted to offer others the same empowering solutions to their life. So I went to medical school. School wasn’t historically easy for me, so I hired tutors and further optimized my body, which completely changed my brain. So much so, I ended up scoring in the top 10% of my graduating class. After my life-enhancing journey, I took a personal oath to support others optimize their life and fulfill their dreams. And every day, I am dedicated to coaching and crafting incredible treatment plans to get any child or adult where they want to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some journey’s are quick, and others are long, but it’s what you learn along the way, and how one supports their body, that makes someones story great! I opened my medical practice in Encinitas in 2010. I created a hybrid telemed/clinic situation from the start, and had a full practice in 6m time. It was word of mouth referrals, great medical advice, a listening ear, and dedicated patients. I watched patients of all ages lives transform, and their appointment needs transition from monthly check-in’s to bi-annual appt’s, creating room for the next person who needed my support to start their care! I got started w/ courage, tenacity, confidence and passion. I got where I am today w/ the same attitude, but a willingness to pivot, try new things (be curious), clarity, patience, knowing what differentiates me from others, authentic, integrity, and a willingness to refer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was not smooth. You read the back story of some of my struggles that lead me into medicine, and what I had to overcome to become a successful doctor. I could tell stories for days of obstacles and challenges before opening my practice and over the last 15yrs (death, loss, betrayal, violation, ect). But the key is to protect your patients from the unavoidable ups and downs of business and life, give them your best (your knowledge, wisdom, care, compassion, joy), and keep your head up, eyes forward and KNOW yourself- your passion and purpose, and have compassion for yourself as you do others.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Naturopathic Medical Doctor who practices Functional and Integrative medicine with the mindset of optimization and longevity. First you have to identify, detox, reset, heal, then you can optimize; no matter the age or the condition. Acute care is different than chronic support, however, if the same acute condition cont’ to express, then the same principles apply to overcome repeat illnesses. I’m always asking – what’s impeding your health, and how can I support your brain and body to function optimally while honoring the laws of nature. Honoring the body is an important piece to true wellness because quick fixes equals quick problems. The body wants to be healthy and in balance. I help remove what’s negatively impacting your health, shift you into balance, and support optimizing how your body functions. I work with new borns to adults of all ages. I support acute illness/expressions, as well as chronic manifestations. I see the body as organ systems, therefore I successfully treat the digestive tract, hormone balancing (sex, thyroid, stress), detoxification, nervous system dysregulation (including the mind, emotions and spiritual self), and immune dysregulation, as these are the primary organs that need support for most conditions. I treat new borns, children and adults. And, I love supporting people get pregnant. I have recently written several online programs, but my two keynote programs are my iDreamWellness Program and my 4month Conscious Conception Fertility program. I’m known as the Sage and Scientist because I incorporate ancient wisdom and healing practices into my scientifically researched modalities. What also separates me from others is that I practice BioTherapeautic Drainage therapy which is a combination of plant and vibrational medicine to help restore the cellular function of cells by creating coherence (togetherness). This allows for physiological (what the body is meant to do naturally) detox, healing and communication. It is very gentle, yet powerful. In short: it’s like resetting your computer! You can take supplements all day, but if your body doesn’t know how to utilize what it’s being given, you won’t get impactful or lasting results.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Calculated risk taking is a must to run a successful business. Then having peace knowing there is usually an unknown or unexpected component that life will throw your way because life wants you to grow. Add a sprinkle of compassion and humility, and you will be successful. Success does NOT come over night, it requires consistency and commitment. So commit to the things you love because that will become your life. A failed risk isn’t really a failure if you learn from it. And, 1 or 2 moments of “failure” or “success” doesn’t make you A failure or successful; it’s about your consistent record over time. And, growth. If you did not grow, then I wouldn’t consider that very successful. The biggest risk I’ve taken in my business was NOT the typical: creating a virtual practice, investing in a business program, raising my prices, moving, trying a new modality, launching a program, or even betting on myself. I would say, it was choosing to go into business w/ others. I spent 6-9months vetting and creating alignment, to then dissolving the partnership within 3m of starting the business together because they were steeling money from me. But that is part of the game- you have to delegate tasks, otherwise you will not grow. When your eye isn’t on everything, things can happen. There is risk in most decisions, but you have to trust your instinct in making them and pivot when necessary. Discernment is key. And you have to act w/ confidence. Would I go into business w/ someone again, yes. But I will take those pearls w/ me. Running a business is a ninja warrior game, jumping on movable floating rocks in space. You have to keep moving, and plan a couple steps ahead.
Pricing:
- New Patient (till Dec 31, 2025)- $495
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DrMichelleWolford.com
Image Credits
Nick Surface, Rich VanEvery
