About our clinic
Originally founded in Brighton, MA, Bambú Clinic in Portland
arose out of a collaboration between Dr. Asmar and Drs. Kaufmann, Senders and
Thom. After graduating from the National
College of Natural Medicine in 2003, Dr. Asmar began practicing in a small
naturopathic clinic in Vancouver, WA.
Simultaneously, though, she dreamed of opening a clinic of her own where
her philosophy of health optimization could come to life with other like-minded
physicians. In the spirit of this ideal,
she left her infant practice in June 2005 to take a residency position with Dr.
Dickson Thom, her mentor and colleague.
Through the years, their working relationship grew into a
mutual exchange of ideas and a shared dedication to developing the principles
of naturopathic medicine by precept, lecture, and clinical practice. By August 2007, Dr. Asmar had decided to
fulfill her dream of ownership and to open the clinic that would embody these
life-changing principles and the dynamic collaboration she enjoyed during her residency.
Dr. Asmar believes that wellness and prosperity can be
simultaneously defined as “a creative approach to life, the sustainable
application of resources, a strong connection to community, and a high degree
of fulfillment.” These basic principles influenced
every aspect of Bambú Clinic including the choice of the name, the associates,
the staff, and the basic systems by which the clinic operates. As the owner, Dr. Asmar recognizes the
importance of gathering a team of doctors, staff, and patients willing to
co-create a space in which true healing on all levels can occur within the
context of a supportive network.
Although Dr. Asmar now owns Bambú Clinic at its Portland
location, she recognizes the rich history of this clinic starting with its roots
in Boston, MA. She is exceptionally
grateful to have benefited from the foundational contributions and creativity
of Drs. Senders and Kaufmann in this undertaking. In the future, she seeks to invite additional
outstanding physicians who share a common dedication to the operating principles
of this health center and continue to offer the highest level of patient care
by promoting sustainable lifestyle choices and a deep understanding of the true
causes of illness.
Dr. Rebecca Asmar
Dr. Rebecca Asmar graduated in 2003 from the National
College of Natural Medicine and completed a 2 ½ year residency with Dr. Dickson
Thom in January 2008. In addition, Dr.
Asmar has received special training in homeopathy, counseling, and several
forms of moving meditation including Ashtanga Yoga. Now, as owner of Bambú Clinic, she maintains
a private practice in general family medicine that focuses on reestablishing
balance and function of all body systems.
Dr. Asmar relies on the six principles of naturopathic medicine for guidance
in case management. She believes that healing happens when patients discover
and doctors treat the underlying cause of the presenting symptoms. Her
protocols utilize the body’s innate ability to heal itself and, therefore, support
the body's curative mechanisms. Dr.
Asmar has a special interest in supporting patients with hormonal imbalances, diabetes,
autoimmune disease, and cancer. She also
specializes in the treatment of children especially those with ADHD and autism.
Dr. Asmar believes that a strong doctor/patient
relationship is crucial to overcoming chronic illness. She understands that true health exists on
all levels, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. She, therefore, dedicates herself sincerely
to supporting her patients as they explore and optimize all aspects of their
lives.
Education:
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR
Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Dr. Dickson Thom
Dr. Dickson Thom is a licensed naturopathic physician and full time professor at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches clinical and physical diagnosis, gastroenterology, neurology, practical endocrinology and x-ray practicum. He is also a clinic instructor at Natural Health Center, a teaching clinic for NCNM. Doctor Thom regularly lectures to fellow physicians in Canada and the U.S. on the therapeutic benefits of homeopathic drainage and published one of the first books in the English language on the topic called “UNDA Numbers: An Energetic Journey to Homeostasis and Wellness”. Dr. Thom has been studying in Canada and Belgium with a French medical doctor for the past 9 years to learn these therapies.
Dr Thom has been in private practice in the Portland Metro area since 1990. His specialized practice focuses on the management of chronic disease, including auto-immune disease, neurological conditions, endocrine disorders and cancer. His therapies focus on optimal lifestyle choices for each specific condition and include dietary, sleep, and exercise recommendations; supplementation and herbal medicine; a European form of homeopathy called biotherapeutic drainage; and hydrotherapy. Health is a reflection of physical, emotional, spiritual, and energetic balance. Dr. Thom is committed to helping people overcome obstacles to achieving this essential equilibrium.
Based upon his clinical experience, he has written a book entitled Coping With Food Intolerances.
Education:
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Toronto Dental School, Toronto, Canada
Dr. Angela Senders
Dr. Angela Senders is a licensed naturopathic physician in the state of Oregon. She is passionate about naturopathic medicine, helping patients seek the underlying cause of their symptoms. It is her goal to help people achieve health so that the body can heal itself, rather than manage disease with lifelong supplementation (pharmacological or nutraceutical – both can be suppressive to the long term healing process).
She provides family care medicine and specializes in chronic disease, helping patients find the most natural way to health. Her practice incorporates clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, a unique form of European homeopathy called biotherapeutic drainage, and is suited for patients of all ages.
If you feel that something is missing from your health care experience naturopathic medicine can be a wonderful addition. Dr. Senders is always available to speak with you personally before scheduling an appointment to answer questions you may have and help you decide if naturopathic medicine at Bambú Clinic is the right choice for you.
Education:
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota
Dr. Jorge M. Kaufmann
Dr. Jorge M. Kaufmann is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in the state of Oregon. The cornerstone of his practice is to identify and treat the cause of your condition so that your body can heal in the most natural way possible. Through thorough discussions about your personal medical history, pertinent physical examinations, and the use of Classical Chinese Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis, lab work or diagnostic imaging when appropriate, Dr. Kaufmann will work closely with you to overcome the obstacles to your cure.
In the broadest sense, Dr. Kaufmann is a family practitioner. His clinical training in acupuncture, biotherapeutic drainage, herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and physical medicine, along with his understanding of the healing power of nature, provide him with a broad range of natural health care skills to work with patients of all ages and with all types of ailing conditions. Dr. Kaufmann is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Education:
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR
Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Chinese Herbal & Pediatrics Apprenticeship, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China