Jennifer Lee, DO, MPH, DABFM

Philosophy

New ways of approaching healthcare have been a way of life for Dr. Lee who comes from a traditional Chinese-American family including another close family relative who is a well-known medical doctor.  Her passion and expertise in a holistic approach to maintaining health and approaching acute and chronic illness is a tangible result of her thorough knowledge and training as an osteopath. Knowing the relational elements of the human body and its systems and triggers is the foundation for Dr. Lee’s talent and skill in optimizing the body’s self-healing mechanisms. From simple recommendations of changes in diet, exercise and nutrition to the proper use of medications and supplements, osteopathic manipulation, and medical acupuncture, Dr. Lee taps into a wide array of tools to help her patients get well and feel better.

Joined Steinmetz Medical Associates: November 2008

Biography

The Birth of a Doctor

When Dr. Lee was a young girl, she had some serious health problems. Her mother took her from doctor to doctor, and they all seemed to say the same thing: “Do surgery, or do nothing.” Her mother was proactive and intelligent enough to seek several opinions, and an osteopathic physician suggested bracing and physical therapy. She began to heal from the physical therapy, and once she got better, came to realize that she wanted to do for others what that one physician did for her.

Her first step towards following her path in medicine was to work in the field of public health, but she knew right away that it wasn’t for her.  To truly make a difference, she knew that she to be directly involved in her patients’ lives.  “I like working with people one-on-one, and it’s very gratifying to see how our suggestions and advice can help people turn their lives around.”

Experience

Dr. Jennifer Lee, DO, MPH, DABFM board certified in family medicine and integrative and holistic medicine offers leading edge holistic healing techniques. From family medicine to treating acute and chronic pain, chronic fatigue, thyroid, hormonal, neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, her unique training is widely sought by patients seeking to optimize a practical blend of Eastern and Western medical and healing techniques.

Dr. Lee is a frequent speaker on acupuncture, holistic healing and nutritional medicine. She holds her medical degree from the prestigious founding school of osteopathy, the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and earned a Masters in Public Health from George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is also a member of the clinical faculty at both Georgetown University School of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

Specialties

Dr. Lee likes the concept of being a D.O. vs. an M.D. because of its foundation in musculoskeletal  medicine, with a great emphasis on anatomy. “You have to learn how to do manipulation as a student.” Dr. Lee specializes in headache cases, in addition to low back pain.

Building Trust

Dr. Lee understands that each patient has different needs, and it is her goal to determine what is best for the individual. “I ask them point blank—what are your expectations of me?” Once she finds out, she can assess what the problem is, and discuss what she can do for them. “I lay out all their options, but I do get focused and share with them what I think their best option is. I give the patient choices. Some can make up their might right away, and others need a little time to think about it. Some patients don’t mind needles, so I suggest acupuncture. Others can’t stand needles, so I can do manipulation.”

A Doctor’s Passion

Because of this country’s current obesity epidemic, Dr. Lee is passionate about helping her overweight patients reach a healthy weight. She likes to take them through each step of the process, giving detailed tips and advice. Physically active herself, Dr. Lee likes to run, play ultimate Frisbee, and go hiking.

Creating Optimal Wellness

“There are times when I have to be painfully blunt with people, and tell them it almost doesn’t matter what changes you make in your life, but you have to do something, or you’re going to die. I give the option to do lifestyle changes, or take medicine, but they have to do something. Some patients will try to put off making these drastic changes, but in order for me to help them, I have to inspire them. There are times when they simply don’t have a choice if they want to survive.”

Regarding lifestyle changes, she works with them to find out ways to make the changes fit for them. Her philosophy is to suggest realistic lifestyle changes. For example, Dr. Lee tailors the changes to fit their life by asking them:

1. Are you working?
2. Are you retired?
3. Do you like to cook?
4. Do you like strenuous exercise, or would you prefer walking?
5. Do you like to watch a lot of TV?

One of her favorite tips is to march in front of the TV. “You may feel like an idiot, but it works. Studies have shown that the more you watch TV, the higher your risk for getting obese. I try to get people to watch less TV, and to get out, walk, and become part of their community. Almost everyone can walk!”

Success Story

“I had a young patient not too long ago that suffered from an unusual type of headache. It was different for her, because instead of the pain being in the front of her head, around her forehead, this one generated pain on the top of her head. She had been uncomfortable and suffering from these headaches for a while. After asking her several questions, I found out these headaches started after she was involved in a car accident, and the airbag deployed. So I did manipulation on her head, and she felt better immediately. She only had to see me two more times, and that was it. Her headaches resolved, and she’s never been back since! We followed up with her to see how she was doing, and she said she was fine—no more headaches.”