The Final Call

Phoenix M.G.T. lead the way in Naturopathic Medicine

By Dr. Hanifah Muhammad | Last updated: Sep 5, 2014 - 12:36:25 PM

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From Left to Right: Dr. Hanifah Muhammad, Dr. Kim Muhammad, Sister Krishna Muhammad, a medical student and Dr. Asia Muhammad.

As more and more people turn away from the standard Western medical system, being tired of doctors that are overrun with patients, don’t take time to listen to their patient’s concerns, and pass out drug prescriptions like candy, there is a growing shift towards alternative and holistic forms of medicine.  Three M.G.T., Dr. Hanifah Muhammad, Dr. Kim Muhammad, and newly graduated, Dr. Asia Muhammad are forging the way in this shift towards a new medical paradigm. 

The three women received their medical degree in the quickly growing field of Naturopathic Medicine, from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Naturopathic medicine is a specialized primary health care system which combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. It focuses on holistic, proactive prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to restore optimal health.  Its foundations are from the traditional healing methods, principles and practices of Africa, India, Native Americans and Asia–used successfully for thousands of years prior to our current medical system. By focusing on the use of protocols that minimize the risk of harm, they help facilitate the body’s inherent God given ability to restore and maintain optimal health by finding the root cause of “dis-ease”, removing barriers to good health, helping to heal the internal and external environment of patients, and restoring normal order to the body. 

All three trained four years that included rigorous coursework and clinical rotations, similar to traditional medical school. They were also required to take two rounds of medical board exams in Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences before being eligible for licensure as physicians. Drs. Hanifah, Kim and Asia were trained and work by the following foundational medical principles that include: do no harm, treat the causes, the healing power of nature, treat the whole person, doctor as teacher and prevention.        

Naturopathic physicians can offer more than your standard doctor as they are skilled in not only clinical and laboratory diagnosis, testing, and drug prescriptions, but also clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical manipulation (similar to chiropractic), public health, mind-body counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, IV and injection therapy and natural childbirth. As Naturopaths these sisters are trained to treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care, including yearly wellness exams for men, women and children. They can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery.

While they are trained to utilize prescription drugs, and do when it is necessary, the emphasis of their practices is the use of more natural healing agents. As naturopathic primary medical physicians the trio is trained to assess and treat chronic disease processes, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue, pain disorders, cancer, etc.

Dr. Hanifah Muhammad received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College, and a Master’s degree in International Public Health from Morehouse School of Medicine, in Atlanta, GA., before completing her medical degree in 2010. She currently has a private practice in Phoenix and Chandler, Arizona, is completing a second Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine, and gives health information and tips each Saturday on the Final Call News Youth Information Prayer Line. She and her husband, Bro. Erik X O’Neal are also partnering with local and city organizations, to build more community-based health initiatives for the Black, Latino and Native children and families to improve health and the health status of our people. 

Dr. Kim Muhammad received a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rush University in Chicago, Ill., and worked as a nurse for almost 30 years before returning to school to get her medical degree in 2012.  She also currently has a private practice in Chandler, Arizona, and is the Chairperson of the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Asia Muhammad received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. She recently graduated July 2014 before a host of friends and family, receiving her medical degree. She is preparing to take her medical board exams and intends to open up for private practice here in Arizona. She also published her first book titled Real Medicine Philosophy for Blacks. Her biological sister, Sis. Krishna Muhammad will be following in her footsteps and is currently in her second year at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.