Lucas Tims, ND – Naturopathic Resident
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“I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to receive this highly specialized training and to learn from the leaders in the field of naturopathic oncology,” says Lucas Tims, a naturopathic clinician who is completing a two-year naturopathic oncology residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Southwestern Regional Medical Center (Southwestern). “I’ve been particularly impressed with the integration of all the practitioners and the enthusiasm towards collaboration. I knew coming to CTCA I would be part of a team, but honestly, it feels more like a family.”
In November 2010, Tims began a yearlong series of oncology-focused rotations with staff naturopathic providers, oncologists and other clinicians at Southwestern. His training includes supervised clinical practice in oncology, homeopathic, nutritional, and botanical medicine, as well as coursework in these modalities. In the second year of his residency, Tims will provide cancer patients with personalized naturopathic recommendations for natural therapies (e.g., vitamins, minerals, herbal medicines) that are safe and appropriate to pair with conventional cancer treatments.
Tims notes, “This residency offers an experience like no other for naturopathic clinicians, being able to work within a hospital setting and rotate with many different departments.”
Even as a child, Tims had been interested in naturopathic medicine. He recalls, “I was raised around alternative and natural forms of medicine, with my parents being huge advocates for naturopathy, homeopathy, Oriental medicine, and first and foremost, proper nutrition. They instilled in me the idea of the body’s ability to heal itself when given the proper stimuli and removing obstacles to wellness. I have always felt inspired by my parents to share this philosophy with as many people as possible. I knew pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine would allow me to do this.”
Tims earned a doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas.
Tims has served as a volunteer for the Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Wellness Community in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Tims and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with friends, family and their two dogs. His hobbies include cooking, reading, music, and golf.
“My greatest satisfaction comes from being able to educate and empower our patients,” says Tims. “I feel privileged to share in their personal journeys and I hope to act as a beacon for patients to help navigate their way towards health and balance.”
Other Naturopathic Medicine Clinicians at Southwestern
- Katherine Anderson, ND, FABNO
Director of Naturopathic Medicine - Katrina A. Bogdon, ND, FABNO
Naturopathic Clinician - Aisha Chilcoat, MJ, ND
Naturopathic Resident - Shana Deneen, ND, LAc
Naturopathic Clinician & Acupuncturist - Samantha Hoang, ND
Naturopathic Resident - Daniel Kellman, ND, FABNO
Naturopathic Clinician - Heidi Kussman, ND, FABNO
Naturopathic Clinician
