Dominika Neary, ND

Biography

BACKGROUND

Dominika grew up as the oldest child of immigrant parents, first learning English in 4th grade when her family moved to the US from Poland through Italy, where she became fluent in Italian. These early encounters with various cultures, lifestyles, and philosophies sparked Dominika’s innate curiosity about others and likely influenced her decision to study social psychology in college.

During her final year of undergraduate studies, Dominika worked at a research facility, conducting phone surveys of former patients from various hospital departments and clinics to improve the patient experience and enhance care. In this role, Dominika observed the limitations of traditional care, especially the minimal time doctors spent with patients, which often left patients feeling unheard, disempowered, and with more questions than answers. This experience inspired Dominika to pursue medicine, but not in a conventional sense, as she was convinced that “there had to be a better way.”

Not yet familiar with naturopathic medicine, Dominika asked her mother for advice. Her mother, trained in Poland as a hospital-based midwife, women’s health specialist, and pediatrician, suggested she consider becoming a nurse practitioner. When Dominika explored nearby programs, she was disappointed to find they lacked training in nutrition and herbal medicine. Having seen her mother and grandmother use nutrition and herbal medicine to improve her family’s health in Poland, Dominika knew that these could significantly improve a person’s health and should be an essential part of her medical training. While researching further, Dominika stumbled across Bastyr University and learned about naturopathic medicine. The rest, as they say, is history.

EDUCATION

At Bastyr University, Dominika enjoyed connecting various aspects of health, especially from a psychological perspective. She was always curious about how people’s mindsets, beliefs, and behaviors influenced their physical health and vice versa. After graduation, Dominika completed a rigorous residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and has spent the past 18 years in private practice.

Dominika loves working with women of all ages, especially those who are going through hormonal shifts, such as those that happen during perimenopause or menopause. Dominika believes that this time of life is when women have the potential to truly come into their own and decide how they want to proceed in the next chapters of their lives.

She enjoys helping women feel their best, empowering them to discover (or rediscover!) their zest for life while walking alongside them as a partner, mentor, and friend. Truly taking to heart the “doctor as teacher” principle of naturopathic medicine, Dominika loves educating her patients so they can step into the driver’s seat of their health journey. She considers it an honor to play a part in their story.

HOBBIES

Currently building a new home in Chelan with her husband Dean, Dominika enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, cooking, and reading. She also loves traveling to places known for their diverse and delicious foods. With quality time and culinary adventures as her love languages, Dominika will be ultimately dividing her time between Chelan and Seattle.

For more information about Dr. Neary or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (425) 557-8900.