Docere Naturopathic Wellness

Dr. Sam is super compassionate. She truly treats you as a whole person, in more ways than I was treating myself before I went to see her. I also loved that she is dialed into holistic pelvic care and Maya massage. I am so happy I found her!

I honestly don’t understand all these 5 star reviews, which is what single handedly influenced me to go to her. It’s not everyday I write reviews about doctor’s visits because, well, it’s the web. BUT, for the sake of all women in Portland, I feel like I have no choice.
This «Dr» nickels and dimes you and gives you tests you don’t ask, nor give permission for. Tests I ultimately had to pay for because my insurance didn’t cover it.
It also feels like she gets commission for the amount of IUD patients she refers considering the disproportionate amount of time she went on and on about the benefits of that method of birth control and really no talk on any other options.
And the thing that really, truly, has her deserve 1 star, if testing for things without your consent wasn’t enough– when I did insist on a prescription-​strength medicine after some discussion, she said «she’d be happy to call that in.» However, the pharmacist called me confused because the «prescription» called in was over-​the-​counter strength. RIDICULOUS. I realize it’s naturopathic but don’t LIE to me about what you’re doing assuming I won’t notice or will be overcome with comfort and calm by that living room style clinic room. Apparently, it works for others.
No straightforward and honest communication, and honestly felt like she was BSing the entire time. All things I don’t look for in anyone I’m seeking health and wellness advice from.

This was honestly the biggest waste of money I’ve ever spent. My insurance didn’t cover it, but I thought she could help.
I went to her asking for natural alternatives to taking birth control for hormonal acne. I already knew I had hormonal acne (mostly on my jawline, clears up during pregnancy or while on birth control, had only gotten bad since I stopped breastfeeding). I told her all this. She still asked me tons of questions & had me get blood work done.
Then she said everything came back fine, and to just take DOUBLE the recommended dose of the B vitamin complex & fish oil I was already taking. That sounded unsafe and ineffective to me, since I have hormonal acne and not a vitamin deficiency. She also recommended these skin vitamins I could buy from her. I looked them up on Amazon, they had soy in them. Everyone knows soy aggravates hormonal imbalances!
So I did what I should’ve done in the first place — I used Google. Google told me to try Vitex Berry & Evening Primrose Oil for hormonal acne. I took them for a month, and my skin completely cleared. Basically I paid this doctor $ 450 to tell me absolutely nothing when I got solid advice on the Internet for free.
No offense to her, she seems really nice and maybe helps people with other problems. But I thought I’d share my personal experience, which was a bad one.

Dr. Sam LeVine is one of the best doctors I’ve seen. I went to her for skin issues and found out I had a host of other problems. She not only fixed my issues but she did it with such kind bed-​side manner and humor. She’s is incredibly intelligent but also is incredibly personable. I highly recommend her!

Doctor Sam is a beacon of light in the world of gynecology. While Dr. LeVine is also a general practitioner, l I already had a doctor I loved by the time I’d found her. I see her solely for all my lady needs. Now, on to my gynecologist review… this is a first.
Truth be told, I don’t even want to write a review about my gyno because it’s a personal topic… real personal. That in mind I have been to a handful of gynos in my life all of which I was pretty meh about, others I straight up hated. If someones going to be all up in my biz, they should at least be agreeable people. I thought this was an important review to write because I’ve been to the gyno mountain top now and ladies, all I have to say is stop gritting your teeth through your annual exam, find someone you like! I promise you — Doctor LeVine will be that person.
Sam practices naturopathic medicine but can also prescribe western medicine if needed. Her exam room is very relaxing (I posted a picture), with big comfy chairs, candles, good smells. Nothing like the bare bone exam room you’ve grown to hate no doubt. Before your exam, you kick back in the plush chair and have a non-​rushed conversation about what’s going on. The best part? She’s listening and asking questions. This is a vast improvement from most people who get in my pants. ba-​dum ching. Okay, bad joke, moving right along! There is not a computer, no typing while you talk and minimal eye contact. She listens! Which sounds like a no brainer but I’ve learned that in the world of medicine — it is not, it’s a luxury. Whatever your aliment, awkward disclosure or anything in-​between she makes it a safe place to share. Her humor, supportive attitude and down to earth attitude are such refreshing traits.
The exam, let’s face it, is never going to be a picnic! I will say that it is a much more comfortable environment making the whole thing much easier. She even took the extra time to teach the breast exam. This seems like something everyone should know, but as it turns out I had unknowingly only been doing a half-​ass job. A breast exam is nothing to half ass ladies. Full ass that breast exam, always!
Now for a few logistics. She takes insurance and is easy to reach by e-​mail. For your gyno needs and beyond, look no further than the wonderful Doctor Samantha LeVine!

I can’t rave enough about Doc Sam! After years of standard thyroid and insulin tests that came back inconclusive, I found much help in Doc Sam’s holistic approach to discovering the root problem. She spent nearly 2 hours with me on the initial visit, which is completely unfamiliar to me and any traditional medicine approach. After my first appointment, I left saying, «you care about me, thank you!».
Naturopathic wellness is where it’s at — hands down! My only regret is that I didn’t visit Doc Sam earlier.

Dr. Samatha LeVine of Docere is truly on of the most thoughtful and in-​tune doctors I’ve ever received treatment from.
I admit to being slightly skeptical of «alternative» medicines but when I found myself dealing with a 5 year old son with a sudden behavioral reaction we couldn’t explain we found ourselves in Dr. Sam’s office.
I was fearful that a traditional M.D. might suggest pharmaceuticals for my son and Dr. Sam encouraged us to have an allergy screening done.
Turns out, she was right on the money. He has intolerance to gluten, dairy and peanut butter that manifest not only in slight physical reactions like rashes, but in behavior as well.
I then became a patient and have found Dr. Sam’s treatment to be in tune with my whole self and truly feel like she has helped set me on a path to better health and wellness.