Thrive

Continuing our “discovering the neighborhood by biking” theme from yesterday, we also recently noticed a new sign up near the Tangletown area recently, Scott Moser’s Thive Natural Family Medicine (5020 Meridian Ave. N). He opened back in November, but we thought it wasn’t too late to welcome him to the neighborhood with a short interview. We started by asking the Nevada native what brought him to Wallingford.

Before moving to Seattle, my wife and I took a road trip along the California, Oregon, and Washington coast (we lived in Nevada). One of our stops was Seattle. We instantly fell in love with Seattle and explored many of its neighborhoods. Wallingford was one of those neighborhoods and we enjoyed all the cafes, restaurants, and shops. Most of all, however, we felt a very strong sense of community in Wallingford. This was 8 years ago and that sense of community is as strong as ever. I completed clinic shifts at the 45th Street Clinic, which is doing really important work. I like that it’s home to strong community based organizations like Solid Ground, Family Works, the Boys and Girls Club, and Mosaic Coffee House, and of course there’s a thriving business community here, too. When I opened my practice a number of neighbors and Wallingford businesses stopped by to welcome me and wish me luck. That says a lot about this neighborhood and I’m excited to be a part of it.

I also chose Wallingford because it bridges several neighborhoods and serving those communities by guiding, teaching, and encouraging individuals to make educated choices about their health and wellness, is Thrive’s mission. To give back to the community I do several free talks each month. Sometimes the talks are at my clinic, but I really enjoy getting out in the community. I do a monthly medicinal and edible plant walk in Discovery Park, which is free and always has a great turnout. I also have a talk on stress management planned in July at the Greenwood Senior Center.

What I find most gratifying about naturopathic medicine is the teaching aspect of my job. It is truly rewarding when I see how empowered patients can become when they really understand their bodies and the healing process. It can be transformational. I love being a part of that process, when understanding translates into action and patients realize that they have control of their health. This leads them on a path to optimal health.

After I received my undergraduate degree in 1999, I moved to Spain. I lived there for two years where I taught English and worked as a bartender. I spent most of my time in San Sebastian, but I also spent a few months in Tenerife and Granada.

After returning from Spain I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy. After working for several years in the pharmacy as a tech, a pharmacist gave me a book called The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno. The first chapter described naturopathic medicine and its core principles. That chapter was what really sparked my journey to naturopathic medicine and I was hooked. I haven’t looked back. It’s an interesting and exciting time to be in the healthcare field and I’m particularly excited about the future of naturopathic medicine.

Scott also mentioned that he has two treatment rooms at Thrive and is interested in partnering with an acupuncturist or other natural health provider.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Scott!