Major personal events can be agents of change. Jan Patterson, M.D., candidly reflects on how her own cancer diagnosis —  shortly after her son’s suicide —  implored her to find inner strength and alternatives to augment her traditional Western medicine background.  As a result, Dr. Patterson (an infectious disease and integrative medicine specialist) began to explore and embrace holistic remedies like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils to help balance and heal both her patients — and herself. With a 30-year career as a physician and teacher, Dr. Patterson, co-author of the book Breath for the Soul: Self Care Steps to Wellness, focuses on how we can have agency in our health.   A key takeaway: Combining both Western and Eastern modalities emphasize disease prevention and stress reduction and benefit one’s physical and mental health.  We feature a heartfelt discussion on maternal grief and guilt, having tough conversations with your children, and incorporating self-care into your life — stat! This episode of SheVentures will explore new healing methods that can help not only your physical well-being but your mental health, too! What sparked Dr. Patterson’s interest in becoming an infectious diseases doctor?  How did Dr. Patterson’s interest in holistic medicine expand after she lost her son to suicide? Dr. Patterson’s fellowship at the University of Arizona allowed her to learn more about non-traditional healing methods like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils. What is Dr. Patterson’s biggest tip to being there for your children and those dealing with grief around you? How faith, friends, integrative medicine, and meaningful work helped Dr. Patterson in her healing journey. Despite a constant emphasis on traditional medicine, there is plenty of evidence for using non-traditional healing methods. How a cancer diagnosis shortly after her son’s suicide pushed Dr. Patterson to examine her life and focus on what had the most meaning The silver lining of life pivots  How to forgive yourself and address misplaced guilt Dr. Patterson reflects on her greatest wins — including her two sons, her contribution to improved healthcare, and her implementation of integrative medicine at the hospital, in her practice, and in her life. Dr. Patterson tells listeners simple preventative techniques they could implement in their lives today!