Dr. Paula Mader is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, acupuncturist, and Chinese herbalist based in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Mader earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Mader completed her undergraduate studies in Health Sciences with a focused concentration in Integrative Holistic Medicine at Oakland University.
From a young age, Dr. Mader knew she wanted to become a Naturopathic doctor, driven by a desire to transcend the limitations of conventional medicine—often characterized by segmented, algorithmic approaches that merely suppress symptoms. After years of witnessing her own community struggle to find quality care or relief from persistent symptoms, Dr. Mader moved to the PNW to pursue her dreams of becoming a Naturopathic doctor, attempting to redefine the medical system and the current paradigm of health.
Motivated by both personal and community experiences, Dr. Mader developed an interest in complex chronic illnesses such as chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), environmental toxicity, postural orthostatic intolerance (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), tickborne diseases (Lyme and co-infections, Morgellon’s), multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, and gastrointestinal illnesses (dysbiosis and parasites). This led her to seek a residency under the guidance of Dr. Melanie Stein. Under Dr. Stein’s mentorship, she dedicated herself to gaining invaluable insight and expertise, with the goal of providing targeted care to individuals struggling with intricate health issues. Although Dr. Mader has found a niche for these specialties within medicine, she continually strives to utilize a holistic and comprehensive approach, one which integrates her past primary care training and views the entire person.
During medical school, she received additional training in osteopathic manipulative therapies, dry needling, Japanese-style acupuncture Manaka Yin-Yang Channel Balancing Therapy, craniosacral therapy, kinesiotaping, and mind-body techniques such as biofeedback. She also received mentorship in the topics of primary care medicine, women’s health, cardiometabolic disorders (cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia), and neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease).
Believing in the multifactorial nature of health and wellness, Dr. Mader sees the spirit, mind, and body as interconnected elements contributing to an individual’s overall well-being. She approaches patient care with empathy, crafting personalized treatment plans to address each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Mader’s goal is to collaborate with her patients to identify obstacles to healing, fostering an environment where vital life forces can thrive.
Outside her medical practice, Dr. Mader finds joy in various activities, including attending live music concerts, nature walks, yoga, snowboarding, biking, basketball, hiking, backpacking, at-home projects, interior decorating, and spending time with family and friends.