When Did You Last Feel Well?
"Every initial visit begins with a simple question: when did you last feel well? This marks your medical tipping point— the point at which your health began to decline. Your history is the most important part of creating an individualized treatment plan. My goal is to form a partnership and tailor the treatment to you. Taking into consideration your lifestyle, your past medical history and all current concerns”
— Dr. O’Dell
Why am I unique?
Bringing nearly 3 decades of medical experience, Dune Medicine offers adjunctive care that integrates with your existing medical team. I offer a unique perspective with dual degrees as both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Physician Assistant, bridging integrative and conventional medicine.
About Dr. Kristen O'Dell
My medical career began in 1997, after graduating from Yale University School of Medicine, I entered the traditional medical system as a Physician Assistant, working in the New York City and metropolitan area. It was common to see up to 25 patients per day for a 15 minute appointment.
While I gained an immense amount of clinical experience, I also became acutely aware of the limitations of this model. Within such brief encounters, it was often impossible to offer complete care. No time to explore important questions:
What stressors were affecting my patients? Obstacles to cure? Helping people understand
their medical conditions and the impact on other systems. What are their lifestyle habits?
Food intake? Environmental exposures?
During this time, I had patients ask about supplements, alternative approaches. I recognized that I did not the depth of training needed to answer these questions responsibly. My patients had planted the seed, and I felt compelled to further my medical education.
In 2004, I returned to medical school to obtain a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, completing four additional years of training at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. This education expanded my clinical framework and provided tools that could be used independently or alongside conventional medical care.
After graduating in 2008, I returned to the East Coast, where I opened Bedford Natural Medicine in New Hampshire. Since then, I have had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients, many of whom sought care after not finding answers elsewhere. Naturopathic medicine offers additional tools.
It is now time to return to my true home, where I was raised and went to school, to establish a medical practice serving the extended Long Beach Island, New Jersey community.
This is a small, independent medical practice. When you schedule a visit, you see me. I manage all aspects of care to ensure continuity, accessibility.
I remain deeply grateful to practice medicine in a way that aligns with my values and allows for meaningful patient relationships. I continue to be challenged, engaged, and fulfilled by the work — and by the patients I serve.
