Dr. Shauna Birdsall is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on women’s health as well as integrative cancer care for people of all genders and ages.
Hi! I’m Dr. Shauna Birdsall.
I’m a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine specializing in integrative oncology and women’s health. I do all the things Dr. Norris does, but in addition to that I work with people who have cancer, to support them in feeling their absolute best from initial diagnosis to ongoing survivorship.
I graduated from a four-year, Department of Education accredited, naturopathic medical school at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Throughout my training, I was really focused on supporting women in all phases of life. I sought out everything there was to know about hormones, gynecology, and the spectrum of women’s health needs—from puberty to menopause, and everything in between.
During my final year of training, I attended a conference on integrative oncology, which is the use of science-based nutrition, lifestyle interventions, supplements, and natural therapies for patients going through their cancer journey. My grandfather was going through cancer treatment for mantle cell lymphoma at the time, and I wanted to do whatever I could to support him.
I switched my focus to the use of natural medicine in oncology, and got accepted into a very competitive residency program. That was over 20 years ago now!
From surviving breast cancer to tackling endometriosis—how cancer care met women’s health.
Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with the best gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and many other specialists in their field. I’ve spent nearly the past 20 years in a hospital setting, providing integrative care for both inpatients and outpatients, and supporting patients undergoing conventional cancer care treatment.
After noticing for years that patients were often exhausted by seeing multiple providers, getting endless lab tests, and sitting through chemotherapy, I made the decision to transfer my practice to a virtual model. (I was way ahead of the Covid-19 curve!)
The virtual format allows patients to consult with me from the comfort of their own homes, with family, friends, caretakers, and pets on hand (if they choose). It also takes the pressure of a single patient to retain all the information presented, ask all the questions, and remember what I told them.
All in all, I believe it’s the ideal way to support patients on their cancer journey.
In 2019, one of my patients was treated successfully(!) for her breast cancer—but she also had a very severe form of endometriosis. She had undergone many surgeries, tried every conventional and natural approach, and was miserable.
She asked if I would be willing to transition my care to start focusing on her endometriosis.
So, I rekindled my initial obsession with all things women’s health. I dove into case study after case study and pored over the research surrounding endometriosis and how to treat it naturally, including nutrition, herbal medicine, targeted supplementation, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
My patient followed all my recommendations… and she got better!
She remains symptom-free, and started referring other people with endometriosis to me. Soon my women’s healthcare practice grew to include PCOS, fertility, and a myriad of other health issues that women can face.
My personal mission is to make sure that every woman has access to the education, resources, and healthcare option(s) they need.
When I started going through menopause, I was shocked—both scientifically and culturally—at the dearth of training given to conventional gynecologists, and even most integrative and/or functional medicine providers around these latter stages of a woman’s life.
We are a huge population that needs and deserves the safest, most effective, human-centered care available.
And that’s what I’m here to provide.
If you’re looking for an expert to take command of this ship for a while, someone with a different, more nuanced approach, someone who will treat you with respect, listen to you, and put YOU in control of your own health
— I’m your woman.
How does integrative oncology work?
I’ve spent the past 20 years supporting people in all stages of their cancer diagnosis & treatment. I welcome adults and children and am an inclusive practitioner.
Book your initial appointment.
I only see patients via telehealth. You don’t have to deal with traffic, and you can show up in your cozy clothes. 🙂 If we need labs or imaging to confirm or make a diagnosis, I’ll order them and review the results with you. I will also work with your in-network doctor to arrange any physical assessments you may need. Click here for a more detailed description of what you can expect on your first visit.
We’ll do a health history unlike any you’ve done before.
During our first appointment, we’ll spend 60 minutes exploring your gynecological history (length between menses, PMS symptoms, how long you bleed and how heavy, cramping, breast tenderness), your energy levels (or lack thereof), your libido (or lack thereof), sleep, diet, exercise, habits, skin, digestion, and even the health of your relationships at work and at home. All of this stuff matters to me, and we’ll have the time to discuss it all.
I’ll advise you on a plan of care.
Most patients will only need to see me a handful of times over several months. I’ll coordinate with your in-network providers and help make sure you’re getting the right tests, asking the right questions, and figuring out the right course of action. Think of me like an orchestra conductor, or the person pulling the strings on the marionette… except in this case the orchestra is your hormonal system, and the marionette is… well, you get it. Refer to my fact sheet for information on PPOs, HMOs, and Kaiser.
You feel better. (See also: happier & more well-rested)
My goal—of course—is for you to feel better, but I also don’t want you to have to take a bunch of supplements and/or medications to continue to feel your best. I want you to get up in the morning feeling good and ready to take on whatever tasks you’d like to accomplish, and a big part of that comes from your lifestyle. Once we’ve completed your care plan, you may still want to check in with me from time to time about how to stay (or get back on) track.
DEI / inclusivity / anti-racism statement:
Our practice is a safe space for you.
At NHC we are committed to building an equitable, anti-racist clinic and space for marginalized people, BIWOC, and LGBTQ folks to feel comfortable and supported to get their medical care.
We commit to continue to learn, support, and actively engage in the movement for change in society. We commit to see you as a beautiful human, who is also a work in progress (like all of us), and to help build you up, help you feel your best, and remind you that you are cared for and that you deserve bountiful health. We strive to support health in every body, health at every size, and healthcare that treats you as an individual.
Publications
Birdsall SM, Weiss GJ. Assessing potential herb-drug interactions: A clinical decision-making guideline to mitigate patient risk. Integrative Cancer Science and Therapeutics 2014; 1(2): 30-34 Full text
Birdsall SM, Birdsall TC, Tims LA. The Use of Medical Marijuana in Cancer. Current Oncology Reports 2016; 18(7): 40. doi: 10.1007/s11912-016-0530-0 Abstract Full text
Hill J, Hodsdon W, Schor J, McKinney N, Rubin D, Seely D, Parmar G, Birdsall TC, Alschuler L, Lamson D, Birdsall SM, Zwickey H. Naturopathic Oncology Modified Delphi Panel. Integrative Cancer Therapies 2016; 15(1): 69-79 Abstract Full text
Marsden, G. Nigh, S. Birdsall, H. Wright, M. Traub.Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians: Principles of Care Guidelines. Current Oncology. 2019 Feb; 26(1): 12–18. Abstract Full text
Birdsall, Shauna. Magnesium vs. Valproate for Migraines. Natural Medicine Journal 2021 August;13(8). Article
Birdsall, Shauna. Can Supplementation with Vitamin D Affect PD-L1 Expression in Gastrointestinal Cancers? Natural Medicine Journal Oncology Special Issue 2021 Oct;13(101): 14-16. Article
Birdsall, Shauna. Does Melatonin Decrease Delirium? Natural Medicine Journal 2022 July;14(7). Article
Birdsall, Shauna. Can a Topical Green Tea Extract Reduce Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients? Natural Medicine Journal 2022 December;14(12). Article
ABSTRACTS
- Cain L, Flynn J, Kelly D, Eden B, Sumner M, Anderson K, Birdsall SM, Martin J, Dounaevskaia L, and Alschuler L. Effect of complementary alternative medical (CAM) therapy on tumor response, control and recurrence in prostate cancer patients (PCpts) treated with radiation therapy (RT). Society for Integrative Oncology, Boston, MA, November 2006
- Lay T, Bregenzer M, Alschuler LN, Birdsall SM, Martin J, Dounaevskaia L, Birdsall TC, Ashby A, Aschtgen C, Staren DM, Cabugason E, and Braun DP. Morbidities Associated with Chemotherapy + Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer and Lymphoma Patients who Receive Concomitant CAM Treatment. Society for Integrative Oncology, Boston, MA, November 2006
- Birdsall TC, Levin RD, Alschuler L, Daehler M, Birdsall SM, Martin J, Dounaevskaia L, Lis CG, and Braun DP. Effect of complementary alternative medical (CAM) therapy on pain and fatigue in pancreatic cancer patients. ASCO, Chicago, IL, June 2007
- Birdsall TC, Levin RD, Alschuler L, Daehler M, Birdsall SM, Martin J, Dounaevskaia L, Lis CG, Braun, DP. Effect of complementary alternative medical (CAM) therapy on pain and fatigue in pancreatic cancer patients. ASCO GI Symposium, Orlando, FL January 2008.
- Birdsall TC, Cain L, Martin J, Birdsall SM, Wiersum L, Anderson K, Eden B, Flynn J, Kelly D, and Braun DP. Anti-Oxidant Dietary Supplements Do Not Interfere with the Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy in Prostate Cancer Patients. Society for Integrative Oncology, Atlanta, GA, November 2008.
- Birdsall TC, Cain L, Martin J, Birdsall SM, Wiersum L, Anderson K, Eden B, Flynn J, Kelly D, and Braun DP. The effect of naturopathic and nutritional supplement treatment on tumor response, control and survival in prostate cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. ASCO, Chicago, IL, June 2009. Abstract
- Birdsall SM, Birdsall TC. Dietary supplements used concurrently with conventional treatment – a methodology for prevention of interactions. Society for Integrative Oncology, Houston, TX, October 2014 Poster
- Tims LA, Birdsall SM, Mitchell S, Kerievsky A, Sherman LR, Bhatti H, Weiss GJ. Efficacy of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) for cancer-related fatigue: a retrospective study. Society for Integrative Oncology, Chicago, IL, November 2017.
Interviews
Radiation Therapy and Its Side-Effects: An Interview with Shauna Birdsall, ND, FABNO. Natural Medicine Journal May 2014; 6 (5)
Supporting Patients During Chemotherapy with Naturopathic Strategies: An Interview with Shauna Birdsall, ND, FABNO. Natural Medicine Journal April 2014; 6 (4)Link:
What Every Clinician Needs to Know About Cancer-related Dermatology: An Interview with Shauna Birdsall, ND, FABNO. Natural Medicine Journal October 2019; 11 (101)
Book Publications
Contributing Author for The Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology: A Desktop Guide for Integrative Cancer Care by Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO and Tina Kaczor, ND, FABO. February 2020
Editorial Contributions
Editorial Advisory Board for Alternative Medicine Magazine’s Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing by Lise N. Alschuler, ND and Karolyn A. Gazella. June 2007
Dr. Sara Norris and Dr. Shauna Birdsall are Naturopathic Doctors serving California & Wisconsin residents (see our FAQs page for a list of all states we can see patients in) via telemedicine, specializing in women’s health, hormones, skin, digestive health, and integrative oncology. In-person clinic opening in Green Bay in 2024.
Mailing address 2275 Huntington Dr #238, San Marino, CA 91108
Phone (323) 844-3374
Fax (866) 469-2721
Email hello@norrishealthcenter.com
Mailing address 905 George St Suite 189, De Pere, WI 54115
Phone (920) 307-1209
Fax (866) 469-2721
Email hello@norrishealthcenter.com
