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My journey
Hi! I'm Dr. Laura King and I have been an Integrative and Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian since 2003. I have worked in hospitals, nutrition pharma sales, and spent 11 years working for a global company in the nutrition industry. In that job I loved the people, work, and ability to see the world, but the incredible stress of the job and being constantly on the road began to threaten my health. I needed a change, and it all started with a work trip to Brazil.
I was in Sao Paulo for meetings with a lingering cough after being sick. A colleague told me she was going to schedule an appointment for me with her massage therapist. After mastering short form communication with hand signals, and a lot of laughing between myself and the practitioner (because I don't speak Portuguese), I discovered that in fact it was not a massage. It was my first experience with acupuncture, and it was incredible. My cough improved and I felt so much better for the rest of that trip. Today I love that my job is to offer this ancient healing medical tradition with modern results, plus my nutritional wisdom, to my community.
My philosophy & approach
I think there is a lot of unnecessary suffering in the world of health because of confusing and contradictory information, lack of access, the siloed approach in western medicine, a healthcare system that is struggling, reactivity instead of proactivity, and the list could go on. At the same time I am a relentless optimist and believe anything is possible when it comes to health. I believe humans have a tremendous capacity to change their health circumstances. I also recognize that the first steps are the hardest and my job is to walk alongside my patients.
I believe in open and honest communication between practitioner and patient. I value and continue to cultivate the ability to deeply listen, ask the right questions (and lots of them), be a keen observer, and a savvy detective. I'm interested in symptoms, AND I want to understand why you are having them. I believe combining Western and Eastern philosophies, theories, and modalities is the best way to help people overcome and heal from their health challenges.​
Specialties
I specialize in sports & orthopedic medicine and pain management, supporting patients with health concerns related to sports injuries and managing both acute and chronic pain that is unexplained, from injury, or overuse.
In addition, I've helped people with weight loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, autoimmune disorders, restoration of gut health and gut-related issues, anxiety, headaches, readying for sports & competitions, adolescent nutrition, diabetes, and more.
Hobbies and Interests
When I am not working or continuing to study Chinese medicine, I enjoy mountain biking with my husband and friends, CrossFit, gardening, and cooking.
Qualifications
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Doctor of Chinese Medicine
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Licensed Acupuncturist
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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
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Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
Education
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MD University of Integrative Health
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The Pennsylvania State University
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VCUHS Dietetic Internship
Certifications
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Integrative & Functional Nutrition
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Clean Needle Technique
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Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist
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Nutrition Focused Physical Exam
Memberships
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Maryland Acupuncture Society
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Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
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Dietitians in Integrative & Functional Medicine
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MD Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics