Name: Jacob Hwang, ND
Title: Naturopathic Doctor
Area of Focus:
- Chronic disease prevention
- Cardiometabolic disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Urologic conditions
- Men’s health
Education and Training:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington
- Naturopathic Residency, Bastyr University Clinic, San Diego, California
- Naturopathic Residency, UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, Costa Mesa, California.
Relevant Experience:
- Former Clinical Faculty at Bastyr University Clinic, San Diego, California
- Former Didactic Faculty at Bastyr University, San Diego, California
Locations:
Language/s:
- English
- Korean
Bio:
Jacob Hwang is a naturopathic doctor and integrative health specialist who uses a whole-person approach to patient care with emphasis on emerging evidence and health promotion. He earned his doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington and completed a three-year naturopathic residency program at Bastyr University Clinic and UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Besides seeing patients and training learners, Dr. Hwang also contributes to various educational initiatives.
Dr. Hwang uses an integrative approach to treating diseases, which encompasses a comprehensive diagnostic process, evaluation of social determinants of health, and unique consideration for the individual patient presentation. His clinical toolbox typically involves lifestyle interventions, dietary recommendations, evidence-based nutraceutical supplements, and limited pharmacological therapies. In addition, Dr. Hwang believes having a collegial healthcare team is important to maintain patient-centered care and allow shared insights to make the best clinical decision. He enjoys coordinating and working alongside other medical specialists and healthcare providers.
What brought you to whole-person health?
Growing up in Hawaii, I was fortunate to be surrounded by many diverse cultures and perspectives. I was particularly fascinated by the convergence of traditional medicinal practices and modern conventional medicine. While pursuing a concentration in cellular and molecular biology during my undergraduate studies, I came across the dilemma of disease suppression and health promotion. I was personally not satisfied with the approach of using a single therapeutic agent to suppress a disease mechanism, only to temporarily delay disease progression.
In my journey of integrative health and naturopathic medicine, I was introduced to the concept of salutogenesis or health promotion. This concept challenged the idea of pathogenesis and suggested that health existed as a spectrum rather than a separate entity from disease. Since then, I have adopted this approach into whole-person health because it allows me to identify the deeper problem and bring the individual to optimal health. Sometimes, the treatment may be simple, such as removing the obstacles to healing or providing support to optimize metabolic and physiological resilience.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacob Hwang by calling: 949-824-7000
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