Today we're talking with Dr. Kristin Castorino, DO. Dr. Castorino is a member of the American Osteopathic Association as well as the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine, and is board certified in Integrative Medicine. And, she's currently taking on new patients! Read below to learn more about Dr. Castorino and the health goals she's working on in her own life.

Q: What does DO stand for and what does a DO do?

A: DO stands for doctor of osteopathy. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to care for patients. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.

Q: What led you to become a DO?

A: I went into medicine to bridge the divide between western medicine and all the other incredible healing modalities.  I chose to become a DO because their philosophy and training was more holistic than MDs, yet I would have the same rights and privileges.  It was the perfect balance for me.

Q: What does your typical day look like?

A: It starts around 6am with a cup of coffee outside watching the world awaken.  Next comes the exuberant task of helping my wonderful kiddos get ready for the day.  I work at Nest, as well as a diabetes research center and the county public health department – so my typical day changes a lot – and I LOVE this variety.  The best part of my day is hearing my patients’ stories and triumphs.  I am constantly in awe of the incredible people I have the honor of helping.

Q: What are some trending topics in the field of osteopathy?

A: Osteopaths are great for preventative medicine and primary care, and these are such important foundations for health.  In medicine, we put a lot of energy in fixing things when they are completely broke, but we should be putting more time and energy into keeping ourselves healthy.

Q: Tell us about one of the most gratifying moments in your career:

A: I have been yearning for a “healing environment”, a medical office that feels like the healing begins when you open the door – a place that helps you shed all your insecurities and guarded emotions to get to the core of issues….and I feel like I have finally found that at Nest.  Healing is a journey, not a destination and can sometimes be scary or challenging.  I feel that Nest is a safe place to journey together on the path of wellness.   

Q: What is something you wish patients knew about you?

A: I’m learning to surf! Now that I’ve been in the Santa Barbara area for almost 10 years its time I embrace my environment.  I am terrible, but I love it.  I love the power of the ocean and the rhythm of the waves.  You might find me in the whitewash with kids learning to surf on a sunny Saturday – stop and say hi.

Q: If you weren’t a DO, what would you be?

A: That’s a tough one – there are so many incredible things to do in this world.  I think about being a teacher, or somehow working outside…maybe a whitewater river guide.

Q: How can a new client best prepare for their first appointment with you?

A: Our first appointment is when I focus on getting the big picture of who you are including health history and major life events down to the core issues of your life purpose.  Take time in completing the pre-appointment questionnaire and bring anything else that is important. 

Q: What health goals are you working on in your own life?

A: I’m currently working on maintaining healthy rituals – the rituals of daily exercise and daily meditation.  There has been so much research showing the benefits of doing this but it’s they are the first to go when life gets busy.  I would love to change the rhythm of live to make them as ritualistic as eating or brushing your teeth.