TESTIMONIALS
What our patients are saying...
Nic Murphy
I have worked with Dr. Joe for about 5 months now. I've waited this long to put up some "reviews" since health journeys are long (mine included) and I didn't want to make any major statements until I had a good sample size of facts. Anyway, I've decided the facts are overwhelmingly in and here's my major statement: Dr. Joe has truly changed my life for the positive and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
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Loren S.

Dr. Smith is extremely knowledgeable and patient, taking time to understand your background, determine the root cause of the issue, and then explain his approach to remedying it.
I had neck pain and impaired mobility for weeks. He adjusted me and applied various Applied Kinesiology techniques. I recall he pressed somewhere on my shin-- and surprisingly it was sore there. Post treatment, I felt 100% better and have not had that issue since. Amazing.
He also brought awareness of the impact/influence of specific food on the body. I have suffered from terrible headaches my whole life and have seen many specialists/allergists/ENTs in an effort to figure out the cause, with no success. Dr. Smith had me closely monitor what I ate and I discovered a correlation with drinking milk and getting a headache. I had no idea all these years. I now drink milk substitutes [rice milk, almond milk]-- and it has made all the difference.
Dr. Smith has devoted his life to improving the health and well-being of his patients. I highly recommend him and only wish he would open a second office in SF!
I had neck pain and impaired mobility for weeks. He adjusted me and applied various Applied Kinesiology techniques. I recall he pressed somewhere on my shin-- and surprisingly it was sore there. Post treatment, I felt 100% better and have not had that issue since. Amazing.
He also brought awareness of the impact/influence of specific food on the body. I have suffered from terrible headaches my whole life and have seen many specialists/allergists/ENTs in an effort to figure out the cause, with no success. Dr. Smith had me closely monitor what I ate and I discovered a correlation with drinking milk and getting a headache. I had no idea all these years. I now drink milk substitutes [rice milk, almond milk]-- and it has made all the difference.
Dr. Smith has devoted his life to improving the health and well-being of his patients. I highly recommend him and only wish he would open a second office in SF!
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Brook S.

Joe Smith is very passionate about his work!
My issues are neurological and he was very helpful!
My issues are neurological and he was very helpful!
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Alexis W.
Dr. Joe helped me properly diagnose issues MD’s were missing for years. He helped me recover and heal from Giardia and C. Diff - my leaky gut and food sensitivities (oral tolerance) has improved dramatically. My fatigue gone ...and energy restored. I’m very grateful and would highly recommend him. Thank you ??
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Renee Z.
I went to 20 allopathic doctors in 10 years in an attempt to to deal with my chronic pain and chronic GI symptoms; all 20 told me there was nothing wrong with me, and all 20 did blood tests and declared the normal. Finally, after I had endured one migraine very literally after the other for two months straight, I found Dr. Joe. It took him 30 minutes to begin hypothesizing, and the labs he ordered proved him right. Celiac Disease, SIBO, adrenal fatigue, blood sugar imbalance, and a bonus brain asymmetry. Three days after I saw him the first time and after I made the diet and medication changes he suggested, my migraine went away and never came back. Three months after I began working for him, the excruciating nerve pain I'd had for over a decade went away -- and it hasn't come back. I had been on vicodin for pain, adderall for (supposed) attention deficit, and klonipin for anxiety for a decade; I am off all of them now. He has very literally saved my life. He's a total genius, and I'll never trust another physician again -- unless it's one whom he recommends. He has the unfortunate job of telling lots of us the things we do NOT want to hear: my diet is pretty restrictive, and I had to give up lots of things that I loved dearly. Add to the diet stuff that the medications that had been the only reason I could function eventually had to go, too. These are scary propositions, and they were hard to hear. But holy crap have they (along with his interventions) worked. I miss coffee, but I don't miss the abject physical misery I was in. I'm not sure how many decades I'd have left -- or how many I'd spend out of a wheelchair -- if I hadn't found him. Whatever it is that is making you sick, he will figure it out. Without a doubt.
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Zoe K.

There aren't enough stars in the Yelp galaxy to express my appreciation and enthusiasm for Dr. Joe and Lighthouse. Within two days of my first visit, he gave me renewed energy, within 11 days, he gave me a new body, within 15 days he gave me a more vibrant personality and a more powerful brain, and I'm sure that when we meet again on day 17, he will have given me a whole new life. In half a month he has corrected a lifetime of struggles. I had given up on myself because I had reached out to every kind of doctor for answers and they only left me with more questions, mainly "Why can't you help me?" followed shortly by "Why am I paying you to tell me that I'm hopeless?" I felt lost and had accepted the darkness as a part of my life until I bumped into Dr. Smith on the street.
To say that Dr. Smith has a gift would trivialize his intellect and his devotion to his work, but what he has is far more special than mere skill. In a single glance he can give you a better idea of what's going wrong in your body than you would receive from hours of work with a specialist or single-modality practitioner. Dr. Smith passes no judgment and his openness made me feel comfortable being completely honest with him, instead of presenting the "best" version of myself. My life changed after my first session with Dr. Smith and looking back, I can't believe what bad shape I was in. I am 24 and already my memory, energy, and interest in life were waining (I now know that this was due to brain degeneration... yep, at only 24). Since working with Dr. Smith, I have felt healthier and happier than I have in my entire life -- childhood included -- and after my first adjustment combining chiropractics with neurology, the good doctor gave me the best day of my whole life at age 24.
Dr. Smith is brilliant, kind, and driven. He will work as hard as you towards your recovery and if you're willing to give your health 100% of your effort, you will see a 100% improvement in your health and quality of life. His service-based philosophy and commitment to the greater good (if you ask him, the greatest good is to find the cause and he delves directly to the root of all your problems) make him stand apart from any medical practitioner I have known professionally or socially. His motivation is to help you help yourself. He describes his role as being that of a teacher, and he teaches his students how to live healthily in their bodies. With Dr. Smith you will be treated as an individual with a unique set of circumstances and this is the key to recovery-- and, boy, does that recovery happen quickly with personalized treatment.
There is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Smith can treat any person suffering from any kind of ailment, and even those who do not yet know that they are ailing. His approach is TRULY holistic and he gathers his techniques from various healing arts, so you are not seeing just one doctor. Every one can benefit from his approach which deals directly with the root cause and works from the ground up. It works not just for physical and mental health, but in all facets of life. Dr. Smith believes that a healthy world is made up of healthy individuals and I am certain that if every person knew a Dr. Smith, the world would see a 100% improvement. Miracles happen more often than you think.
*Caution: health and happiness may be habit-forming.
To say that Dr. Smith has a gift would trivialize his intellect and his devotion to his work, but what he has is far more special than mere skill. In a single glance he can give you a better idea of what's going wrong in your body than you would receive from hours of work with a specialist or single-modality practitioner. Dr. Smith passes no judgment and his openness made me feel comfortable being completely honest with him, instead of presenting the "best" version of myself. My life changed after my first session with Dr. Smith and looking back, I can't believe what bad shape I was in. I am 24 and already my memory, energy, and interest in life were waining (I now know that this was due to brain degeneration... yep, at only 24). Since working with Dr. Smith, I have felt healthier and happier than I have in my entire life -- childhood included -- and after my first adjustment combining chiropractics with neurology, the good doctor gave me the best day of my whole life at age 24.
Dr. Smith is brilliant, kind, and driven. He will work as hard as you towards your recovery and if you're willing to give your health 100% of your effort, you will see a 100% improvement in your health and quality of life. His service-based philosophy and commitment to the greater good (if you ask him, the greatest good is to find the cause and he delves directly to the root of all your problems) make him stand apart from any medical practitioner I have known professionally or socially. His motivation is to help you help yourself. He describes his role as being that of a teacher, and he teaches his students how to live healthily in their bodies. With Dr. Smith you will be treated as an individual with a unique set of circumstances and this is the key to recovery-- and, boy, does that recovery happen quickly with personalized treatment.
There is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Smith can treat any person suffering from any kind of ailment, and even those who do not yet know that they are ailing. His approach is TRULY holistic and he gathers his techniques from various healing arts, so you are not seeing just one doctor. Every one can benefit from his approach which deals directly with the root cause and works from the ground up. It works not just for physical and mental health, but in all facets of life. Dr. Smith believes that a healthy world is made up of healthy individuals and I am certain that if every person knew a Dr. Smith, the world would see a 100% improvement. Miracles happen more often than you think.
*Caution: health and happiness may be habit-forming.
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Nicolas Murphy
I have worked with Dr. Joe for about 5 months now. I've waited this long to put up some "reviews" since health journeys are long (mine included) and I didn't want to make any major statements until I had a good sample size of facts. Anyway, I've decided the facts are overwhelmingly in and here's my major statement: Dr. Joe has truly changed my life for the positive and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
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Heather G.
I love this approach to healthcare and only wish we had more Doctors like this in San Diego!!
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Raina S.

This just in!! The amazing Dr. Joseph Smith has curred me of a lifetime of physical discomfort!! I've been to everyone and done EVERYTHING but he was able to figure out exactly what my issue was and what I needed. He is well worth the drive, the money, and the dedication! I've never been so happy!! Thank you so much Dr. Smith!!! =)
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Nic M.
I have worked with Dr. Joe for about 5 months now. I've waited this long to put up some "reviews" since health journeys are long (mine included) and I didn't want to make any major statements until I had a good sample size of facts. Anyway, I've decided the facts are overwhelmingly in and here's my major statement: Dr. Joe has truly changed my life for the positive and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
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Jennifer M.
I'm in the midst of my healing journey and I recommend Dr. Joe to everyone who will listen. He's able to connect ALL of the dots and get to the root cause, ultimately saving my sanity along with time and money. I'm so thankful.
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Renée Z.

Dr. Joe is a literal genius. After several decades and probably 20 traditional doctors, I finally saw him to address debilitating chronic pain and migraines. Not only did he figure out what was causing them - and consequently stop them - but the anxiety I had accepted as normal went away, too. Dr. Joe is unusually devoted to his work, something I don't see in many doctors anymore. He is remarkably gifted and as determined; he listens and explains thoroughly; he sees THE WHOLE person in front of him, rather than reducing patients to a symptom that needs to be muted. He is a true healer.
If I had written nothing else, I'd leave this here: he has in no uncertain terms saved my life. If you wonder if it's worth the drive out to Fairfax, the time out of your day, the $, whatever, stop wondering. I am well and happy to an extent on which I had long ago given up. If no one else can figure it out, he can.
If I had written nothing else, I'd leave this here: he has in no uncertain terms saved my life. If you wonder if it's worth the drive out to Fairfax, the time out of your day, the $, whatever, stop wondering. I am well and happy to an extent on which I had long ago given up. If no one else can figure it out, he can.
read moreread less
Nic M.

I have worked with Dr. Joe for about 5 months now. I've waited this long to put up some "reviews" since health journeys are long (mine included) and I didn't want to make any major statements until I had a good sample size of facts. Anyway, I've decided the facts are overwhelmingly in and here's my major statement: Dr. Joe has truly changed my life for the positive and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
I found Dr. Joe through an incredible Youtube lecture he gave on "food sensitivity" and after gathering my courage, reached out to see if he was interested in treating me (my issues revolve around allergy, digestion, blood sugar, terrible energy, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, ect). He was and we began our work (which I'm still in the thick of today). As I do not live in San Francisco, we initially skyped and I was so impressed and excited that he actually listened to my health-story (something sadly many health care practitioners don't do). From my symptoms described and a written questionnaire, he ordered a series of tests he was interested in seeing the results of, which I proceeded to do (mostly blood work, some stool). When these results were in, we once again met online and he gave me his ideas and prescriptions (diet, supplements, lifestyle, ect.) which I've been following since and we tweak when needed. Eventually I went up to SF to see Dr. Joe and did a 4-day intensive which was also fascinating and productive. Now we are in weekly contact, we still do tests and tweak my lifestyle, but my symptoms and outlook are miles and miles improved since I started 5 months ago. I feel safe with Dr. Joe. I trust him completely and feel like he really knows me medically, something which is rare and I'm so grateful for.
Dr. Joe is worth every penny, a true, powerful science-based holistic approach to healthcare. He is an incredibly smart and kind person and I am truly honored that I get to work with him. It hasn't been an easy process, but change never is - it is not an exaggeration when I say every aspect of my life has improved under his tutelage. I don't have to feel as bad as I once did. Life doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Joe has empowered me through my health. I am truly, truly grateful. If you are struggling with a health issue that seems too complex to manage (and maybe other Doctors are not listening), I sincerely urge you to give Dr. J a call and see what he has up his sleeve.
10/10
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Starla D.

Dr. Joe is brilliant, kind, patient and deeply supportive. I've been to numerous integrative doctors, healers, naturopaths and medical professionals and he's the best! He uncommonly brilliant holistically and scientifically - and knows things and can connect the dots in ways for each unique person and their unique health challenges - that very few practitioners can. I've referred 4-6 of my friends and relatives to him as well and they all agree!
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