STORY BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DOCTORS
EAGLE ACUPUNCTURE
Eagle residents have access to outstanding care from medical professionals at two regional health systems–St. Luke’s and St. Alphonus–as well as other local providers. Here are some of the top doctors and medical providers in the area.
“Success is not born from luck or education or timing or being on the cutting edge,” counsels Eagle resident Kristen Burris, L.Ac., (Licensed Acupuncturist) M.S.T.O.M (Master of Science Traditional Oriental Medicine), and co-owner of Eagle Acupuncture with her husband Tony A. Burris, L.Ac. M.S.T.O.M. “It’s a matter of never turning back, never giving up, and having the courage to fail.”
Kristen has been in practice 16 years and wants to dispel myths about Eastern medicine. “Acupuncture doesn’t hurt the way you think it might,” Kristen explains. “Don’t let fear or lack of understanding keep you from the best medicine of your life.”
Since beginning her practice, Burris has helped numerous patients with fertility issues. “There is never an unexplained diagnosis in acupuncture and clinical herbal medicine. There is always evidence of either blood deficiency, blood stagnation, or cold obstructing the uterus. Men are just as likely to suffer from challenges with their fertility as women. Our medicine also addresses low sperm count, poor motility (the movement of sperm), and poor morphology (shape of the sperm). Our medicine nearly eradicates the need to contemplate sperm donors.”
Burris points out that women going through menopause can also benefit from Chinese medicine. “Our medicine helps women transition more peacefully-slowing their heavy bleeding, brightening their minds, soothing their sleeplessness, and inspiring their sex drives all without the harmful risks that hormones often cause. With our natural medicine alternatives we often can prevent hysterectomies in women considering that life-altering surgery.” Burris was named Business Woman of the Year by the Boise chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners in 2013, Business Person of the Year Eagle Chamber 2011, and one of Eagle’s Top Docs. in 2010.
Kristin Burris of Eagle Acupuncture
507 S Fitness Pl, Ste 100 • Eagle, ID
938-1277 • EagleAcupuncture.com
ALLERGY SOLLUTIONS OF IDAHO
Karen Cross is owner of Allergy Solutions of Idaho in Boise. “We use ‘Advanced Allergy Therapeutics’ to test for any potential stressor on the body (food, chemical, environmental, animal), and we can treat the body to stop reacting to such stressors, all in a painless way, with no needles, shots, or medications. The treatment is based on advanced software combined with principles of Chinese Medicine.”
Cross, FNP, MSN, ND relates several stories of patients they treated. “We had a lady that had chronic coughing for ten years, she tried allergy medications, inhalers, nothing worked. She came to see us, and we tested her for multiple potential triggers and narrowed it down to dust and dust mites. She was treated a few times for both of those, and her cough is 100% gone. She still comes in to talk with us and tell us how amazed she is, and so very grateful! We also treated a UPS man, who had severe allergies to trees, grass, and weeds; he had to get a substitute driver for him during the allergy season. We treated him, after narrowing down the exact tree, weed, etc. He is back to work full time, with zero symptoms! He is thrilled! Last, is my own daughter, Jessie, 14, who was very allergic to our cat. My daughter adores cats! We treated her one time only for cat dander, and she has not sneezed, no itchy eyes, no runny nose, that was over 8 months ago. The cat can now happily sleep on her bed.”
“We used to do a lot of blood testing for food allergies and sensitivities,” states Cross. “It was expensive and we had to ship the blood sample to a specialized lab in Seattle. I became frustrated with telling people a long list of foods they needed to avoid-seemingly forever! I began to research alternative methods of testing and treating, and came across “Advanced Allergy Therapeutics”. At first it seemed too good to be true, however after researching it for two years, and speaking with multiple allergy clinics across the country using this method, we decided to bring it to Idaho. The results we have seen have been outstanding, and we are now able to help people enjoy life again! They can keep their pets, go outside in the spring, mow the lawn, and eat foods once forbidden for them. In addition, we help headaches, skin issues, even barometric pressure issues!”
Karen Cross of Allergy Sollutions of Idaho
4700 N Cloverdale Road, Suite 103 • Boise, ID
608-1152 • allergy-solutions-of-idaho.com
EAGLE VISION ONE
Established in December 2001 by Dr. Shawn C. Sorenson and Dr. Aaron J. Warner, Eagle VISION One is the leading provider of optometry services and vision care products in the Treasure Valley. Eagle VISION One wants to help you achieve and maintain clear vision now and throughout your lifetime by providing world-class diagnostic and treatment options as well as preventative care. Along with general eye examinations for glasses and contact lenses, Shawn C. Sorenson, O.D., Aaron J. Warner, O.D., and Craig M. Moss, O.D. specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetes.
Here is a recent tip from their informative website: “When nights grow longer, and our morning and evening commute is spent driving in the dark, seeing the road clearly is a much more difficult task. Whatever your age, there are things that can improve your sight at night. Often there are simple adjustments that can be made to your eyeglasses or contacts prescription that help. Let’s visit about your specific needs. If you’re concerned about your vision as you drive at night, schedule an appointment with us.”
(photo) Dr. Shawn Sorenson, Dr. Aaron Warner & Dr. Draig Moss of Eagle VISION One
355 S Eagle Rd • Eagle, ID
938-2015 • eaglevisionone.com
WOMEN’S HEALTH ASSOCIATES
“Our staff and providers are focused on providing personalized, compassionate, and caring services for our patients,” states Scott Tucker, Administrator, Women’s Health Associates in Boise. “We want to be a part of the many stages of a woman’s life. Our founder, Dr. Brenda Williams, opened the practice in 1995 to provide timely, compassionate, quality care. Dr. Williams passed away in 2009, however, her vision continues through the team of dedicated professionals that she developed prior to her passing.”
“Women’s Health Associates offers many services to our patients,” notes Tucker. “We pride ourselves on being accepting of all of our patients and creating a welcoming environment for them and their families. We are humbled that we get to be part of their lives during some the most exciting and challenging times. We have providers who pride themselves on being available to their patients. We strive to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing and help our patients enjoy a long, healthy lifestyle.”
“We have providers with various specialties such as Traditional Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Midwifery, Preventive Medicine, and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy,” says Tucker. “We are fortunate enough to be part of the ‘miracle of life.’ We do not take that lightly and are humbled by the trust that our patients put in us to be on that journey with them.”
(photo) Aileen King, Monika Fealko, Jacqueline Maybach and Suzanne Rice of Women’s Health Associates
333 North First Avenue Suite 240 • Boise, ID
338-8900 • 338-1503 • womenshealthboise.com
EAGLE ORAL SURGERY & DENTAL IMPLANT CENTER
Jeremy Hixson, DMD, in Eagle, ID, practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. He can also diagnose and treat facial pain, TMJ disorders, and facial injuries and fractures, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With them, people are rediscovering the confidence to laugh, speak, and enjoy life.
After serving a two-year LDS mission in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he learned to speak fluent German, Dr. Jeremy Hixson attended Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he met his wife Sarah and completed his degree in biology at California State University-Sacramento. With other pre-dental students, Dr. Hixson traveled to the Galapagos Islands to provide dental services, which inspired him to serve and give back to those in need. Before graduating from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Hixson did a two week externship at a large trauma center and fell in love with oral surgery. Hixson pursued that specialty, completing a one year internship at University of Texas-Southwestern’s well known Parkland hospital. He was accepted into a four year Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Georgia Regents University in Augusta, Georgia, where he received additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training.
Jeremy Hixson, DMD of Eagle Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
197 West State Street • Eagle, ID
995-2865 • eagleoralsurgery.com
COTTONWOOD CREEK DENTAL
“I would like to thank the Eagle Magazine readers for supporting our practice all of these years,” says Dr. Michael Dolby, DDS, Owner, Cottonwood Creek Dental in Eagle. “We are a full service dental practice, next to St. Alphonsus Hospital in Eagle River, with a special emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. We have created a peaceful and positive dental experience. Everyone on our team truly cares about each patient from taking the time to make sure their appointment is pleasant, to checking in with every patient after treatment. Our concern for our patients doesn’t stop when they leave our office. The artistic smiles we have created here are nothing short of amazing and we take pride in exceeding our patient’s expectations.”
“I have always had an artistic part of me and I’m extremely perfectionistic, which is ideal for the dental profession,” shares Dolby. “My path into dentistry was actually by accident and really came out of frustration with my previous corporate job.”
“I remember sitting at the kitchen table sharing my career frustrations with my father and out of the blue he said, “Why don’t you go to dental school?” My uncle was a dentist, but I had never really given dentistry much of a thought. But deep down inside I must have known this profession would be right for me, because without hesitation I said ‘yes’ and began my quest to become a dentist.”
“For most people when you mention going to the dentist, some level of apprehension takes over,” notes Dolby. “What I love is having the opportunity to give my patients a positive dental experience. When that happens, people tend to keep their regular check-ups and they usually have far less dental work to complete. However, by far I love creating beautiful smiles. I never get tired of the reaction on my patient’s face when I have literally taken years off their appearance and exceeded their expectations.”
“My biggest challenge is time. I’m blessed to have a busy dental practice and a very busy family. Scheduling time to coach my children’s sports teams or simply watching them perform or compete in a sport is a constant challenge. I love spending time with my family and friends, golfing with my boys, competing in obstacle races, running marathons, and traveling.” Dolby is also the author of Practice Made Perfect: How to Build a Thriving Dental Practice.
Michael Dolby, DDS of Cottonwood Creek Dental
325 E. Shore Dr Ste#100 • Eagle, ID
323-8545 • cottonwoodcreek-dental.com
WINDING CREEK MEDICAL ARTS
Eagle resident and Idaho native Marion Luque, M.D., has had an independent practice in Eagle since 2004. She grew up in Boise and attended medical school in Portland, Oregon at OHSU and worked for Kaiser in Portland for several years before returning to Idaho. “I love Idaho and the beautiful outdoors, its mountains and rivers, hiking, and fly fishing. I have bicycled from Burgdorf Hot Spring, over Lick Creek through Bear Valley, to Stanley and then to Boise. I love camping and flat water kayaking. I enjoy playing tennis several times a week at the Eagle Tennis Club.”
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Luque practices evidence-based medicine and conventional treatments. “Few people know I have a certification in energy work. I am also a certified life coach. I personally practice meditation and pranayama. I think it helps to integrate breath, mind, spirit with the body for healing and personal growth. Internal medicine is primary care of adults. Adults can be complex. Being a good diagnostician is crucial. It is what I love about my specialty.”
“I have been a healer for decades. As a child, I cared for injured birds and reptiles. I was never encouraged to become a doctor. I even tried to avoid what was yet inevitable. My first degree was Nursing at Boise State College more than 35 years ago. Later I returned to BSU and got my Bachelor of Science degree. I have seen tremendous changes in medicine during that time. At present being a doctor can be challenging for the hours of documentation, justification, and adherence. But it has never seemed to distract me from my passion. I am thankful every day that I have the opportunity to be an independent doctor, schedule by my design, and to work with a dedicated staff who have been with me for years.”
“My work is a personal endeavor of grace and beauty. I am thankful every day for the privilege to collide with other’s lives. Sometimes it’s a soft bump or nudge but other times it’s more a major alteration of the course. Either way, it seems sacred to me.”
Marion Luque, MD of Winging Creek Medical Arts
1139 E. Winding Creek Drive • Eagle, ID
938-8887 • mluquemd.com
ST. ALPHONSUS MEDICAL GROUP HEART CARE
Cardiologist Jennifer Anderson, MD, PhD, MS, FACC specializes in nutrition and heart disease, women’s heart care, and general cardiology at Saint Alphonus Heart Institute at the Eagle Health Plaza. Dr. Anderson performs both invasive as well as noninvasive procedures, and has specialized training in advanced cardiovascular imaging as well as advanced lipid management.
Besides her medical degree, Anderson also completed a PhD in Nutritional Sciences as well as a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. “My patients can expect comprehensive, innovative care that emphasizes lifestyle intervention and disease prevention,” states Anderson. “I am trained in detecting early structural and/or functional cardiovascular disease, and I have ongoing interests specific to exercise and sports cardiology, women’s heart care and prevention.” With her doctorate in nutritional sciences, Anderson was well qualified to serve as a member of the American Heart Association’s Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism as well as the American Society for Nutrition.
“We emphasize prevention on multiple levels, which includes physical activity/exercise, nutritional therapy, cholesterol management, and risk factor reduction,” shares Anderson. “We have a comprehensive approach to preventing heart disease. We also have a special interest in taking care of athletes (young and not-so young) with heart conditions.
Anderson walks, or rather runs, her talk. She races in Olympic Distance Triathlon events and also enjoys hiking, running, cycling, and enjoying the great outdoors and her family. “I love the Eagle community! Not only is it a beautiful place to be, but it also attracts individuals who are interested in a healthy and active lifestyle. We are a perfect fit in that way.”
Anderson has a few nutrition tips for a healthy heart, which include focusing on fresh food. “Do not focus on ‘fat’ or ‘carbs’ or ‘protein.’ Strive to follow a “Mediterranean Diet.” Focus on things that come from the earth, fruits and vegetables, protein from animals, especially fish and lean meats like chicken. Don’t forget the antioxidants.” She points out that coffee, dark chocolate, and tea yield benefits on blood sugar levels and improvement of blood vessel function.”
She adds that it’s important to “stay active and make a plan. When you get yourself outside and moving, you tend to feel better and make better choices.”
Jennifer Anderson, MD, PhD, MS, FACC of St. Alphonsus
Medical Center – Heart Care
323 E. Riverside Dr. Suite 224 • Eagle, ID
302-0000 • 367-BEAT (2328)
www.saintalphonsus.org/jennifer-anderson
