I was born in Berkeley, CA and spent most of my childhood on a ranch in Southern California. Four generations lived on the same property surrounded by the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains. Our doctor was a family physician who made house-calls, delivered babies, and cared for all the generations of my family. He was the model for my definition of a doctor and my first inspiration as to what I was going to be when I grew up. He, and the rest of my family, laid the foundation for the type of doctor I strive to be with Rasnow Integrative Wellness. My Grandfather was among the early proponents of what was then called Alternative Medicine. He referred to doctors like Andrew Weil and John McDougall as his “Gurus.” In his quest longevity, he shared his acquired knowledge of health and nutrition with the whole family. My grandmother is a retired kindergarten teacher and taught me kindergarten as a toddler as a way of play. She not only jump started me academically but instilled a lifelong love of learning. At 91 years old she continues to do Jazzercise daily and is an inspiration to many on the joys and benefits of active living. My mother is a lawyer with an unwavering sense of social justice. She fostered a responsibility to serve others that feels as fundamental as breathing. She also indulged my propensity to bring home a menagerie of homeless critters, and allowed me to grow up with animals as important family members. My father lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of his life and was a great example of how to problem solve. He lived by the motto “ where there is a will, there is a way” and even if it was by unconventional means, he managed to make things work. I have adopted this attitude in seeking health and combating disease, since individuals may not follow the “norm.” These are the influencers that shaped how I see my role as a doctor, and informed my approach to healing.