Meet Dr. Patricia Diefenbach
Dr. Patricia Diefenbach holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She also earned a Master of Science in Integrative Health Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Language, specializing in German and Mandarin, from the University of York, England. In addition, she is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, a Certified Nutrition Specialist® Professional, and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
With lifelong passions for health, nutrition, and physical fitness, Dr. Diefenbach is committed to a personalized approach to wellness. She believes that each individual’s physiology and biochemistry are unique, making a “one-size-fits-all” approach ineffective.
By considering the entirety of an individual’s biochemistry, she lays the foundation for true healing. Dr. Diefenbach is dedicated to inspiring others to adopt natural healthcare practices that prevent disease, promote healing, and support overall wellness.
Dr. Patricia Diefenbach is a licensed naturopathic physician in both the District of Columbia and the state of Connecticut. She is the former President of the Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VAANP) and a member of the District of Columbia Association of Naturopathic Physicians (DCANP).
Additionally, she is a member of the American College of Nutrition and the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Having lived in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom before moving to the United States, Dr. Diefenbach brings a global perspective to her practice. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, playing tennis, horseback riding, and preparing nutritious meals for her family. Dr. Diefenbach is also a proud Air Force wife, deeply understanding the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices made by those who serve their country.
As a medically trained naturopathic physician certified in Functional Medicine, I belong to a select group of fewer than 130 practitioners globally with this combined expertise. For patients, this means partnering with a clinician uniquely equipped to combine evidence-based natural therapeutics with sophisticated diagnostic and biochemical evaluation to uncover and address root causes of illness.
This rare combination enables me to bridge advanced biochemical and diagnostic analysis with evidence-based natural medicine, delivering a highly integrative and precision-focused approach to patient care.
My Philosophy
My approach focuses on your biochemical individuality, centering on patient wellness rather than disease. I work with a blend of evidence-based medicine, research evidence, patient preference, and clinical expertise to achieve a dynamic balance between internal and external factors.
By examining the web of interconnectedness within system imbalances, I aim to discover the root cause of your symptoms and remove “disorder” from your body while promoting what creates balance. I view food as medicine and health as positive vitality, and I am here to empower you on your wellness journey!
Education
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine - University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner - Institute for Functional Medicine
- Master of Science in Integrative Health Science - Capital University of Integrative Medicine, Washington, DC
- NASM Certified Professional Trainer
- Corrective Exercise Specialist
- Weight Loss Specialist
- Bachelor of Arts in Languages (German & Mandarin)
- University of York, York, United Kingdom
- T.E.F.L. Certification
- International Teacher Training Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Arts
Languages
English, German and French
Professional Affiliations
- Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certification
- Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine
- The American Academy of Environmental Medicine
- Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- Licensed Naturopathic Doctor- Connecticut Board of Medicine
- Licensed Naturopathic Doctor- District of Columbia Board of Medicine
- Board Certified Nutrition Specialist
- Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- District of Columbia Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine
- American College of Nutrition
- American Nutrition Association
- Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute
Ready to Start YourWellness Journey?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Diefenbach and take the first step toward health that’s built to last.