Dr Danielle Desroche shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Danielle, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
7AM: Wake up
7:30: Pilates (take class or teach at the Forth hotel)
9:30-3:30 Virtual patient calls
3:30-4:00 Walk
4:00-6:00 Finish patient charts and respond to emails
6:30 Dinner
7:00 Boardgames or tv with my boyfriend
9:30 Bed
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Danielle Desroche, a naturopathic doctor with a specialty in women’s hormones and fertility. Since opening my virtual private practice in 2020, I’ve had the privilege of supporting women from around the world on their journey to balanced hormones and optimal fertility. Alongside my medical practice, I’ve been a certified Pilates instructor since 2012 and currently teach at FORTH in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has been one of my greatest influences when it comes to work and ambition. As a child, I didn’t fully understand why he left the house at 4 a.m. and returned late in the evening. But now, as an adult, I recognize the sacrifices he made to build his business and create a better future for our family. When I was deciding whether to open my own private practice or work for someone else, he encouraged me to bet on myself. His unwavering support and belief in me gave me the confidence to take that leap. Because of that, I now have a thriving career and the kind of freedom and fulfillment I never would have found working a typical 9–5, building someone else’s dream instead of my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I grew up in the world of ballet, which meant leaving home at a young age to attend a ballet boarding school in Philadelphia. If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell her this: your worth isn’t defined by the approval of an artistic director. There is so much more to life beyond the studio walls. One day, you’ll step away from ballet and discover a world full of adventure, growth, and success in ways you never imagined.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In naturopathic medical school, we were often told to expect lower pay than our allopathic counterparts. We were warned that our skills might not be valued as highly as those in conventional medicine. I’ve come to realize just how damaging, and inaccurate, that narrative is, especially for new graduates stepping into this field with so much potential.
While it’s true that insurance reimbursement for naturopathic doctors is often less than that for allopathic providers, the landscape is changing. More and more people are becoming disillusioned with the conventional model of care, tired of being prescribed drug after drug and still only feeling marginally better. They’re seeking deeper healing, sustainable solutions, and providers who actually listen. That’s exactly what naturopathic medicine offers: a path to true, transformative wellness.
Helping someone reclaim their health, and their life, is truly priceless. I believe this medicine represents the future of healthcare, and I’m confident that recognition and compensation will soon catch up to its impact.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My clients often tell me I’m the first doctor who’s truly listened to them, or the first to take the time to explain what’s actually happening in their body. I believe what they would miss most is feeling genuinely seen, heard, and involved in their healing journey. In contrast to the all-too-common experience of feeling like just another number in the conventional medical system, I create space for meaningful connection and collaboration. Unfortunately, limited appointment times in the allopathic model often make it difficult for patients to feel truly supported, and that’s something I take pride in offering my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drdanielledesroche.com
- Instagram: drdanielle.nd
- Other: Podcast: https://drdanielledesroche.com/podcast
Image Credits
Madison Crowley (all head shots)
Colleen File (pilates photo)
