Meet Our Residents
Karima Bassalé, ND
Dr. Karima Bassalé is a primary care physician currently completing her second year of residency at NCNM. She graduated from NCNM with her doctorate in June of 2011. During her years as an intern, she had special training in women's health, minor surgery and community medicine. She offers general naturopathic primary care, and particularly enjoys helping patients manage their diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. She also has a passion for dermatology and acute care.
Dr. Bassalé is a strong supporter of integrative medicine, and believes in collaborating with other health care providers to achieve the best patient care. She is also committed to improving health outcomes in communities where health care is sparse and unaffordable. She is a member of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians and American Association of Naturopathic physicians.
Prior to pursuing medicine, Dr. Bassalé earned her bachelors degree in biology from Portland State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. Dr. Bassalé also enjoys meeting people from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and loves exploring all the ethnic cuisine Portland has to offer.
Liz Davidson, ND
Dr. Davidson is a first year resident at NCNM. In addition to her time spent at the NCNM clinics, she works as a resident at A Woman’s Time, with Dr. Tori Hudson, ND. Dr. Davidson graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2012. She has master’s degrees in Physiology and in Education, as well as a license in massage therapy.
Dr. Davidson came to natural medicine through a love of plants and nature, as well as a belief that one of the most important aspects of medicine is patient education. She has a passion for women’s health, and particularly enjoys working with women who are going through the transitions of menopause. Dr. Davidson believes that the best approach to medicine is one that integrates the practices of natural medicine with those of conventional medicine, to provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patients’ needs. Her areas of interest include women’s health, botanical medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and craniosacral massage.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three grown children.
 Rowan Dunlap, ND
Dr. Rowan Dunlap is a naturopathic physician completing her first year of residency at NCNM. She earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM in 2012 with high honors. During her internship, Dr. Dunlap completed a six month rotation in cardiopulmonary medicine. Before attending NCNM, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Princeton University with a degree in Near Eastern Studies.
Dr. Dunlap believes in a model of holistic, individualized and integrative medicine that embraces everything from homeopathy to IV therapy to pharmaceuticals to optimally address patients’ needs and help them towards health. She has a particular interest in cardiology and endocrinology but has a broad primary care focus.
Gabriel Durben, ND
Dr. Gabriel Durben is a second–year resident naturopathic physician. He graduated with academic honors from the naturopathic medical program at the National College of Natural Medicine in 2011. Prior to his time as a student at NCNM Dr. Durben completed his undergraduate degree from the school of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, and taught high school math and science classes for the Azusa Unified School District. While in school at NCNM Dr. Durben taught as a professor of basic sciences, instructing undergraduate students from various Oregon universities who were preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test.
Dr. Durben is drawn to, and strives to practice, a form of naturopathic medicine that emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting an individual's experience of connectedness, to self, to community, and to the world around them. Additionally, Dr. Durben is committed to providing comprehensive primary care that is informed and shaped by current medical research. It is his belief and experience that within this framework appropriate care can be provided to address fundamental causes of both health and illness.
In addition to working as a resident naturopath, Dr. Durben is a husband to his amazing wife Stephanie, a father to his two young children River and Claire, and a living-room musician to anyone who spends a modest amount of time in the Durben household.
Maleah Ermac, ND
Dr. Maleah Ermac is a third–year resident physician at NCNM, and completed her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM, with a certificate in Natural Childbirth, in June 2010. She offers general naturopathic primary care with a focus in nutrition, botanical medicine, and physical medicine. Her clinical interests include women’s health and gynecology, pediatrics, and acute care. Dr. Ermac has a deep commitment to public health and improving the health outcomes of at–risk communities.
Dr. Ermac is currently a volunteer provider at the Outside–In Transgender Clinic, has previously completed a one year mentorship specializing in women’s health, and has participated in hospital–based rotations in the Philippines. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the American Association of Naturopathic Midwifery. Dr. Ermac is also a member of the community–based Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.
 James Fialk, ND
Dr. James Fialk is a first–year resident naturopathic physician. He graduated with honors from the Naturopathic Medicine program at NCNM in 2012 and earned the certificate for advanced study in homeopathy. During his internship, Dr. Fialk completed a six–month long mentorship in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine with Dr. Martin Milner at the Center for Natural Medicine
Prior to his career in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Fialk worked with the New York City Parks Department Natural Resources Group and the California Tahoe Conservancy conducting vegetational analyses and working to protect and restore natural areas.
Dr. Fialk received his Bachelor of Science degree from Antioch College in 2004 where he majored in Environmental Sciences focusing on restoration ecology and botany. During that time, Dr. Fialk completed organic farming internships in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Ohio where he cultivated a passion for growing and manufacturing herbal medicine. His experience with herbal medicine ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in naturopathy.
Although his focus is in naturopathic modalities, Dr. Fialk also incorporates conventional treatments when necessary as an integrative primary care provider. He also has a special focus in integrative cardiovascular medicine where he aspires to empower patients with individualized nutritional therapy in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease. Dr. Fialk is currently a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians.
 Megan Golani, ND
Dr. Megan Golani is a licensed naturopathic physician in her first–year of residency at NCNM. She graduated in 2012 with honors and a certificate in natural childbirth.
During her studies, Dr. Golani completed a two-year clinical mentorship rotation in women’s health under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Windstar and a six–month internship focusing on chronic disease management and biotherapeutic drainage with Dr. Dickson Thom. Additionally, she completed a two–year apprenticeship in women’s health, midwifery, and pediatrics with Dr. Catherine Schaefer in her private practice. She also has trained with Tami Kent in holistic pelvic care.
Dr. Golani received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor where she focused on developmental and transpersonal psychology, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection.
Dr. Golani believes strongly in the holistic approach to medicine; integrating nutritional and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, and homeopathy. She feels grateful to have acquired the tools necessary to provide individualized patient care. When not working, Dr. Golani is a Providence Hospice volunteer and enjoys camping, meditating, practicing yoga, and traveling abroad with her husband.
 Jeremy Mikolai, ND
Chief Resident
Dr. Jeremy Mikolai is NCNM’s Chief Resident for 2012 – 2013. He is in his third year as the Heart & Lung Resident at NCNM and the Center for Natural Medicine with Dr. Martin Milner. His clinical training focuses on naturopathic approaches to cardiology, pulmonary and vascular conditions, in addition to general medicine.
He received his baccalaureate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Theater and Philosophy. Following his degree, he completed four years of post–baccalaureate pre–medical coursework at Humboldt State University in California. He graduated from the Naturopathic Medicine program at NCNM in 2010 with highest honors and honors in research.
Dr. Mikolai is an avid researcher; his work has been published in peer–reviewed journals, presented at national conferences and has won several national awards. In addition to his duties as a resident, he is an adjunct faculty member at the Helfgott Research Institute in the Masters of Research program.
 Meredith Murray, ND
Dr. Meredith Murray is a licensed naturopathic physician completing her first year of residency at the National College of Natural Medicine. She earned her doctorate of naturopathic medicine in 2012 with a certificate in classical homeopathy. In addition to completing two consecutive rotations in naturopathic cardiology, Dr. Murray spent extensive time working as a medical student in various community clinics, providing primary care to patients of various socio-economic statuses and backgrounds. Aside from her studies at NCNM, she was very active in the legislative actions for naturopathic medicine both at the state and national level and held leadership positions in the naturopathic medical student association.
Prior to her time at NCNM, Dr. Murray earned her B.S. in biological science/pre–med from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. During her time there she gained experience in various fields of medicine including volunteering in hospitals, performing as a research assistant in vaccine development, and traveling to Kenya for HIV/AIDS public health initiatives.
Dr. Murray is committed to providing an integrative approach to primary care medicine. Combining information from current scientific studies with the philosophies ingrained in naturopathic medicine is the way she believes will make a positive impact on health, both for the individual and for the community.
Outside of her resident–physician duties, Dr. Murray enjoys time with her wonderful fiance Paul and their adorable Doberman Wally, drinking espresso, cooking, and reading scientific literature.
 Jessica Nagelkirk, ND
Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk is a licensed naturopathic physician completing her first–year residency at National College for Natural Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. During her course of study, Dr. Nagelkirk completed an internship specializing in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine. Dr. Nagelkirk offers primary naturopathic care and has a particular interest in chronic disease management, women’s health, and aesthetic medicine. Additionally, Dr. Nagelkirk is committed to providing comprehensive medical care that is shaped by evidence–based medicine to address the fundamental cause of illness. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Prior to becoming a naturopathic physician, Dr. Nagelkirk completed a Bachelors of Science degree in General Science from the University of Oregon. She has worked actively in her community to support the medically underserved population and educate the general public about the importance of promoting and maintain health.
In addition to working as a resident naturopath and writing educational articles, Dr. Nagelkirk enjoys spending time with her 10 year old Rottweiler named Misha, gardening, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, cooking, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
 Janelle Siler, ND
Dr. Janelle Siler is a first–year resident at NCNM. She dedicated her intern years to working with the Hispanic population at NCNM’s community clinics and thus developed an interest in diabetic and cardiovascular medicine. She completed a six–month internship specializing in cardiology and plans to use her residency as an opportunity to further her expertise in this area.
In her free time, Dr. Siler enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends.
 Lisa Taulbee, ND
Dr. Lisa Taulbee is a third–year resident and earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2010 from NCNM. During her time as a student, Dr. Taulbee completed a two–year internship focused on women’s health. Additionally, she spent time in India studying HIV and its impact on public health. She has been a member of the AANP since 2006. After graduating from Indiana University in 1999 with a Bachelor’s of Science in biology, she moved to Portland and became the Director of Research at a local health clinic with a focus on sexually transmitted infections diagnosis and management. Her time at the clinic instilled in her a passion for medicine and working with underserved populations.
Dr. Taulbee is currently in her third year of residency at NCNM with a special focus on both women’s health and primary care. She is receiving extensive training in colposcopy and management of cervical dysplasia. Dr. Taulbee has a special interest in gynecology, sexual health and endocrinology.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Taulbee enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
 Lauren Ward–Selinger, ND
Dr. Lauren Ward–Selinger is a first year resident at NCNM, where she completed her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. As a medical intern, she completed a six month rotation in cardiology and pulmonology and an 18 month rotation in community health, working with an underserved and mostly Spanish speaking community. Her mentorships focused in full scope primary care. She aspires to practice medicine in an integrative primary care setting.
During her medical training, Dr. Ward–Selinger participated in a volunteer brigade to Nicaragua, which improved her medical Spanish and opened her eyes to international health. She also participated in the ECO Project (Ending Childhood Obesity) for two years, assisting with a cooking and nutrition course in Spanish. Throughout her years at NCNM, she also worked part time at OHSU with a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, leading the Oregon Cord Blood Donation Program.
Dr. Ward–Selinger is originally from the Chicago area, and earned her Baccalaureate in Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago in Biology, Pre–Medicine and Spanish. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Ward–Selinger found and became enamored with Naturopathic Medicine. The emphasis of preventive medicine, whole body health and natural treatment modalities are what she thinks is unique to this education.
Outside of her profession, Dr. Ward–Selinger likes to spend time with her husband, hiking and camping, commuting by bicycle, cooking healthy seasonal meals, and traveling.
 Erica Zelfand, ND
Dr. Zelfand earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from NCNM, graduating with high honors. In addition to primary care and family medicine, her clinical interests include digestive disorders, chronic illness/autoimmune disease, thyroid and other endocrine imbalances, pediatrics, and women's health.
During her time at NCNM, Dr. Zelfand completed a year–long mentorship in integrative women’s health under the direction of Kimberly Windstar–Hamlin, MEd, ND. She then went on to complete mentorships in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine with Martin Milner, ND and biotherapeutic drainage with Dickson Thom, DDS, ND. As a student she also enjoyed educating families about healthy eating habits through her work with the Ending Childhood Obesity (ECO) Project.
Dr. Zelfand enjoys using both natural and conventional treatments, as well as connecting patients with the diet and lifestyle habits right for them. When she’s not in the clinic, she enjoys writing articles for both the medical community and lay audiences. She is also a health educator, and particularly enjoys teaching adolescents about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
In her spare time, Dr. Zelfand enjoys curling up with a novel (her B.A. is in English Literature), hiking around the gorge, cooking with her friends, and planning her next international adventure with her husband.
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