Mary Bolton, MD, PhD

“Good health” is not simply a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, nor the absence of disease or infirmity. We have come to realize the impact of genetics, nutrition, past experiences, and familial and societal forces on our health. Thus, “Good Health” is determined not only by what we are (our genetic make-up) and what we do (our lifestyle), but also by our physical, social, and economic environments. And it evolves as our age and circumstances are constantly changing. “Good health” is really the ability to adapt to our environment.

I believe the practice of medicine is an art and a science, and healing occurs when a physician partners with a patient to help them discover how best to adapt to their unique existing conditions – this is the nature of true “personalized medicine”. It is a transformative process that empowers patients to create their own health and well-being. I have had a lifelong commitment to caring for people with medical concerns and I value building one-on-one relationships and trust that they are the foundation of my approach to the practice of medicine.

I have always had an integrative holistic approach to medicine. Over the years I have cared for cancer patients and patients with HIV/AIDS. These experiences have taught me the importance of supporting the entirety of the mind and body in the healing process. I specialize in internal medicine – the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in adults and the understanding of wellness, disease prevention, and the promotion of health.

I also have a specialty in medical oncology: the treatment of patients with cancer. I believe strongly in the value of traditional chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, but I also realize the importance of adjunctive nutritional and non-traditional modes of treatment. I believe each person is a unique human being and treatment approaches need to be tailored to the individual to accommodate their situation, needs, and beliefs. I am happy to work in collaboration with other health care professionals to achieve a balanced approach to treatment. I am fortunate to work at the Seattle Healing Arts Center where there is an abundance of alternative health care practitioners including acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, massage therapy, naturopathy, nutrition, physical therapy, and counseling with whom I can collaborate.

My approach to new patients is to learn about them – their history, their life-style, their family, their spiritual outlook, their physical concerns and issues, their hopes and aspirations. From this understanding, the patient and I develop an individualized course of action.

Education

MD – Women’s Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
PhD – The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Physiology
Residency – Internal Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Fellowship – Medical Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, MD
Postdoctoral Fellowship – The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene, Dept. of Toxicology
Clinical Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry (1997 – 2008)
Seattle Central Community College, Woodworking School (2008-2010)