Life & Work with Sharum Sharif of Kent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharum Sharif.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path to becoming a physician has been somewhat unconventional, but every step has contributed to the doctor I am today.

While completing my pre-medical studies in college, I made the unusual decision to pursue a degree in electrical engineering before attending medical school. I believed that engineering would strengthen my analytical and problem-solving abilities—skills that would ultimately make me a better physician. Rather than viewing engineering as a final career destination, I saw it as a bridge to medicine and a means of developing a disciplined, systematic approach to solving complex problems.

After graduating, I worked as an engineer for several years. The experience proved invaluable, further refining my critical thinking and analytical skills. However, medicine remained my true passion, and I eventually returned to school to pursue my lifelong goal of becoming a physician.

I chose to study naturopathic medicine because its philosophy of health and healing deeply resonated with me. I was drawn to its emphasis on identifying and treating the underlying causes of illness while supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal. I completed my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and subsequently pursued advanced postgraduate training in homeopathy, a specialized branch of natural medicine that remains relatively unfamiliar in North America. This intensive two-year program provided the foundation for what has become the primary therapeutic focus of my clinical practice.

Since entering practice in 2004, I have served as a primary care naturopathic physician, caring for patients with a wide variety of acute and chronic health conditions using evidence-informed natural therapies. While I utilize many naturopathic treatment modalities, homeopathy has become the cornerstone of my practice because of its potential to address complex, chronic illnesses in a highly individualized manner.

In addition to clinical practice, I have been actively involved in teaching and professional education. I have taught homeopathy at several naturopathic medical schools and have lectured at regional, statewide, and national naturopathic conferences on numerous occasions.

I consider medicine far more than a profession—it is my life’s mission. While I enjoy caring for patients with a wide range of health conditions, my primary area of focus is natural dermatology, where I combine naturopathic medicine and homeopathy to treat chronic skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, chronic urticaria, and other difficult-to-treat conditions. This specialized aspect of my practice is reflected in my dedicated dermatology website, DrDermND.com. The greatest satisfaction in my work comes from helping patients with complex or chronic illnesses, particularly those who have not responded to conventional medical treatments or who have sought care from multiple practitioners—including other complementary and alternative medicine providers—without achieving meaningful improvement. These challenging cases continue to inspire me and reinforce my commitment to lifelong learning, compassionate patient care, and treating the underlying causes of disease rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My professional journey has not been without its challenges. Practicing naturopathic medicine in a healthcare system where conventional medicine is the dominant model has often meant working on the periphery of mainstream healthcare. One of the greatest obstacles has been overcoming misconceptions about our education, training, and scope of practice.

Many people assume that naturopathic physicians are trained primarily in natural therapies such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling. While these therapies are indeed central to our approach, what many people do not realize is that we first undergo extensive medical training to become physicians. Accredited naturopathic medical programs include comprehensive education in the biomedical sciences, physical diagnosis, laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, in addition to training in natural therapeutics.

As licensed primary care physicians in many states, naturopathic doctors are trained to perform comprehensive physical examinations, diagnose disease, order and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Depending on state law, many naturopathic physicians also have prescriptive authority for a broad range of pharmaceutical medications. Furthermore, many insurance plans cover naturopathic medical services, although this is something many patients are surprised to learn.

Unfortunately, these misconceptions extend beyond the general public. Many conventional healthcare providers are also unfamiliar with the education and clinical training of licensed naturopathic physicians. As a result, patients who could benefit from an integrative approach are often never referred for naturopathic care. I believe this represents a missed opportunity—not only for our profession, but more importantly for the patients we serve.

My hope is that, over time, greater awareness will lead to increased collaboration between conventional and naturopathic medicine. By better understanding each profession’s education, scope of practice, and strengths, healthcare providers can work together more effectively to provide patients with comprehensive, evidence-informed, and patient-centered care. Ultimately, the goal should never be to compete with one another, but rather to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care available, regardless of which discipline provides it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a naturopathic physician, I practice as a primary care doctor while maintaining two areas of specialty. My primary clinical focus is natural dermatology, where I help patients with chronic skin conditions using evidence-informed naturopathic medicine and homeopathy. I am also recognized within the naturopathic profession for my expertise in classical homeopathy, and many naturopathic physicians refer their patients to me for homeopathic consultation.

Professionally, I am most proud of the reputation I have built over more than two decades in practice. I have worked hard to earn the trust and respect of both my patients and my colleagues, and I value the relationships I have developed within the naturopathic medical community. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching homeopathy, lecturing at numerous regional and national naturopathic conferences, and contributing to the continuing education of fellow physicians.

I am also proud of the educational resources I have created for both patients and healthcare professionals. Through my websites, articles, videos, and online educational content, I have been able to reach people far beyond my own practice. My websites attract a large number of visitors each year and have become valuable resources for individuals seeking reliable information on naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, and natural dermatology.

Above all, however, my greatest source of pride is not my professional accomplishments but my family. My two children are, without question, my greatest blessing and the accomplishment of which I am most proud.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What brings me the greatest happiness is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it is my patients, my family, my friends, or my colleagues, I find tremendous joy in seeing people smile and knowing that I have helped improve their lives in some meaningful way.

I believe that health, knowledge, and happiness are among the greatest gifts we can share with one another. I genuinely enjoy teaching people how to live healthier, more fulfilling lives and empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being. Being able to share that knowledge—and seeing it translate into better health and greater happiness—brings me immense satisfaction and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DrDermND.com