From Medicine to Mission

Intro by Sarah Smith Warren

As I read Dr. Jessica's words here, I realized the heart of our work is actually very similar. In holistic and natropathic medicine, you "treat the whole person and listen deeply" which leads to transformation. This is exactly what we do at Soul Space Work. There really isn't any kind of "one size fits all" approach to my clients - it is truly about listening to each individual's story and uncovering their true needs, desires and the barriers standing in the way. When I first met Dr. Jessica, it was her story, heart, history and vision that clearly revealed where she wanted to go. I had the priviledge of walking alongside her, offering some guidance and remedies and resources but it was her mission that moved her forward every step of the way. I'm so honored to welcome Dr. Jessica Vechini to The Soul Place.

Sarah Smith Warren is the founder of Soul Space Work, a coaching and consulting space working to support and empower humans and businesses to thrive in their life and work.

Connect with Sarah at ssw@soulspacework.com 

🌿 My Journey to Holistic Dr. V: From Medicine to Mission

by Dr. Jessica Vechini

Hi, I’m Jessica Vechini, and I was born and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico—a town that shaped my heart, my values, and my passion for healing.

✨ The Question That Starts It All

From a young age, we’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” At first, it feels like a simple question. But as time passes, it becomes layered with emotion, expectation, and responsibility. At 12, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. My heart was set on serving others. With the innocence of childhood, I declared I’d be a veterinarian. That dream stayed with me until I was 18, when I began studying general biology and volunteering at a veterinary clinic. But witnessing the protocols for handling animal death broke something in me. I realized I couldn’t bear that part of the profession—yet my desire to heal never wavered.

🧠 A Passion for Neurology and Advocacy

During my undergraduate studies, neurology captured my attention. It became my driving force. I also joined a movement called “No More Violence Against Women,” advocating across Puerto Rico. After graduation, I was ready to pursue medical school and chose the Dominican Republic to begin my journey.

In 2006, I started medical school with dreams of becoming a neurologist. But life had other plans. That same year, I fell ill and underwent gallbladder surgery—finally uncovering the cause of a decade of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. Then in 2007, my health declined again. A professor noticed I looked yellow, and soon I was facing liver complications. After months of testing, procedures, and biopsies, we discovered the culprit: birth control pills. I had an estradiol allergy that inflamed my liver.

Despite these setbacks, my desire to become a doctor never faded. I believed these experiences were preparing me to be more empathetic with future patients.

🔍 Searching for the Right Specialty

Back in school, I explored neurology residencies but found the path heavily influenced by legacy and connections. I pivoted to forensic medicine—drawn by my love for solving mysteries—but quickly realized it wasn’t my calling. Pediatrics seemed promising, but I learned that the challenges often stemmed more from parents than the children.

Eventually, I chose to become a general practitioner and earned my Doctorate in General Medicine in 2011. I worked as a medical insurance auditor in Puerto Rico until 2017, but the role left me conflicted. Denying procedures due to policy felt misaligned with my purpose.

🌱 A New Chapter: Naturopathic Medicine

One day, while getting ready to go out, I reflected on how I always recommended natural remedies to friends. That moment sparked a new journey. I discovered the Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and applied in April 2017. By June, I was accepted to Ana G. Méndez University in Gurabo.

The road wasn’t easy. I faced health challenges again—this time fibroids. Puerto Rico endured hurricanes, earthquakes, and a pandemic during my studies. But through it all, I persevered and graduated in 2021 as part of a resilient class that began with natural disasters and ended with masked clinics and online learning.

Since then, I’ve earned certifications in Anti-Aging Acupoint Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Microneedling, Laser, IV Nutritional Therapy, and Neural Manipulation. I’m currently pursuing additional training in nutrition and women’s health.

Now that we’re talking about naturopathic medicine, let me explain a little more about it and how it differs from holistic medicine.

Naturopathic medicine is a system of healthcare that emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself using natural therapies such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle changes. It focuses on treating the root causes of illness rather than just alleviating symptoms, blending traditional healing practices with modern science. Holistic medicine, on the other hand, is a broader philosophy that considers the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and emotions—in the pursuit of optimal health. It integrates conventional and alternative approaches to promote balance and well-being, often including therapies like meditation, massage, energy healing, and emotional counseling. While naturopathy is a specific discipline within holistic medicine, both share a commitment to personalized care and empowering patients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Because of these simple yet powerful differences, I’ve personally moved toward Holistic Medicine with a Naturopathic root—embracing a more complete, natural, and patient-centered approach to wellness.

🌎 A Leap of Faith to North Dakota

In October 2024, I moved to North Dakota seeking new opportunities. I joined a naturopathic clinic, but something felt off after some time there. My soul was hurting. I had closed my clinic in Puerto Rico hoping for a better life, but I didn’t find it there.

After just a few months in that role, it became clear to me that the environment was not aligned with my purpose. During that time, my husband and I were in the process of growing our family. After six months into our new home, we received the joyful news that we were expecting—a moment filled with excitement and hope. However, I didn’t fully recognize that the timing was far from ideal, as the stress within the clinic was escalating rapidly. At nine weeks into the pregnancy, we experienced a heartbreaking loss. We lovingly referred to our baby as Frijolito, which means “little bean.” That moment marked a profound turning point. From grief emerged clarity, and I began to see the path I was meant to take.

Recognizing the need for change, I reached out to Sarah and began the journey of creating my own space—one rooted in authenticity and guided by faith. The process was challenging, requiring dedication and resilience, but every step was divinely led. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sarah, whose unwavering support and guidance were instrumental in building Holistic Dr. V from the ground up. Her belief in the vision helped transform a dream into reality.

After ten months, I felt a deep calling to step into freedom—to practice medicine in the way I believe God intended: with compassion, integrity, and a focus on truly patient-centered care. Trusting that this was the path I was meant to follow, I made the decision to resign. It was not an easy choice, but I knew I was being shown exactly what I needed to see—and I took the leap in faith.

💫 Welcome to Holistic Dr. V

Today, I’m proud to introduce Holistic Dr. V—a clinic rooted in compassion, science, and nature. Our mission is to uncover and treat the root cause of illness—not just the symptoms—through individualized, compassionate care. We honor the body’s innate wisdom and work in partnership with our patients, empowering them toward lasting wellness. Guided by nature, backed by science, and grounded in trust, we restore harmony between mind, body, and spirit.

Throughout my practice, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in patients through the integration of natural medicine. Individuals suffering from chronic back pain, endometriosis, and even those undergoing chemotherapy have experienced significant improvements—some cancer patients retained much of their hair thanks to the supportive role of natural therapies alongside conventional treatment. I’ve also guided patients through the delicate transition from oral contraceptives to successful, healthy pregnancies.

One case that stands out involved a young woman in her early twenties who experienced unexplained episodes of dizziness. Despite numerous consultations, her symptoms were dismissed as psychological. After a thorough review of her labs and imaging, I diagnosed her with mild gliosis—an inflammation of the brain. Although the condition was labeled as “mild,” it was clearly impacting her quality of life. With a personalized natural medicine protocol, we were able to restore her health and well-being.

Another memorable patient was in her seventies and had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Through a combination of targeted natural therapies and acupoint treatment, we achieved a noticeable reduction in the tumor’s size—an outcome that left her neurologist astonished.

These stories reflect the profound potential of holistic, patient-centered care.

When we treat the whole person and listen deeply, healing becomes not only possible—but transformative.

These testimonials are more than just success stories—they are the driving force behind my continued commitment to holistic medicine. Each patient’s journey fuels my passion and reinforces the purpose behind my practice. Their healing is my motivation to keep walking this path with integrity, compassion, and faith.

If you’re ready to transform your health and be truly heard, I invite you to explore naturopathic medicine with us.

📞 For appointments, call 701-347-1322 📧 Or email info@holisticdrv.com

Dr. Jessica Vechini

Holistic Dr. V info@holisticdrv.com

www.holisticdrv.com

---

Interested in being a Guest Contributor on The Soul Place?

The Soul Place is an online journal that celebrates the positive and passionate work by brilliant and brave individuals. If you would like to be a guest contributor on The Soul Place, or if you know someone who should be a guest, please contact Sarah at ssw@soulspacework.com 

We'd love to celebrate YOU!