Dr. Altman is a Naturopathic Physician (ND), Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology (FABNG), Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) and an Associate Professor at Bastyr University. Lela entered the medical field where she trained to become a Certified Nursing Assistant at William Rainey Harper College. She received her Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College where she studied ethnobotany, biology, and chemistry. She also ran an independent laboratory project in which she cloned orchids and researched novel ways to recover mold infected orchid cultures. During this time she became a medical assistant and went on to train medical assistants after her graduation.
Dr. Altman received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and her Masters of Science in Acupuncture from Bastyr University in 2011. She also attended the New England School of Homeopathy during her medical training and completed a certificate program. She went on to complete a 3-year residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Naturopathic Primary Care prior to becoming an adjunct professor and now a full-time Associate Professor at Bastyr University.
Lela has worked in a variety of integrative clinical settings providing her with a broad experience in integrative medicine. As a resident she provided patient care at Health Point Community Health Centers, the Tulalip Tribal Reservation, Bastyr Center for Natural Health and the SnoValley Senior center outreach clinic though Bastyr University. After her residency she went on to see patients in her private practice and the teaching clinic at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the Aegis on Madison outreach clinic though Bastyr University, the Virginia Mason Center for Integrative Medicine and Health Moves.
Dr. Altman is considered an expert in the field of mast cell activation disorders (MCAS, mastocytosis) small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal Fungal overgrowth (SIFO/IFO) and digestive health. She has written articles, given continuing medical education lectures and performed interviews in several venues on these topics. Dr. Altman also developed and currently supervises the Digestive Wellness Clinic shift at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and has been integral in developing a fellowship in naturopathic gastroenterology with the gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Altman also teaches several classes and supervises clinical education at Bastyr University and recently completed her Clinical Teaching Certificate from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Additionally, she currently provides patient care in her private practice and at the teaching clinic at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle, WA and at Health Moves in Woodinville, WA.
