S2e4: Dr. Jennifer Ashby – Bringing Humanism Back to Medicine

Dr. Jennifer Ashby was raised between NYC and Appalachia by parents who were exotic animal trainers. She moved away from her family at the age of 14 and has been on her own ever since. She’s now a city girl who’s worked in traditional Chinese medicine in the medical healing arts for 25 years.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her Process experience vulnerably and evocatively. In her words, the Process was the greatest gift that “has ever been afforded to me besides the birth of my kids. I found myself based on allowing myself to become empty…I just let it all go.”

Jennifer is passionate about bringing humanism back to medicine. She’s been actively fighting COVID since the pandemic first hit. In March, she was a front-line worker screening for COVID cases. She shares her stories about treating people during this time and how Chinese medicine can help fight this disease. Jennifer finds she can be a grounding presence in her patients’ lives.

Jennifer received her master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine in 1995 and has had her own private practice for 25 years. As part of her work, she’s taught women’s health to master’s students for 10 years. She also works as a clinician and in research at UCSF for the past six years. Jennifer’s specialties are women’s health, oncology, and polycystic kidney disease.

Jennifer is a mother of three fabulous folks and a friend to all. She’s lived in California since 1981 and has owned a bar, a nightclub, and a wine bar. She loves riding motorcycles and still likes good, ole punk music. Nature is her church. Jennifer says, “through it all, she remains ‘counter to all culture.’