About Us
MEET DR. MAY
Ashley D. May, ND, FABNE
Dr. Ashley brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative and functional medicine, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal disorders and chronic illness. As a naturopathic physician, he combines evidence-based conventional practices with personalized natural therapies to address root causes of health issues. His clinical experience spans from primary care at Alaska Center for Natural Medicine to specialized roles in endocrinology and physical medicine rehabilitation, making him uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that bridges traditional and alternative medicine approaches.
MY JOURNEY
A Little History
I was in the health and fitness arena as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and health center director for close to 10 years before deciding to go into medicine. This included an internship at the prestigious Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research and Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas, working alongside PhD exercise physiologists and listening to fascinating lectures by Dr. Cooper "The Father of Aerobics".
I loved helping people get healthier and stronger but realized my impact would be limited unless I gained a better understanding of the human body and what made it sick and unhealthy. After looking at various options (MD, DO, etc), I decided on naturopathic medicine. It was a unique, holistic, and integrative approach that combined traditional herbal medicine passed down from centuries of use, with our modern understanding of nutrition and conventional medical practices.
It was first about educating patients on health and identifying obstacles, then adding in medication if needed. It wasn't just about medication or surgical procedures, as we have become accustomed to in our modern model of medicine. I was hooked. I knew this would be the approach that could change the course of health and disease in our communities.
After 13 years of practice, writing articles, hosting radio shows, and lecturing, I've seen this model significantly change lives, including my own. I'm convinced it's the front-line approach our country desperately needs to pull us out of the chronic disease hole we've dug ourselves into the past several decades.
DR. ASHLEY
Clinical Approach & Services
For the majority of my career, I have been practicing family medicine. However, over the last five years, I have shifted my focus towards gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, and dysbiosis, as well as endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, hormonal imbalances in women, low testosterone in men, and PCOS. In 2021, I became board certified in endocrinology. I have observed the significant impact that modern-day stress has on our collective well-being. Factors such as poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, and heightened emotional stress can have unique effects on the gut and hormones, which serve as signaling molecules that direct our cells' responses. Our microbiome and hormones play a critical role in instructing our cells to either fight or flee from a stressful situation, or to regulate our metabolism and reproductive function. As we age and endure prolonged periods of stress, our hormone production and receptor sensitivity decrease, and our gut bacteria become less diverse, significantly affecting our overall resilience. Since we are at our hormonal peak in our 20s, we can often endure all-nighters and push our bodies to the max, but as we age, we need to optimize our microbiome and hormones to maintain a healthy lifestyle with minimal reliance on medication. I prioritize teaching individuals how to optimize their microbiome and hormone levels, providing replacement strategies only when necessary.
It is my belief that many of us strive to make a positive impact within our families and communities. Personally, my passion lies in empowering individuals to understand their bodies better. Equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and offering support and guidance in implementing lifestyle changes can lead to inspiring results. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of misleading and even harmful information circulating within the health and medical industry. Deciphering the vast array of research and anecdotal information can be challenging, even for those with expertise and training. However, I am here to provide clarity and, more importantly, to help you customize this information to meet your specific needs.
Prior to your initial visit, you will complete a comprehensive and holistic intake questionnaire that delves beyond your primary concerns, exploring multiple systems to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential obstacles and contributing factors. I will review this information before our meeting to ensure that our time together is as efficient as possible. During our visit, we will discuss options such as lab testing and various protocols moving forward. Please note that I tend to order extensive lab panels and provide detailed treatment plans. Although this may seem overwhelming at first due to the volume of information, I am here to guide you every step of the way, helping you to decipher the information and implement practical changes. Typically, I treat chronic issues and work in three-month segments. Once we have reviewed the lab results together and established the appropriate treatment protocol, I will provide a plan for you to follow over the next three months. We will check in as often as needed during this time, making any minor adjustments necessary. After three months, we will retest or evaluate your symptoms together to determine if we are making progress. If not, I will adjust your treatment plan, and we will continue for another three months. For most chronic issues, I encourage patients to continue working with me for six to twelve months. If, however, I am unable to help you achieve your desired health outcomes, I am happy to refer you to another provider.
During our treatment plan discussion, your input is crucial in determining what is feasible for you to accomplish based on your current stage of life, stresses, and responsibilities. However, once we establish a plan, I do expect you to commit to it and make a sincere effort to follow through. Excuses won't cut it. If, for whatever reason, you cannot carry out the plan, that's okay. We can postpone it until you feel ready to take it on again. It's important that you take charge of your health, and I'm here to assist you in any way possible. If we schedule a retest, it's your responsibility to reach out to me for lab orders when the time comes. Ultimately, it's your health and wellbeing that we're working to improve, and I'm here to support you in achieving your goals.
Board certification in endocrinology
Fellow with American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology
2021 - Present
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine
Bastyr University
2004 - 2009
Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Biology/Athletic Training
East Texas Baptist University
1997 - 2001
Apex Integrative Medicine - Whitefish, MT
CEO/Owner
2023 - Present
Specializing in endocrine/GI disorders and chronic pain. Modalities utilized: hormone optimization and replacement, prolozone and IV therapy.
Dr. May, ND, LLC - Fairbanks, AK
CEO/Owner
2017 - Present
A functional medicine practice that is mostly telehealth at this point and limited to current patients and direct referrals. I travel back to Fairbanks every 3-6 months to see patients in person.
Alaska Center for Natural Medicine - Fairbanks, AK
Physician, Asst Medical Director
2014 - 2017
Primary care with emphasis in endocrinology and physical medicine/rehabilitation. Oversaw resident physicians and in-house lab. Lead lecturer for Vitamin D Education Project.
Healthcoach 7 - Bothell, WA
Lead Physician
2012 - 2014
I was responsible for overseeing nutraceutical and educational material development, as well as lecturing/consulting on a number of innovative health strategies (like epigenomic testing/interpretation).
SageMED - Bellevue, WA
Physician
2012 - 2014
Primary care with emphasis in IV therapy and physical medicine/rehabilitation. Included US and C-arm X-ray guided intra-articular injections.
Alaska Center for Natural Medicine - Fairbanks, AK
Resident/Physician
2009 - 2012
Primary Care with emphasis in IV therapy and physical medicine/rehabilitation
• Ozone and Prolozone (AAOT) - 2023
• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (WorldLink Medical) - 2017 and 2019
• Peptide Therapy (A4M) - 2019
• USPA Certified Powerlifting Coach - 2018
• Health Promotion Director Certification (Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research) - 2001
• Master Fitness Specialist (Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research) - 2001
• Indoor Cycling Instructor (Schwinn) - 2002
• Athletic Training (Texas) - 2001
• Institute for Functional Medicine
• Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians - Board Member
• International Peptide Society
• Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians
• Alaska Association of Naturopathic Physicians
15+
Years of Experience
4
Clinical Positions
1000+
Patients Treated