Meet Dr. Whitney Cronin
They say you don’t know a person until you walk a mile in their shoes. Well, my shoes have been on one long journey in the last 3 decades. I grew up in the Rhinelander area of Northern WI, Hodag Country for those who know it; and though I took it for granted then, I now know that being raised in the woods and on a lake in the clean Northwoods air was not only very fortunate, but has truly influenced who I am as a wife, sister, daughter, mother & doctor.
Being a nature lover, I am truly blessed to be in a profession where reconnecting to your health through nature’s tools is at the very center of your healing. I grew up enjoying the outdoors with my family in many ways – from hiking and camping, to hunting and fishing, and pretty much anything you can do on water, frozen or not! My younger brother and I were always playing outside, building forts, riding bikes, climbing trees, and constantly exploring the wood and world around us. This probably explains why, even as an adult, I still love going on any kind of new adventure! My most recent adventure, of course, being finally finding my place in the world as a naturopathic doctor. It has truly been a lifelong adventure, trying to put together the clues along my journey to get to this point.
The first clue to my future profession came from a young age, about 10 years old, when I discovered I not only really enjoyed caring for my 5 younger siblings, but I was really good at connecting with children. In high school I received chiropractic care for basketball and running injuries. This was my first taste of what holistic care could do.
After working for a chiropractor as a certified x-ray technician and office manager for a couple years I really realized there was definitely more to medicine than just pills – the second clue! Though I knew there was more, I was still searching and meanwhile my detailed nature and scientific inquiry led me to pursue a position as a certified pharmacy technician and assistant for UW Hospitals & Clinics.
It was during this time, that I became passionate about what was really in our food, personal care and home cleaning products, and started reading anything I could get my hands on about living a “greener and cleaner” life. I just wanted to be healthier and help other people be healthy in a natural way – the third clue!
When I discovered a naturopathic medical program in Chicago, it was as if I had hit the jackpot! I knew I had the drive, passion, and intelligence to make a difference in people’s lives and here was the program to do it. After almost five years at UWHC and schooling leading up to a career in pharmacy, I had found a path to once and for all meld my natural ability and desire to care for others and my interest in holistic medicine and nature.
I feel strongly about giving back to those in need, and as such I volunteer my time and professional services when I can through community free clinics and other free community educational platforms. My professional goal is to volunteer once per year in impoverished countries around the world to assist in their healthcare education and implementation of sanitary practices.
I’ve lived in Deforest, WI for the last 10 years with my husband Marc, our son Bodhi and our cat Bella. We enjoy spending our free time outdoors – of course – gardening, doing DIY projects, kayaking, camping, fishing, and any other adventure that peaks our interest!
I may not be able to walk a mile in your shoes, but I look forward to walking along beside you in your own adventure toward health!
Warmly,
Dr. Whitney
Credentials and Professional Background
Dr. Whitney is a registered doctor of naturopathic medicine who has successfully completed board examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. She currently holds a registration for Naturopathic Medicine in the state of Minnesota. She earned her B.S. in Biology from UW-Stevens Point and her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the fully accredited National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL. She is an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctor’s Association, and the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She is an advocate for the advancement of naturopathic medicine in the state of WI, and is active on the WNDA Legislative Team.