Prema Health

Dr. Josh Canter has been my primary care provider since 2020 and has helped me through considerable life changes and the onset of disability in my early 30s, in addition to pre-existing chronic issues. He's always been a great listener and collaborator in helping me figure out how to address various issues, takes time to explain his reasoning and ensure I'm well-informed of my options, doesn't push anything I'm not comfortable trying, and is quick to refer me to specialists when needed. As someone with chronic pain/fatigue and other still-undiagnosed health issues, it's been really encouraging to work with a doctor who doesn't dismiss my pain or issues, even when I have a hard time articulating. Dr. Canter doesn't jump to conclusions and is proactive about testing to rule out potential issues instead of dismissing them offhand. He's very well-informed, but also does a great job of recognizing when it would be better to rely on a specialist and has been very willing to collaborate with other providers. (I have CareOregon and he not only accepts my insurance but ensures when I have labwork done or referrals that he's sending me to people who also accept state insurance. SO appreciated.) It's beyond refreshing not to have to tip-toe around a medical professional's ego or worry that something will be dismissed if I'm the one to bring it up; he takes my concerns seriously, and if he thinks I'm barking up the wrong tree, he'll explain his thought process and we'll circle back to the original issue and figure out how to proceed. I never feel talked-down to, and he clearly understands that educating his patients benefits both parties. Also, for what it's worth-- I originally sought out an ND as my pcp because I wanted to find a doctor who would help me untangle my myriad health issues from a holistic standpoint. That said, after some bad experiences with other NDs, I wanted evidence-based treatments, and I definitely got lucky with Dr. Canter-- he's the kind of ND who doesn't shy from conventional/Western medicine when it seems like the right move, while recognizing pharmaceuticals are just one more tool in the toolbox. It's very nice to have a doctor who simply cares about figuring out what works for me. Additionally-- as a queer nonbinary/genderfluid person, he was really chill and respectful about my name change. I go to a queer-health specialized clinic (Prism) for my OBGYN and HRT services, and he's even offered to run labs for my doc there when I get mine done for him. I've referred a few people to him already (incl. my partner) because I know they'll be in good hands. Far and away the best pcp I've had the pleasure of working with, and I'm very grateful that I've had his help navigating some of the most difficult years of my life, health-wise. Wish I'd found him a decade sooner, but hopefully this review might help a few other folks get the care they deserve! (Fwiw, I briefly saw Dr. Pera Gorson before her maternity leave, at which time I switched to Dr. Canter, and I had lovely experiences with her as well in our short time working together-- she diagnosed my ADHD!) The Prema Health clinic itself is also a very calming environment-- genuinely, the only criticism I could offer would be providing more comfortable seats (perhaps adding sitting cushions to the hard wooden benches in the waiting room.) They do have throw pillows available, but they're not really meant to sit upon. If you're someone with leg/hip/lower back issues and/or you have short legs like me (5'2"), you may want to bring your own cushion to sit on when you visit. I normally do virtual visits but I accompanied my partner for his initial visit with Dr. Canter and it was definitely uncomfortable to sit for more than a few minutes. There was nobody else around so I just made do with the pillows and probably looked like an absolute weirdo all propped up, but ya gotta do what you gotta do. All in all, I'm beyond happy to have found Prema Health and Dr. Canter in particular. Thank you for always having my back!

I saw Kelsey Crawford-McIntosh for a massage at Prema. Kelsey is a wonderful human profoundly gifted in the Healing Arts. You can tell she walks the talk through her ability to hold grounded space with deep care and compassion. When I was on her table, I felt like I was in a sweet little nook of a beautiful oasis cavern lit by glowing plants and the setting sun. I felt warm, comfortable, and truly safe (what a rare thing in these times). Kelsey worked patently and diligently with my overworked muscles. Her innate ability to sense appropriate depth of pressure as tissues warm and allow further access is fine tuned with well timed verbal check-ins. I came in with shoulder pain from my first camping trip of the season, where I did not stretch nearly enough for the walk-in nature of the access road. Kelsey helped my shoulders lower at least an inch away from my ears and helped me gain access to more (previously inaccessible and painful) Range of Motion in my neck. It was wonderful to take some time to care for my vessel, and I trust no one else as much as I trust this exceptional LMT.

I come to Prema Health to see my pcp Dr.Pera Gorson and absolutely recommended her! I truly feel so blessed to have her on my medical team! When I turned 50 my age related hormonal symptoms couldn't remain ignored and are finally easing up with the help and knowledge Dr.Pera provides! It's rare to feel so at ease, no matter what the future holds I gain a huge sense of self empowerment knowing I have her guidance.

Beautiful space and the staff is beyond words. My first visit to this amazing clinic was when I came to see my acupuncturist (Shannon Conrad, who is magical!) and suffered a spasm from a herniated disc during my appointment, which lead an ER visit. Dr. Kate, Rebecca and Shannon all coordinated my care with the ambulance, during a scary time for me, and worked in sync to care for my critical need. They are all incredibly skilled and thoughtful. The situation would not have turned out so well without the wonderful care of all these ladies! I'm now planning to visit regularly for various treatments. It's a commute, but nothing compares to the great health and wellness care that I receive at Prema Health!

I love Prema Health. Always helpful and friendly and super warm. Dr. kate Smith is incredibly knowledgeable and keeps me tip top. Dr. Lesley Berman has sorted out me on every occasion of my seeing her. I was ready for the knee scalpel but after seeing her three times I’m 100%, and noticeably more comfortable and strong after my first visit. She does not mess around! Thanks Prema!