Kiera Smialek is a Naturopathic Doctor that specializes in pediatrics and has her own practice in Scottsdale. She is one of the only naturopathic doctors that focus on children and was motivated by her children to start her own business. Learn more about Kiera Smialek…
Hometown: I don’t really have a hometown. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA. Moved to Melbourne, Australia when I was 12 and London, England when I was 16. My family lived in London for almost 20 years, so that was home for a while.
First job: I was a babysitter/nanny in my early teens through medical school. I loved caring for children even when I young! I guess it was a natural fit for me to become a pediatric naturopathic doctor.
Favorite AZ restaurant: Tough choice, but I have always loved Chelsea’s kitchen. Food and sangrias are always yummy! And you can’t beat the delicious salted chocolate chip cookies on the way out the door!
Person who has impacted your life the most: My husband. Although he can drive me crazy and we have experienced many ups and downs, he has constantly been my biggest cheerleader. There is no way I could have created my own business and continue to grow it without him. He was the one who never doubted my capabilities and has never given up on me, even when I doubted myself. He has always pushed me to be a better person, both professionally and personally.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: It’s a toss up between creating my own pediatric practice and having my daughter.
In medical school and after graduation I never thought I would have my own medical practice. I figured there was no way I could run a business because I had no background experience in running a business. I only knew how to be a doctor. Over time I learned from the other group practices I was a part of and in 2016 decided to take the leap and create the vision I had – to create a pediatric naturopathic practice. I had heard so many times that it isn’t possible to be successful as a naturopathic doctor by only seeing children. Treating children was my passion and I was determined to prove everyone wrong. In the past few years, since creating Natural Kid Doc, I have proven that it is in fact possible. I am still in the process of building and growing my practice, but my vision has become so clear that I have no doubt it will be a success.
Having my daughter changed my life in so many ways. It definitely hasn’t been easy balancing being a mother and a doctor with my own business, but it has been incredibly humbling and rewarding. My daughter has made me a better person and doctor. I am grateful everyday that she came into our lives. She is becoming such a fabulous person herself – very sweet, kind, and compassionate with a fierce sense of independence and determination. I like to think I had a little something to do with that!
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Getting out of my own way! It took me 5 years to even begin to think I could run my own practice, even longer to believe that I could do it. The fear, anxiety and what ifs of running my own business would constantly get in my way. I would often tell myself, ‘I can’t do that. I only know how to be a doctor. Other people said it isn’t possible, so why would it be possible.’ I would get so caught up in my head, that I forgot to listen to my heart. But, my heart never gave up and now my mind can really see the vision and dream.
Someone who inspires you: Honestly, I would have to say my patients. On a daily basis they remind me the importance of why I do what I do. Even I feel like I am having a bad day when I get to work, the moment I see and care for the children I cannot help but smile and be grateful that I am able to help in that child’s health journey.
Favorite quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Never lose sight of the vision and dream you have. You can do anything you put your whole heart and mind to. Naturopathic medicine is true “health”care and provides the missing pieces to the conventional healthcare system.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Being genuine and grateful. I think just being the best version of yourself makes a person fabulous. Being able to roll with the ups and downs that life throws your way and always remembering to be present and grateful.
Kiera, congratulation on all you have acomplished in life todate. I am sure there will be many more. I am sure your mom is looking down on you with a big smile and lots of love.
Your summer neighbor: Mel Drumm