MEET Dr. Shayna E. Peter

Functional Naturopathic Medicine Doctor, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, in Chicago, IL

My Story & Why I Do What I Do

Here’s something many Chicago, IL, residents may not know about me - While I was completing my MD training and pursuing dermatology as a career, I began to struggle with acne for the first time in my life. After trying many different skincare products, antibiotics, topical medications, and aesthetic treatments, I had the experience of conventional treatment methods failing me as a patient.  Most of them irritated my skin, made my skin very dry, and did not provide any lasting relief. Underneath it all, I knew there had to be a deeper root cause that was being ignored.

As a medical student rotating in dermatology, I saw many patients with severe health concerns and autoimmune skin conditions.  I was devastated by the limited treatment options that were available to them due to the fact that many of them very harmful adverse effects.  I witnessed the damaging effects of many of the harsh medications used to treat autoimmune conditions. As a doctor, I wanted to truly be able to “do no harm” and offer my patients safer healing and treatment options that would also address the natural, root causes.  My experiences are what lead me to functional medicine and continue to fuel my passion and commitment to helping people with complex skin conditions and autoimmune disorders.

Education & Training

Languages: English, Spanish; conversational Portuguese

Dr. Shayna Peter is a Functional Naturopathic Medicine Doctor & Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in Chicago, IL. Dr. Peter's unique blend of conventional MD training, naturopathic medicine training (NMD), and 11 years of experience in nutrition allow her to incorporate the best treatments eastern and western medicine have to offer. Dr. Peter also serves as an expert contributor on holistic, natural, dermatology to local and national media outlets.

Dr. Peter is a Chicago, IL, native. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Honors. She went on to work in the nonprofit sector developing health programming for Chicago Public Schools.

Dr. Peter completed her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine through Meharry Medical College and National University of Health Sciences, 1 of 7 schools accredited by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). She believes an integrative approach to healthcare is critically important and allows health providers to partner with individuals to explore healing and treatment options that will provide the best outcomes for the whole person while minimizing adverse effects.

Public Speaking & Media

2018, 2019 Best of Chicago Award

Well Ahead Chicago was selected for the 2018 Best of Chicago Award in the category of Functional Medicine for outstanding service and education in the areas of functional medicine and holistic skin health.

Affiliations & Publications

Reliability assessment and validation of the post-acne hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), a new instrument to measure postinflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne vulgaris. Savory SA,  Agim NG, Mao R, Peter S, Wang C, Maldonado G, Bearden Dietert J, ....Pandya AG. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology.  2014 Jan;70(1):108-14