Gordana Smith stems from a long lineage of barefoot doctors: herbalists, village doctors and energy healers. Growing up in former Yugoslavia, she watched and learned from her grandparents when and how to collect herbs and dry them in the attic (one of her favorite childhood hideouts).

She and her family rarely went to see a doctor. There was – and still is – an herb for everything. In her teens, Gordana witnessed her father’s great gift of helping the less fortunate and sick through his energy healing. When Gordana was in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism, her father worked on her from Bosnia and busted her clot leaving the Flagler Hospital doctors in disbelief. Needless to say, Gordana had big shoes to fill.

For the longest time, Gordana denied the healer in herself. It took several life-threatening experiences to make her start climbing the mountain instead of stubbornly walking around it. Today, Gordana is an acupuncture physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Her practice, Phoenix Rises Acupuncture is located at 150 Kent Road, Suite 2A in St. Augustine.

Gordana has a rich educational background. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Master’s in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She’s a Primary Care Physician (not many people know that), has received training from Dr. Richard Tan, has studied in China, is certified in emotional clearing and currently is pursuing her doctorate for acupuncture and Oriental medicine with a focus on internal medicine and autoimmune disorders (graduating in 2 months!).

Because of her extensive training, Gordana is able to offer patients a variety of treatment options including acupuncture, Eastern and Western herbal remedies, CBD oils, vitamin B-12 shots, cupping, Moxibustion, Tui Na, nutritional counseling, essential oils, aromatherapy, infrared therapy, Biomat, laughter therapy, quick pain relief and other modalities.

But Gordana has more than education and training under her belt. Life experiences have led her to this career path. She knew she always loved medicine. She just didn’t know it would be acupuncture until she had life-threatening experiences and was taking 20 pills per day. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine provided a solution for her and she realized how much she could help others.

Today, she uses all of her training, education, experience – both personal and professional – and is able to offer patients truly effective, non-toxic treatments through Phoenix Rises Acupuncture. She was voted Best of St. Augustine in two categories: Best Physician and Best Acupuncture.

Meet Gordana and learn more about health and wellness when you visit Phoenix Rises Acupuncture at Made in St. Augustine. Gordana will also have her handcrafted line of liniments, tinctures and salves available.