Naturopathic Medicine
FirstLine Therapy
Marianna Ledenac, ND is a naturopathic physician with over 20 years experience. She provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of disease rather than solely treating the symptoms. Dr. Ledenac sees patients of all ages, adults and children, for a wide range of health conditions including both acute and chronic concerns.
As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Ledenac welcomes patients with all conditions. She has a special interest and experience in treating fatigue, stress/anxiety management, sleep problems, weight management, digestive complaints, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain and inflammation. Dr. Ledenac also has a special focus in detoxification, women’s health and hormonal concerns, and pediatrics. In addition, she has extensive experience in the area of adjunctive cancer care, supporting those who are currently undergoing conventional cancer therapies to improve their overall health, well-being and tolerance to treatments.
Dr. Ledenac received her medical training from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Ontario), the oldest recognized and leading institution in naturopathic medical education in Canada, with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2000. Prior to studying medicine, she obtained an Honors Bachelor of Applied Science degree at the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario) in 1995. Dr. Ledenac is a board certified licensed naturopathic physician in Washington, District of Columbia where she currently pratices.
Dr. Ledenac is also a certified FirstLine Therapy practitioner. FirstLine Therapy is a specially designed approach for implementing therapeutic lifestyle change medicine. Her special focus and experience in lifestyle medicine is in improving body composition not only for weight management and obesity but, more importantly, for reducing her patients’ risk factors for developing chronic diseases (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, insulin insensitivity, type 2 diabetes, hormone imbalances, etc). She uses specialized nutritional body composition testing and progress monitoring that has been proven to be invaluable in an evaluation of overall health and in most chronic illnesses. She has a passion for teaching patients about lifestyle changes that will remain for life and reverse and prevent chronic illness. Dr. Ledenac views her role as a teacher as important as her role as a physician.
In her many years of practice, Dr. Ledenac combines natural medicines with conventional science to create a truly integrative health care experience. She uses both conventional diagnostic and leading-edge nutritional/functional laboratory testing to help determine the underlying cause of a patient’s illness and assist in guiding the treatment. She utilizes many different therapies including clinical nutrition, dietary supplements, botanical medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. As a result of her many years of practice and continuing education she has developed extensive knowledge and experience in using botanical/herbal medicines for treating and preventing disease.
Dr. Ledenac views the patient as whole person with the goal of guiding them toward optimal wellness, taking the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions into account.
Dr. Ledenac enjoys working at the GW Center for Integrative Medicine – she values the truly integrative and collaborative setting of this innovative academic-based medical center as well as the warm, caring, and experienced practitioners that are able to offer her patients a wide range of health therapies.
Dr. Ledenac holds professional memberships with the DCANP (District of Columbia Association of Naturopathic Doctors), AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians), OAND (Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors), and CAND (Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors).
Dr. Ledenac is available for naturopathic medicine visits at the GW Center for Integrative Medicine.
To learn more about naturopathic medicine, please click here.
“Hi Dr Ledenac,
I just want to let you know how much I appreciated your extra help yesterday regarding my supplements. I was pretty uncomfortable about stopping some of my supplements. You kindly spent extra time with me and carefully suggested what was truly needed. Not everyone would have done that, but you took the time to take extra care in helping your patient. That’s what makes you such an exceptional doctor and individual. So, I want to make sure that you know how grateful I am to have you as my doctor. ” – J.E. August 2023
“Hi Dr. Ledenac,
I saw you in the Spring of 2019 for chronic IBS/low energy. We ran through a lot of tests and an eventual SIBO diagnosis and treatment plan, along with supplements to address my blood work deficiencies. Shortly after our few visits together, I ended up moving out of the area (DC –> NYC!) and did not get a chance to follow up with you before my move.I am reaching out to extend the greatest thank you I possibly can. It’s been a year since I finished SIBO treatment, along with consistent supplementation, and can happily and confidently say my symptoms have not re-occurred whatsoever since beyond the occasional stress flare. You helped me to get my life back; I came to you when my quality of life was at such a low. I can’t express my gratitude enough to be in the position I am one year later without a single symptom I initially came to you with. You heard me out and listened to me in a way that I struggled to receive from every doctor I had seen prior, and I appreciate that more than anything.I’ve sent as many people as I can in the DC area your way and to the GW Integrative Medicine practice in general. Hoping you are well & sending my best,” – Isabelle K., July 2020
“Dear Dr. Ledenac, Thank you for the incredible difference you continue to make in my life; your loving kindness, your exceptional wisdom and your talented medicine are just to name a few of your extraordinary traits that I am most grateful for.” – L.J., Jan 2018
“With the help of Dr. Marianna Ledenac, I have cleaned up my diet, lost 10 pounds, have more energy in the morning and got rid of my morning brain fog! So happy and I feel like a new and younger person! Thanks so much!!!” – C.R., October 13, 2016
