The Journey to Healing: How Dr. Jessica Vechini Found Her Calling
From the moment we’re old enough to talk, people begin asking us what we want to be when we grow up. At first, it feels like a simple question. But as the years pass, it becomes layered with emotion, expectation, and purpose.
For Dr. Jessica Vechini, that question planted a seed early on. At just 12 years old, she knew she wanted to be a doctor. Her heart was set on serving others. With the innocence of a young girl, she first imagined herself as a veterinarian—a dream that stayed with her until she was 18.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in general biology, Jessica volunteered at a veterinary clinic and joined the emergency team. But witnessing the protocols for handling animal death was heartbreaking. Her spirit couldn’t bear it. Still, her desire to become a doctor never wavered.
A Passion for Neurology—and a Detour Through Illness
Her academic journey led her toward neurology, a field that fascinated her deeply. She completed her degree with that goal in mind and became an advocate for women’s rights, joining the “No More Violence Against Women” movement across Puerto Rico.
In 2006, she began medical school in the Dominican Republic, determined to become a neurologist. But life had other plans. That same year, she fell ill and underwent gallbladder surgery—finally uncovering the cause of ten years of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.
In 2007, her health declined again. A professor noticed she looked yellow, and soon she was undergoing extensive testing for liver disease. After months of uncertainty, two ERCP procedures, and a liver biopsy, the cause was finally revealed: an allergic reaction to birth control pills. Her liver had paid the price.
Despite these setbacks, Jessica’s resolve to become a doctor only grew stronger. She believed her suffering had a purpose—to help her empathize with future patients.
Searching for the Right Specialty
Back in school, she explored different specialties. Neurology felt out of reach, with most residencies reserved for legacy applicants. Forensic medicine intrigued her, but the coursework didn’t spark joy. Pediatrics seemed promising—until she realized that the challenge often lay not with the children, but with the parents.
So, she chose to become a general practitioner, earning her Doctorate in General Medicine in 2011. She worked as a medical insurance auditor for hospitals in Puerto Rico, but the role left her conflicted. Denying procedures and hospital days didn’t align with her desire to help people heal.
A Shift Toward Natural Healing
One day, while getting ready to go out, Jessica reflected on the advice she gave friends. She wasn’t recommending medications—she was suggesting natural remedies. That moment sparked a new path.
In 2017, she discovered the Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Ana G. Mendez University in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. She applied in April and was accepted by June.
Her journey through naturopathic school was anything but smooth. She faced new health challenges, including uterine fibroids. Puerto Rico endured hurricanes, power outages, and earthquakes. And then came the pandemic. Despite it all, she graduated in 2021—part of the first class to survive atmospheric disasters and finish their degree online, masked and resilient.
A Life of Purpose
Since 2017, Dr. Vechini has felt deeply aligned with her calling. Naturopathic medicine isn’t just a career—it’s her passion. She’s continued her education with certifications in:
Acupuncture for aging
Aquatic therapy
Microneedling
Laser treatments
IV Nutritional Therapy
Neural manipulation
And today, she continues to expand her expertise through advanced studies in Nutrition and Women’s Health—two areas close to her heart and central to her mission of empowering patients through holistic care.
At Holistic Dr. V, Dr. Jessica Vechini brings empathy, resilience, and deep clinical insight to every patient she meets. Her journey is proof that healing begins with purpose—and that purpose is stronger than any obstacle.
Ready to begin your healing journey? Dr. V is here to listen, guide, and walk with you—naturally.