Meet Dr. Joy
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University (2004) · 21+ years in practice · Pittsburgh, PA and virtual

Dr. Joy Sturgill is a naturopathic doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, who helps women and their families uncover the root causes of their health concerns, from hormone imbalance and gut issues to fatigue, brain fog and chronic symptoms that haven’t resolved with other approaches. Her goal is to help patients move from “getting by” to truly thriving.
Dr. Joy’s Story
Dr. Joy earned her undergraduate degree in international business, French and piano from Chatham College in Pittsburgh and began her career in project management, first at The Carnegie and then at a language management firm.
Her path changed when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Through that experience, Dr. Joy saw the limits of a purely conventional approach and went looking for alternatives, only to find how hard it was to locate a qualified natural health practitioner.
Her desire to learn more about natural medicine kept growing. She left her job, completed massage school and, through that process, discovered naturopathic medicine. After two years of pre-medical coursework, she was accepted to Bastyr University in Seattle, where she earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2004.
Additional Training
- BioEnergetic Medicine
- Reiki
- Reconnective Healing
- Matrix Energetics
- Quantum Reflex Integration
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” — Rumi
Dr. Joy’s Approach
Dr. Joy believes symptoms are not a sign of a broken body, but the body’s way of asking for help. She combines a thorough health history, functional lab testing and bioenergetic assessment to understand what is driving those symptoms, then builds a personalized plan to support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Patients come away not only feeling better, but empowered, with a clear understanding of their health and greater vitality to enjoy life more fully.
What Is Bioenergetic Assessment?
Bioenergetic assessment is a non-invasive tool that measures the body’s electrical signals to help identify stressors and patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms. Its roots go back to the work of German physician and acupuncturist Dr. Reinhold Voll in the 1940s, whose method, Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV), measured energy at acupuncture points.
Today, Dr. Joy uses modern bioenergetic tools, including AO Scan and Zyto, alongside your health history and lab work. They help her identify patterns, choose which nutrients, remedies and supportive therapies are the best fit for you, and track your progress over time. Assessments can be done in person or virtually.
Outside the Office
When she’s not with patients, Dr. Joy enjoys spending time with her husband, their four kids (in college in Pennsylvania and at the University of Washington and the University of Oregon), their pets and extended family. She has practiced yoga for 30 years and loves staying active with walking, biking around Pittsburgh and weight training. She also loves gardening, design, cooking, travel, her meditation practice, time with friends and reading (Elin Hilderbrand novels are her not-so-guilty pleasure!).
Work With Dr. Joy
Book your initial consultation online or call 412.921.8329. Not sure yet? Schedule a free 15-minute call, or see Care Options & Investment.
