After graduating from Northwestern University, she completed her residency at Northwestern's McGaw Medical Center. She is also a clinical instructor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Brandies is an active member of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists. After seven years of practicing internal medicine, Dr. Brandies became interested in the practice of acupuncture. In 2007, she became certified in medical acupuncture. She strives to offer alternative theories and treatments, as well as traditional therapies.