Dr Berez graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle Washington in 1976 where she developed a deep respect for the body's innate healing ability and ways of enhancing the natural healing process. She continued her studies in one of the only combined allopathic and homeopathic medical schools at the Instituto Polytechnico Nacional in Mexico City. Dr Berez managed chronic and acute medical illnesses in both the hospital and village setting using both forms of medicine . She also dedicated a year of social service to a small community clinic working with an underserved population to complete her medical studies.