About Dr. Heidi
My Philosophy
I feel very strongly about patient-centred care; it is one of the reasons I became a naturopathic physician. I have two goals opening this clinic. The first is to create a space where patients feel heard and honoured throughout their health journey. None of us are perfect, but we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
My second goal is related to the first. In an era where aging seems to be almost taboo, I wanted to create a space that honours the aging process and recognizes it as the privilege it is. My question is this: how can we walk this path and continue to live with vitality, being the best version of ourselves? How can we age with grace and strength? That is what I want to help you achieve: a healthy, vital life that allows you to do the things that you want to do.
Who I am and What I Do
My journey to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor has been a winding path. After completing a BA in Anthropology and then a MA in Anthropology/Political Science, I had the honour of working in research, policy, front line work, and advocacy in the Aboriginal HIV Community. It is this work that brought me back to my original dream of becoming a doctor. Through this work I witnessed an extensively overtaxed healthcare system that is not always able to work in the best interest of the patient.
Why Naturopathic Medicine?
I believe that all healthcare professionals should work together in patient-centred care, with each sector working to its strengths. One of the strengths of naturopathic medicine is understanding and treating the underlying causes of disease. We need to shift our ideology of medicine from reactive to proactive health care.
I believe in a truly holistic approach to health: treating the mind, body, and spirit. I believe in and follow the principles of naturopathic medicine:
-
Vis Medicatrix Naturae - Healing Power of Nature
-
Primum Non Nocere - First, Do No Harm
-
Tolle Causum - Identify and Treat the Cause
-
Docere - Doctor as Teacher
-
Treat the Whole Person
-
Prevention as Cure
Why open a Naturopathic Clinic in New Westminster?
First and foremost, New Westminster is my home. When I was looking for a place to set up Foundations Naturopathic Health, there was no question in my mind that it would be in New West. New West is my community, and being of service to my community is one of my strongest values. From a practical standpoint, I thought New West would welcome a naturopathic clinic that operated through my approach to health and wellness - following the Therapeutic Order (least invasive to most) and patient centred.
Licensed by:
Member of:
