Top Questions
When choosing a naturopathic physician, you want to be sure you’re choosing one that you can fully trust to answer all of your questions and concerns. Below, you’ll will find a list of some frequently asked questions from my patients. Connect with me today for more information.
What will my first session at the clinic be like?
I want to get to know you! Your first appointment will be an in-depth history taking, which is why the appointment is a little longer. Most of what we discuss will be follow-ups to what you filled out on your intake form (that is why it is so important to fill it out! Sorry.... I know it is a long one.). It is important to know your health picture as best I can so any treatment plan I put together is tailored to your specific needs. I will conduct any focused physical exams that are necessary, and send you home with the first steps on your journey to health and wellness. we will discuss and medications or treatments you are already receiving and ensure that nothing I prescribe will interact with what you are already taking.
Do you help treat terminal or chronic illness?
Yes. I will work with you and your team of medical and health professionals to find a treatment plan that will best suit your needs, working with whatever protocol you are on. I can tailor your treatment to be either supportive or long-term.
Are there specific areas you focus your practice on?
I have a strong interest in women's health, especially women over the age of 40, helping women live their best life, whatever that means to them. I also have a big nerdy interest in mitochondrial dysfunction, an area that includes a number of diverse conditions (and growing as we learn more). It can also be a side effect of many common medications. It is a growing field and one that I continue to learn more about.
All that being said, my goal for the clinic is that it is a safe and respectful place for anyone looking for primary health care. I see all patients with different needs. If you need your women's wellness, I am here. If you are suffering from a cold or flu, I can help. If you have any gastrointestinal concerns, I got your back (or backside).
Why do I need to have an initial visit before I have an IV treatment?
I am a firm believer that IVs have their place in Naturopathic Medicine and are a useful tool in supporting your health; however, I do not believe they are the "be all and end all" and they are not the answer to everything. I want to make sure that IVs, and all treatments, are the right treatment option for you before prescribing.
Do I have to book a regular appointment for every Theralase© cold laser treatment?
No. Once we have determined that cold laser is the right treatment for you, you can book in a series of appointments that are exclusively for your laser treatment. These appointments will be shorter and more frequent than a regular appointment, depending on where you are along the healing path.
What training is required to become a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are a regulated profession in BC in that we are regulated by a professional college, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC). Prior to being accepted into a Naturopathic Medical Program you are required to have a previous Bachelor degree and to meet minimum Science course prerequisites in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Getting a diploma in Naturopathic Medicine involves attending an accredited naturopathic medical school for 4 years, 10 months of year, taking up to 11 courses per semester. The first two years focuses on the Biomedical Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology (diseases), Biochemistry, and Pharmacology as well as the modalities of Naturopathic Medicine - Botanical Medicine, Nutrition, Traditional Asian Medicine, Homeopathy). The second two years are still full of course work, but it is geared more towards the Clinical Sciences: Clinical Diagnosis, Clinic Internships, Naturopathic Manipulations with continued studies in the above-mentioned modalities. The minimum passing mark for all of our courses is 70%.We are required to write two licensing exams (regulated by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examinations); one focuses on the Biomedical Sciences, the other on the Clinical Sciences. Finally, we have an oral and practical Board Exam which is regulated by the CNPBC. It is only after all of this that we can apply to be licensed by the CNPBC.