I decided I liked learning about people early on and received my Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Toronto. After a number of years in a cubicle, I asked myself, "Self, if you could be anything in the world, what would it be?". I completed the 4-year ND program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto and a subsequent 2-year Clinical Residency position at CCNM. I am licensed by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
I've picked up some extra knowledge along the way, both during and after CCNM. I love being active and working with active people which led me to gain additional training in sports medicine and pain management where I became quite talented with an acupuncture needle. I have supervised interns on the Sports Medicine specialty rotation at triathlons, marathons, dragonboat races, volleyball tournaments, and more. I have worked at the HIV clinic at Sherbourne Health Centre and with Aboriginal patients at Anishnawbe Health Toronto. I'm also a certified FirstLine Therapy® practitioner and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture provider. What's next?
Why naturopathic medicine for me?
I used to have migraines. I would miss days of work (eventually running out of sick days and dipping into the vacation days). I've never liked barfing. I hated losing half my vision. This is what got me to finally see a Naturopathic Doctor myself to get to the cause of it as taking daily meds just didn't feel right. We discussed food, stress, hormones... you name it. The keyword now... I used to have migraines... It was then that I realized this was the perfect fit for me.
I've always had the best doctors in the whole world. From my first family doc, to my second family doc after the first retired, to my dentist, optometrist, orthopedic surgeon, and the sleep specialist, they've all put me first, listened, and are/were just so wonderful. They've recommended things like peppermint oil and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Prescription pads rarely came out. I was drawn to naturopathic medicine so that I could compliment these wonderful practitioners and work alongside them but with a different toolbox to help other people, like me, get better. It wasn't until I got to CCNM that I started hearing rather scary stories which continued on as I started seeing patients in my clinic. No one was happy with their doctors or the entire medical system. This idea was so foreign to me, but I'm gaining a much deeper understanding of it.
My goal is to create healthcare teams that have our patients at the centre of our interests. Let's all work together to get you better.
Personally:
I have a passion for community and global health. I've been involved with Natural Doctors International (NDI), a US-based charity, for the past 7 years organizing and participating in brigades to Nicaragua, fundraising, gathering natural medicines to send to our permanent clinic there, and doing research. Please visit www.ndimed.org to learn more or to donate.
I currently serve as Vice President of Naturopathic Doctors International - Canada (NDI-Canada), a registered non-profit organization here in Canada to expand our reach and impact in the global health community and to provide naturopathic care and health promotion to underserved communities globally and here at home. We're currently in the long process of registering as a charity in Canada, so stay tuned for how you can donate!
I'm a runner and have crossed the finish line of 4 half-marathons to date. I hoping to run the New York City Marathon in the future if I can get over the intimidation factor. Keep an eye on my Challenge Blog for updates there (one rejected application so far). I can also be found eating tacos, doing yoga, reading and researching, or planning my next trip to a remote destination.
