How I know that Functional Medicine is the way to go:
I practice an evidence-based model of medicine grounded on the principle that the best care comes from embracing lifestyle, diet, supplements and herbs as primary treatments and using conventional medicine when needed. This stream of medicine is called “functional” or “systems medicine.”
I came to this approach through my own experience as as a patient of both conventional and alternative practitioners for 20 years. In my early teens, I had symptoms of endometriosis that manifested as painful periods and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS.) I sought help for my IBS from many doctors, specialists, energy healers, acupuncturists, homeopaths and more. It was only through becoming a naturopathic doctor, taking continuing education in functional medicine, and finding the real cause of my health concerns that I was able to restore my health. With the help of my naturopathic and functional medicine training, I was able to rebalance my gut ecosystem, improve digestion, heal my overactive stress response and undergo a highly specialized surgery for endometriosis.
As you can tell, I’ve been through the war with my health. My ultimate goal is to prevent or shorten your own war. I’ll provide you with thorough testing and assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan and the support you need to keep your journey to optimal health as short as possible. Knowing the root cause of your health imbalances is imperative to getting proper treatment. I didn’t have that knowledge upfront. Going down so many wrong paths cost me immense amounts of time, energy, money, and hope. My ultimate goal is to ensure you don’t endure what I did. Working with me is an investment in your health that is designed to get you healthier sooner, to save you money and effort in the long run.
Education
Kresser Institute ADAPT Framework Graduate (Chris Kresser’s Functional Medicine Training Program)
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ontario
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Certificate in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Facilitation, Centre for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto, Ontario
I regularly continue my education via conferences, courses and job shadowing on the topics of women’s health, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), fertility, gastrointestinal diseases, the microbiome, methylation and genetics.
Working together
Working with me is for you if you:
- feel the root of your health concerns has not been successfully addressed yet
- are motivated to change your lifestyle to improve and preserve your health for the long term
- are prepared to put yourself first
- are curious about your health and want to be empowered to do what you can for yourself
- enjoy or have an interest in learning more about nutrition
Working with me is likely not for you if you:
- want band-aid treatments (that don’t get at the root cause of your symptoms) or quick fixes
- are not ready to make changes to your routine
- are not prepared to put yourself first, or learn how to do so
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