One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of truly listening to patients. Often, they already have a sense of what’s wrong and are trying to tell someone, but they feel unheard. Taking the time to genuinely listen can uncover key details that might otherwise be missed.

On the other end of the spectrum, many patients are given a diagnosis but aren’t provided with the context they need—what it means, what to expect, and what can be done next. This lack of clarity leaves them feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain. By taking the time to explain things clearly, I’ve seen how much it can empower patients. It dispels fears of the unknown, corrects misinformation, and equips them to take an active role in their care.

For me, these moments of connection and understanding are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a healthcare professional.

One of my undergraduate focuses was in ecology, which taught me to see everything as interconnected. Just like in nature, the body operates as a system where every part influences the others, even if they seem separate. For example, when treating pain, I don’t just focus on the point of injury; I consider how muscles, nerves, bones, and fascia interact. This holistic approach often leads to faster and longer-lasting solutions. The same applies to chronic, systemic issues—an organ is part of a larger system, and addressing the root cause means looking at how problems in one area affect the whole.

Another key part of my philosophy is balance and sustainability. I believe in providing treatments that not only address current concerns but also help patients maintain long-term health. This often involves diet, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to prevent the issue from recurring. By focusing on both immediate relief and long-term prevention, I aim to empower my patients to take charge of their well-being.

One of my key specializations is Bowen therapy. I had the privilege of learning directly from a student of Tom Bowen, the originator of the therapy. This allowed me to study Bowen therapy deeply, completing all levels up to the most advanced techniques. I even taught Bowen therapy for a time, which further enriched my understanding and expertise.

I also have a strong interest in sports medicine, shaped by my background as a competitive fencer. My time in competitive sports gave me firsthand experience with the pressures of performance and the mindset required to excel. It also strengthened my knowledge of anatomy and how the body moves under both stress and precision, which greatly informs my practice today.

In addition to Bowen therapy, I have a deep interest in herbalism, balancing the microbiome, and optimizing health through vitamins, minerals, nutrition, and acupuncture. My background in sports medicine also informs my approach, particularly in addressing injuries, performance optimization, and recovery.

Recently, I’ve expanded my practice to include medical aesthetics, sparked by a conversation with our acupuncturist Dr. Caroline Wong, who wanted to explore this area. Botulinum injections became a natural addition to my skill set. Initially, I had some misconceptions about the treatment, but learning about it gave me a new appreciation for its potential. My years of experience with acupuncture, vitamin injections, and vaccination techniques, combined with an extensive understanding of facial anatomy—gained through treating TMJ, headaches, and other head/face-related issues over the past 15 years—allowed me to seamlessly integrate this into my practice.

This diverse range of methods enables me to provide personalized, effective care for a variety of patient needs.

I’ve worked extensively with sports injuries, pain, and muscle or nerve-related issues. Over time, many patients, after recovering from pain, started asking, “What else can I do?” This naturally expanded my practice into more general and family medicine, addressing concerns like gut health, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, chronic fatigue, and immune system issues.

Naturopathic doctors are often a last stop for patients who feel like they’ve tried everything without finding answers. I frequently see individuals with symptoms that don’t fit a clear diagnosis. My approach is to look at the big picture, ensuring no details or connections are overlooked. By mapping out a timeline and understanding how the body’s systems have progressed to this point, I can often uncover patterns or explanations that others may have missed. This comprehensive method allows me to help patients find solutions to even the most elusive or unexplained problems.

I wanted to be directly involved in my patients’ journeys to wellness—to see their progress firsthand, rather than just referring them to specialists or relying solely on prescriptions. I love being part of the process, helping people truly get better.

The variety in my scope of practice is what keeps it exciting. Whether it’s nutrition, pharmacy, acupuncture, counseling, bodywork, rehab, or family medicine, I have the flexibility to choose the therapies that best suit my patients’ needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to tailor care in a way that makes a real difference.

One notable experience was my involvement in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout during the height of the pandemic. When the demand for vaccines was overwhelming, I stepped in to help at emergency pop-up vaccination sites. Over that time, I administered more than 7,000 vaccines and was recognized as having given the most shots within the team during that period. It was a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience, and it certainly honed my skills in administering injections.

While it wasn’t a research or publication project, being part of such an impactful public health initiative remains a standout moment in my career.

I dedicate over 40 hours every two years to continuing education, ensuring I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare. This includes attending courses, workshops, and seminars, as well as keeping up with current research and developments in my areas of expertise.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring my creative side through acrylic painting and video animation. I also have a passion for gardening and mushroom growing, which connects me to nature in a hands-on way. Hiking is another favorite activity, giving me the chance to recharge while enjoying the outdoors.

Music is another outlet for me—I play the tin whistle, which adds a fun and unique rhythm to my downtime. Before the pandemic, I was actively involved in fencing, going to the gym, and archery, and I’ve been meaning to get back into those activities.

I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology and went on to earn my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.