Question 1

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic medicine blends modern scientific research with holistic natural forms of medicine to address the underlying cause(s) of illness, not just cover symptoms. It’s ideal for those with chronic conditions, lingering health concerns, or anyone looking for proactive, preventative healthcare that puts them back in the driver’s seat.
You can expect:
-Individualized treatment plans
-Whole body approach to chronic and complex conditions
-A bridge between conventional care and integrative wellness
-A focus on prevention, education, and lasting health outcomes

Question 2

What training do Naturopathic Doctors undergo?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) complete at least 8 years of post-secondary education, including a 4-year undergraduate degree (typically in health or science), followed by a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical program.

Training includes:
-Biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology)
-Clinical diagnosis and physical examination
-Natural and integrative therapies (including but not limited to nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, acupuncture, physical medicine)
-Complete at least 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience

In Ontario, NDs must pass North American board exams (NPLEX) as well as Ontario Clinical (Practical) Examinations, and are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) to ensure safe, ethical, and evidence-informed practice.

Of note, International Medical Graduate (IMG) program candidates are fast-tracked the first 2 years of training based on their previously acquired competencies, however, the remaining training and examinations all remain the same.

Question 3

What can I expect from my first visit?

Accepted Answer

The initial visit is 60-75 minutes in length and includes a full review of your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, and goals. I may recommend lab testing, and begin outlining a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You'll leave with clear next steps and a sense of direction.

Following your initial visit, follow-up appointments (30-45 minutes in length) are scheduled to continuously support your healing by monitoring your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed, and ordering additional testing when appropriate.

Question 4

What tests can you run?

Accepted Answer

Just like your family doctor, Naturopathic Doctors are able to order standard blood tests to assess your overall health. In addition, a range of specialized functional medicine tests to gain deeper insights into your unique physiology can also be requisitioned. These may include:
-Food sensitivity testing
-Comprehensive Stool and Gut Health Analysis
-Comprehensive hormone panels

These tools help us identify underlying causes and patterns and help create personalized, targeted treatment plans.

Having said that...any functional testing in my practice is often only recommended if it is evidence-based and of value in providing any additional information that would inform your treatment plan that we aren't able to obtain from a thorough work-up and good clinical reasoning.

Of note, standard bloodwork and comprehensive testing is NOT covered by OHIP, but for some may be eligible for coverage by extended healthcare benefits.

Question 5

Are naturopathic services covered by OHIP?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health insurance plans do offer reimbursement. For your convenience, direct billing is available for most insurance providers.

Please check with your provider to determine coverage amounts pertaining to your specific extended healthcare benefits.

Question 6

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed. You can book directly with me at any time, whether you’re exploring preventative care or looking for support with a chronic concern.

Question 7

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment online or by contacting the clinic directly.  All information can be found in the contact section. If you're unsure where to start, I also offer free 15-minute discovery calls to help you decide if naturopathic care is the right fit.

Question 8

Do I need to choose between seeing my family doctor or a naturopathic doctor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Collaborative and integrative care is the winning combination. The best care happens when practitioners work together and value transparency. At the end of the day, your health is what matters most and you deserve a team that’s truly on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions