in love with my profession...

I love what I do. At an early age, I knew I wanted to be in healthcare. During my teenage years, I saw the limitations and adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs on my mom, who was very ill. I saw how a healthy lifestyle prevents disease. Then I stumbled upon naturopathic medicine (much like how I stumbled upon this AnD website!). And the rest of history.

I realized naturopathic meds really has a place in this world when my mother benefited from traditional Chinese meds, acupuncture, etc. and recovered. I realized I was chosen for this profession when one of my very first patients, a sweet lady in her 30s who was diagnosed with breast cancer TWO times within FIVE years, told me that coming to see me was the best thing she had ever done for herself. I was only an intern at that time, but I still remember the expression of gratitude and relief on her face. And at that moment, I vowed to help to the best of my ability all those who came through my office doors.

Naturopathic physicians (NDs) receive formal medical education and training. We are trained the same way medical physicians are (Yes, we study pharm drugs, do breast exams, PAP exams, order lab tests, etc.) BUT we specialize in evidence-based naturopathic medicines and therapies. We treat the whole person instead of the local disease. We address the root cause of illness rather than merely suppress the symptoms. We emphasize preventive medicine, because prevention is better than cure. There are accredited naturopathic medical schools across North America and both CCNM and BINM were recognized as the "Top Medical Schools" in North America according to the 2007 edition of The Princeton Review. http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780375765667 More info on naturopathic meds can be found here: www.naturopathic.org, www.cand.ca

Here are some photos of my clinic's grand opening in 2005. :) And yes, I'm still working there at this moment. And lovin' it. :)