Dr. Caroline Coombs, BScH, ND
Welcome
My name is Caroline (she/her) and I am a Naturopathic Doctor and health educator. Thanks in part to my quirky parents (my mother is a yoga instructor/counsellor/biologist, and my father a virology professor/inventor), I am a deeply feeling individual with a passion for scientific thought.
My background
In life, I have always been led as firmly by my heart as my head. As a young adult, I spent my winters feeding my brain as I completed an honours degree in microbiology, and my summers feeding my heart working with youth at risk and people living with physical and developmental disabilities in an outdoor setting. This work highlighted for me how heavily our medical system relies on medication and forgets about the importance of proper nutrition, community support, time spent in nature, and sleep. I decided that I wanted to be part of the solution.
My inspiration
I became an ND because I wanted to provide health care that acknowledges the individual needs of each patient and gets to the root cause of health concerns rather than masking symptoms.
My practice blends the most recent scientific research and traditional holistic wisdom so that you as a patient get the best of both worlds. I focus on treating chronic illnesses such as auto-immune disease, chronic pain, depression and IBS. I helped build an ongoing 8-week group medical program at the Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia where I spent 5 years teaching about the connection between food and mood. I firmly believe that as conventional Medical Doctors and Naturopathic Physicians continue to collaborate, we will provide the absolute best care for our patients.
My Approach
As your doctor, my goal and number one priority is always to help you feel better. I feel I have truly done my job, however, if you leave with a lasting understanding of how to take care of your body and your health.
I am passionate about making health information clear and accessible so that you have the tools you need to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. I will educate you so that you can better understand when to rely on conventional medical treatments and when to use more traditional or natural therapies.
While I have prescription rights and do rely on pharmaceutical treatments when necessary, I prefer to work on treating the root cause and removing obstacles to healing so that the body can restore its own innate balance. This means that all of my treatment plans have a foundation in sleep, digestion, nutrition, movement & stress management.
My Qualifications
I graduated from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013, am a professional member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and BC Naturopathic Physicians Association (BCNA) and hold further certifications in IV therapy and pharmaceutical prescription authority.
I look forward to hearing your unique story and helping you achieve your personal health goals.
To your health,