A naturopathic doctor is a licensed healthcare practitioner regulated by a professional provincial and national board that holds us accountable for our training, charting, and continuing education. We use science and scientific research to make research informed treatments. Where research is lacking, strong historical evidence is necessary. We work to help you achieve optimal health, reduce your risk for genetic conditions, manage chronic health complaints, and prevent illness.

An ND is an expert in natural medicine with 8 years of training – a four-year bachelor degree, followed by a four-year degree in naturopathic medicine (including one year of clinical training). The ND degree is received from one of two accredited institutions in Canada, with classes in anatomy, physiology, immunology, pharmacology, pathology, etc. allows us to interact with all healthcare professionals and the scientific community. Our training focuses on treating using natural therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle rather than pharmaceutical medications and surgery. NDs take a long term view and focus on preventative medicine. We can run lab work to help diagnose medical conditions.

Naturopathic Doctors treat acute and chronic, non-emergent health complaints/conditions. From high blood pressure to depression to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. The list is endless – for more conditions that Naturopathic Doctors treat, see Dr. Mackayla Johnson’s website!

Sometimes, there is no known diagnosis, but there is a cause. We work to find it and treat it. If we cannot treat your specific health complaint, we will also let you know.

Your first appointment: 

Please arrive a few minutes early so that you can fill out the required paperwork prior to your appointment time.

If possible, please bring in any medications and supplements you are taking. Think about your family medical history or ask parents/grandparents about their health so I can evaluate health risks and identify genetic susceptibilities.

Also, if you have copies of your lab results from other healthcare practitioners (I always advise people to keep track of their own health records by keeping copies of test results), please bring them to the initial appointment as this helps me to make a more informed diagnosis.

Please refrain from wearing perfumes/cologne as many of my patients have chemical allergies or sensitivities that would be aggravated by these scents.

Typically, I spend 1-1.5 hours getting to know you and your health history. I also spend time explaining what is happening in your body so that you can understand how to begin the healing process and why I am choosing the treatments that I prescribe for you specifically.

There are many factors that affect your health. We will discuss your health concerns, your history, and your family medical history but I will also ask questions about your medications, your environment, your support systems, your diet, and your lifestyle.

Before creating a treatment plan, I will explain any necessary testing that must be done to determine more clearly what exactly is going on inside your body.

Your health goals will also help me to create a treatment plan that is most appropriate to your individual needs.

Follow-up appointments:

Follow-up appointments are an opportunity to discuss your progress. I monitor improvement and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. We also discuss lab work and test results and incorporate this information into the plan.

I also keep very close track of any improvements, changes, side effects, etc. in order to improve my clinical skills as well as to be able to assess scientific clinical viability of treatments. There is no end to education and scientific improvement and no treatment is so perfect that it be used for every individual. Research and analysis will help me and my colleagues improve medical care.

ND services and treatments are not covered by provincial healthcare. However, since ND services are GST free and most insurance/extended benefit plans cover Naturopathic services the barriers to seeing an ND are minimized. Check your insurance coverage, and don’t forget to bring it along – We Direct Bill!

Your health is worth investing in. Sometimes those investments are financial and other times they require time and energy. Occasionally, both are required. Rest assured you do not have to make any changes you are not ready to undertake. Your life and time and money are yours to spend how you want. I recommend treatments and diet and lifestyle modifications on a regular basis that are based on treating the cause of illness and getting you to a place of good health as quickly as possible. However, I also base my prescriptions on your health goals and your lifestyle constraints. I want you to get better quickly but I also want you to be able to make sustainable, long term changes to maintain optimal health and prevent future illness. Please let me know if you feel overwhelmed.

Another important point on this topic is that I have experience with the prescriptions I recommend. I’ve tried the diets. I’ve run out of time to make sleep or food prep or exercise a priority. I’ve been drop dead tired, ready to cry, and struggling with the black hole of depression while just wanting to eat a burger and fries from the closest fast food chain. I’ve had to budget my finances at the grocery store and at appointments. I don’t have insurance benefits.  These things I’ve been through are not identical to your situation, but they help me understand you better when you explain your constraints.

Let’s work together on the challenges. Because the investment is worth it.