With the new year comes new benefits (and opportunities!). Do you have a health benefits package that is renewed and ready for a refreshed healthcare plan? Have you considered how you want to maximize your benefits this year? As a proud primary care provider, and Naturopathic Physician serving the greater Victoria area, I am passionate about helping people in my community achieve improved health and wellbeing. Whatever your health goals are let’s start you on a path to success for improved health all year long!
This is my personal take (with input from patients) on the top 5 reasons to see a licensed Naturopathic Physician. Here I have highlighted some of the most important aspects of naturopathic primary care and the value of naturopathic physicians within the BC health care system.
1.) Primary Care. In BC, ND’s are primary care providers, meaning we provide the foundational care and services to be your first contact with the heath system in BC, akin to traditional family doctors. As an ND I can diagnose, manage and treat a variety of common health conditions by utilizing comprehensive health histories, physical exam findings, and laboratory testing. Additionally, ND’s may conduct screening exams for breast and cervical cancer (Pap testing) as well as prostate examinations. As a naturopathic physician in BC with prescriptive rights, I can also help you manage your medications in coordination with your existing healthcare providers such as medical doctors and pharmacists. Bonus: Most extended healthcare insurance plans will have some naturopathic medical coverage. Check with your provider to find out!
2.) Time. My consultations are usually 30 to 60 minutes long. When seeing patients I ensure we have enough time together so you can share your story uninterrupted. Together, we go over your top health concerns, your past medical history, and create goals and expectations of treatment. Taking a comprehensive history allows me to understand not only the symptoms you are experiencing but the potential underlying causes, triggers, and propagators so we can better target treatment for both symptoms resolution and lasting wellness.
3.) Education. My goal is to inform and educate my patients so they can feel empowered to make important decisions about their health. Being informed entails understanding your current health concerns, the underlying causes, as well as the natural progression of the condition. It also means understanding the risks and benefits of both conventional and complementary treatments. The most important thing for my patients is to realize is that they have more options than they think and the autonomy to choose the care that best fits their personal goals and values.
4.) Evidence-based. Evidence-based medicine takes in to account not only the best current research and science, but also the clinician's clinical experience and expertise, and most importantly the patient's values and beliefs. These three aspects; research, clinical experience, and patient values are what ultimately form a shared decision making conversation about the appropriate treatment options available to you.
5.) Naturally focused, sustainable solutions. As an ND, I follow the therapeutic order which means my approach to health and wellness is grounded in the determinants of health. I start with the minimally invasive intervention with the largest potential benefit (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, etc.), working up towards additional therapies and interventions as needed. My treatment foundations include restoring digestive health, balancing hormone and other endocrine disruptions, and lifestyle optimization to improve your health and wellbeing.
If you are interested in seeking naturopathic care but are not sure if it is right for you, you can check out my FAQ page for common questions about naturopathic medicine and the services I provide. You can also book a complimentary meet and greet where we can discuss your main health concerns and found out if it’s the right fit for you!
- Dr. Randi Brown, ND
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