DR. COURTENAY BOER
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN
DR. BOER
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit my website!
As a naturopathic doctor, I am passionate about working with people to educate, empower and create positive, sustainable health goals.
Growing up in the prairies of Alberta, my family spent many happy times exploring the world around us. This sparked in me a love for nature and a curiosity to understand our world more deeply.
It was this curiosity that led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry at The King’s University in Edmonton, AB. Throughout my degree, I came to appreciate the complexities of both the human body and the natural world. It was during this formative time that I began to understand and develop my love of scientific inquiry as a way to understand the world, as well as deepen my heart for social justice. It was also during this time that I was introduced to naturopathic medicine through my mother, who was going through her own health journey.
I spent the next two years living in Japan, where I was immersed in a society that honored and revered traditional wisdom while blending it with modern knowledge. I was fascinated with the culture and the differences I witnessed between this country and my own.
塵も積もれば
Even dust, when accumulated, will make a mountain.
- Japanese proverb
This is one of my favorite proverbs; the meaning tells us that the small choices we make every day greatly impact our health and lives. This idea creates the foundation of my philosophy as a naturopathic physician: upstream thinking, prevention, and small, attainable goals set us on the path to optimal wellbeing.
With these experiences, I was ready to answer the two callings that had been patiently waiting for me: to compassionately serve others and to care for the world we have been given. Naturopathic Medicine beautifully marries these two passions. I completed my naturopathic medical training at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver.
Today, I am honored and grateful to be a part of this profession, and to be a part of my patients’ health journeys. It is a delight to be living on Vancouver Island and serving the community here!
If you are interested in working with me, I invite you to explore my website or book an appointment. I can’t wait to start working with you!
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom. Naturopathic physicians focus on treating the underlying cause of disease and supporting the innate ability of the body to achieve health and balance.
In British Columbia, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC). Training for NDs includes completion of a university undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year accredited naturopathic medical program. NDs must complete 4800 classroom hours and 1500 hours of clinical training, and must successfully complete the NPLEX (North American Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams) as well as provincial board exams in order to be licensed in the province.
The philosophy of Naturopathic medicine is built upon holistic and individualized health care, working in harmony with the innate healing abilities of the body. Naturopathic treatments take into account the many contributing factors of overall health: physiological, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental.
Naturopathic medicine is founded upon six defining principles:
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First, do no harm (Primum non nocere)
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The healing power of nature (Vis medicatrix naturae)
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Identify and treat the cause (Tolle causum)
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Treat the whole person
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Doctor as teacher (Docere)
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Prevention
MY PRACTICE
INTEGRATIVE
EVIDENCE-
INFORMED
EMPOWERING
MY PHILOSOPHY
I am a strong advocate for integrative healthcare. I believe that both conventional and naturopathic medicine play an important role in an integrative healthcare model, and that a cooperative approach creates the best outcomes for patients. As a member of your healthcare team, I integrate standard medical diagnoses with natural therapies and work with other practitioners to provide the highest standard of care.
I believe that education is empowerment, and empowerment is the cornerstone of sustainable health and preventive medicine. Therefore, as a naturopathic physician, I am dedicated to empowering patients to take agency in their health and to make informed health decisions. I strive to provide a judgement-free and safe space, and I welcome people of all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. I work with patients to develop realistic goals that consider your values and lifestyle. I take a patient-centered, holistic approach to create individualized treatment plans that are based on the best available evidence and rooted in both traditional and modern knowledge.
MY CLINICAL FOCUS
I have a general family practice and I welcome everyone into my practice. In particular, I have a clinical focus in:
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Perimenopause & Menopause: including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and loss of libido
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Menstrual and sexual health: including PMS and PMDD, painful and irregular menses, PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent UTIs, yeast infections, STIs, and sexual dysfunction
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Mental Health: including anxiety and depression
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Hormone imbalances: including hypo- and hyper-thyroid conditions and adrenal health, stress, and fatigue
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Fertility: preconception care, male factor infertility, irregular menstruation and anovulatory cycles, PCOS, POI, and recurrent pregnancy loss
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Perinatal care: including dietary guidance and specific nutritional supplementation, common concerns in pregnancy including nausea/vomiting, heartburn, and constipation, Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART, including IVF and ICSI) support, and post-partum care
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Cardiometabolic health: including cholesterol health, blood pressure management, and weight management