Naturopathic Medicine - Cook Street Village Health Centre

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Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Maureen Williams

Dr. Williams will be leaving her eclectic, family-oriented naturopathic practice on Cortes Island to join us here at Cook Street Village Health Centre. Her background includes a bachelor of science in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986, followed by four years working with the urban homeless. She attended naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University, a four year, federally accredited naturopathic medical school in Seattle, where she earned her doctorate in 1995. She lectures extensively to both professional and lay audiences on topics including cancer, heart disease, menopause, anxiety and depression, and is an author and researcher for several online databases of scientific information about natural medicine. Before moving to British Columbia in 2008, Dr. Williams had a private practice in Vermont and was a long-time volunteer at the local Good Neighbor Health Clinic as well as in rural clinics in Guatemala and Honduras where she studied traditional herbal medicine.

For more information, visit www.maureenwilliamsnd.com

Dr. Alexis Blanks (on maternity leave)

Dr. Alexis Blanks began her post secondary education at the University of Victoria where she completed her bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies. Before enrolling at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, she traveled to South Korea where she taught English for one year. In Toronto, Dr. Blanks completed her internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, and at the Sherbourne Health Centre. In BC she completed an internship with the Victoria Pain Clinic, a residential treatment centre serving clients who suffer from chronic pain and/or chronic stress.

Dr. Blanks is certified in acupuncture, and Bowen therapy, and has completed the Clinical Training in Mind Body Medicine offered at Harvard University in Boston. She is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). Dr. Blanks is excited to be home on the west coast to share her passion for healthy living with her community.

Dr. Alexis Blanks, ND is now pleased to offer our patients female physical exams and smears.
Interested? Here’s what you need to know:

- To have your Pap done with Dr. Blanks you are not required to be a patient of hers but you will be required to fill out a small intake and consent form. A copy of your results will be sent to your regular primary care provider.

- The exam will include a breast exam, Pap smear and pelvic exam, Dr. Blanks will also allow for time to answer any general questions that you might have in regards to female health.

- If you would like to receive naturopathic treatment from Dr. Blanks, you will be required to have a full initial visit with her and fill out the appropriate forms.

- The fee for the exam will start at $30 (check with your extended health plan to see about your coverage for naturopathic medicine).

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies. With a holistic view of health and well being that draws from many traditions in medicine such as traditional Chinese medical theory and homeopathy as well as modern western medicine, Naturopathic Doctors assess the whole person, taking into consideration physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Gentle, non-invasive techniques are generally used in order to stimulate the body’s inherent healing capacity. Some of the tools that employed include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation/physical medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling. Treatments are chosen based on the individual patient, not on the generality of symptoms.

Naturopathic doctors can also complement and enhance health care services provided by other health care professionals. They cooperate with other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate. Naturopathic doctors provide patients with a truly integrative form of health care.

Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine (pdf)

Patient Welcome Letter & What to Expect (pdf)

Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT (pdf)