By Maria Doty

Sponsored Content

Naturopathic Physicians Offer Integrated Health Care

May 5, 2022 | 8:01 AM

NANAIMO – If you’re having trouble finding a doctor, you might consider a naturopathic physician.

Naturopathic physicians provide in-clinic, telehealth, and virtual care, including a variety of supportive therapies like acupuncture, injections, and prescriptions. They teach patients the importance of good health, including a clean diet, proper sleep, and staying hydrated while providing primary care services.

Dr. Karen Fraser has been a Naturopathic Doctor for 25 years. She started her career at a busy clinic in Ottawa, where her patients included senators, members of Parliament, ambassadors, and professional athletes. In 2002, Fraser moved to Nanaimo.

“I was interested in moving back to my roots on Vancouver Island,” Fraser said. She and her husband have raised two children, and participated in, or sponsored, a number of community events, including the Silly Boat Race, parade floats, and countless health fairs.

permanent home

'We're hugely grateful:' Nanaimo Men's Shed group finds a place to call home

2h ago

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

14h ago

iconic voice

Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole, a welcome voice for a half-century, dead at 90

21h ago

Over the past two decades, Dr. Fraser has enjoyed general family naturopathic practice at her clinic, Arbour Wellness, seeing patients with a range of health issues. She deals with hormones, digestive disorders, chronic conditions, and privatized testing.

In 2013, she partnered with a medical doctor to form an Integrated Care Clinic known as the Wellness Team located at Nanaimo North Town Centre.

This state-of-the-art clinic offered a collaborative approach to healthcare. However, after a few years, issues within this cutting-edge clinic made Dr. Fraser decide, for her patients’ sake, to establish a new office.

When the Covid pandemic hit, Dr. Fraser began working with Ottawa-based Hawktree Solutions, providing PPE, Covid tests, and other supplies. With experience in health care and science, she worked on projects involving ventilator criteria, glove standards, and rapid testing.

A portion of all of Hawktree’s proceeds go to support the Canadian Red Cross, providing first aid kits, earthquake preparedness, and Covid supplies.

For Dr. Fraser, giving back to the community is important, particularly the Red Cross, whose work has been especially vital, given the pandemic, fires, floods, and other disasters BC has faced over the past couple of years.

What does the future hold?

Dr. Fraser is working on an interactive book, and she’s advocated for naturopathic physicians offering a variety of primary care services, filling the gaps in the healthcare system.

She recognizes the importance of preventative health care. And that’s not all. Dr. Fraser hinted, “My empathetic frustrations with the existing health care systems are also leading me toward politics,” Fraser said. “Perhaps, I’ll set a foot back in Ottawa in the political forum one of these days!  I think I have another 25 years in me!”