Dr. Shannon Emily Vander Doelen

Dr. Shannon Emily Vander Doelen provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

General Wellness Prevention

• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Preventative strategies and natural therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote long-term circulatory wellness.
• Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Providing guidance to parents on natural approaches to support their child's health and well-being.
• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Personalized naturopathic programs for sustainable weight loss or healthy weight gain, focusing on metabolic balance, nutrition, and lifestyle.

Digestive Health

• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation and improve tolerance by identifying problematic foods and supporting digestive health.
• Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Natural approaches to reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn by addressing dietary triggers, supporting digestive enzyme function, and healing esophageal tissue.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Doelen can assess your needs.

• Pediatric Naturopathic Care (if specialized): Supporting children's optimal growth and development with age-appropriate naturopathic therapies and nutritional guidance.
• Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Naturopathic care for various women's health concerns including menstrual irregularities, PMS, PCOS, fertility support, endometriosis support, menopause, and thyroid conditions.
• Detoxification Support: Guided programs and therapies to support your body's natural detoxification pathways, helping to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
• Men's Health Support: Addressing men's specific health issues such as prostate health, testosterone balance, cardiovascular risk factors, and stress-related conditions.
• Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Empowering you with practical strategies to make sustainable lifestyle changes that address the root causes of health issues and promote optimal living.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Doelen. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen, ND, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Doelen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to engaging in regular exercise that they enjoy and can sustain without post-exertion malaise without the burden of wanting to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way. Dr. Doelen focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to finally finding lasting relief after trying countless other treatments with little to no success, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
• Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Doelen, their Naturopathic Doctor, when needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve feeling truly listened to and understood regarding all their health concerns, empowering them to embrace activities like comfortably cooking and meal prepping healthy foods for their family regularly with renewed vitality.
• Patients struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, or other uncomfortable menopausal symptoms find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Doelen. The therapeutic focus is on achieving feeling empowered and in control of their own health, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain or fatigue.
• Through personalized naturopathic care with Dr. Doelen, common concerns like supporting my child's health naturally for common issues are thoroughly investigated to achieve getting sick much less often, even when everyone around them is unwell. This often involves dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle education, helping people to once again enjoy travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations without digestive issues.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Doelen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen's practice at 'Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen, ND' is situated within a naturopathic clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. The clinic is conveniently located near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their wellness routines. Accessible via various public transit routes, the clinic ensures ease of access for patients from different parts of the city. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may utilize both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests (like those your MD might order) can include standard blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, iron, etc.), urinalysis, and thyroid hormone testing. Specialized or functional tests might include comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing (e.g., IgG), comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, or heavy metal testing. The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual health concerns and history, and are used to gain deeper insights into your body's functioning and guide treatment.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can complement each other in a patient's overall healthcare plan.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer some coverage for consultations with registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to understand the extent of coverage, as it varies significantly between plans.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response to treatment, and your commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a treatment plan and estimated timeline during your initial visit and will monitor your progress regularly.

What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) might offer if they have extra training?

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies. Examples include Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating natural healing, or advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies, and patients should inquire if interested in specific therapies.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (e.g., Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes Agréés) are trained to provide safe and effective natural healthcare. They have extensive education in medical sciences and natural therapies, and are regulated in many Canadian provinces. They are trained to identify contraindications and potential interactions between natural therapies and conventional medications. Always inform your ND and other healthcare providers about all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure coordinated and safe care.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your initial Naturopathic appointment is typically quite comprehensive, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will conduct an in-depth discussion about your current health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A physical examination may also be performed. The goal is to gather a thorough understanding of your overall health to identify potential root causes. Based on this, your Naturopathic Doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, supplements, herbal remedies, and further testing if needed.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a referral from a physician. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before booking your appointment.

Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen, ND
62 Woodbury Road
Etobicoke, ON, M8W 1X7

Phone: (647) 250-7165

Dr. Shannon Emily Vander Doelen is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 2936

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.