NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN ONTARIO
How Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario Help You Navigate the Health Care System
Helping You Make Sense Of Health Information
Knowing the Medical Language
If you live in Ontario, you probably know how challenging it can be to access primary care. Many people don’t have a family doctor at all, and those who do often find themselves waiting weeks (or months) for an appointment. Even when you finally get in, the visits can be so short that you leave feeling like your questions weren’t fully answered.
This is where naturopathic doctors can help fill the gap. While we are licensed health care providers trained to diagnose and treat, many of our visits with patients actually focus on something a little different: helping you make sense of your health information and feel confident in your care decisions.
Acting as Health Information Interpreters
It’s not uncommon for patients to come to us after leaving their doctor’s office feeling confused or overwhelmed. Maybe your lab test results don’t make sense to you, or you’re not sure why your doctor ordered a particular test in the first place. Maybe you were prescribed a medication but want to better understand the benefits, risks, and side effects before you start taking it.
As naturopathic doctors, we can sit down with you, explain what your results mean in plain language, and help you weigh your options. We’re not here to replace your family doctor — we’re here to bridge the gap in communication, so you feel informed and confident in your next steps.
Supporting Informed Decision-Making
Sometimes, what you need most is time and space to ask questions. In our appointments, we can go over:
What your lab results mean (and what they don’t mean)
The pros and cons of medications your doctor may have prescribed
How to advocate for future testing or referrals if needed
Lifestyle and nutrition strategies that can complement your existing care
When you understand your health information, you’re in a much stronger position to make informed decisions about your care.
A Common Example: Perimenopause and Menopause
One area where this comes up often is hormone therapy for perimenopause and menopause. Patients are frequently prescribed hormone replacement therapy but aren’t sure what to expect, whether it’s safe for them, or what the alternatives might be.
We can walk you through:
How hormone therapy works
The potential risks and side effects
The benefits and who tends to benefit most
Other supportive options to help manage symptoms
That way, you can go back to your family doctor with the right questions, feeling clear and confident in your choices.
Bounce Some Ideas Off Of US
Curious about the keto diet? Not sure if fasting IS good for women? Don’t understand why the lab flagged your test as abnormal but your family doc said “everything is normal”? Prescribed a medication but you’re on the fence and want the scientific research distilled down to your so that you can actually make an informed decision? Want to calculate your actual risk percentage before deciding on a treatment plan? We can help. We are medically trained minds that have the luxury of time to get to the bottom of this problem with you.
The Bottom Line
Ontario’s health care system is under strain, and that can leave patients feeling lost or unsupported. Naturopathic doctors are here to help you navigate the system, understand your health information, and feel empowered in your care. Sometimes that means treatment — but many times, it simply means being your health translator.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by confusing test results, uncertain about a new prescription, or unsure of your next steps, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Dr. Sarah Goulding, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Sarah Goulding is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ottawa Ontario and has a BSc in neuroscience and biology from Dalhousie University (2004), and did her 4-year naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2010). She’s since accumulated over a decade of clinical experience, and refined her practice to focus on women’s health and digestion. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
Dr. Sarah Goulding blends science and compassion, and acts as a personal health researcher to help you navigate your health. Tools that she uses include nutrition, supplements and botanicals, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle modifications. The closer you get to the root cause, the gentler the therapies needed to resolve the issue.
Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Miller completed her doctor or naturopathic medicine degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s of science in Human Health and Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Her extensive knowledge of nutrition and her strong foundation in scientific research allows for a very thorough approach to your care. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
She is passionate about teaching holistic health to help women understand their bodies and get to the root cause of their health issues. Her areas of special interest include women’s health, hormonal health, gastrointestinal health, and pediatrics.
Dr. Janna Fung, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health. She has a passion for evidence based preventative medicine and strives to empower patients with the knowledge to achieve their optimal health. She understands collaborations is the only way to develop realistic sustainable health/wellness results and strives to develop individualized health goals with patients.
