About - Dr. Gerann Murphy

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I obtained my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine located in Vancouver, where my training was received under the widest scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Canada.

My practice is focused on family health care, treating most health concerns for people of all ages.

I also hold a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from McGill University in Montreal, and I’m licensed to practice naturopathic medicine by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

I have a personal background in competitive sports and I’ve worked and volunteered abroad and across Canada for many years as a teacher and wildlife biologist. I love the great outdoors, surfing, playing piano and passing time with the great folk in my life!

Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity. Hippocrates

My Medicine

My medicine focuses on health restoration – when you’re healthy, it’s difficult for dys-ease to linger, recur or begin.

Everyday in my practice, I see people get better by simply allowing their body what it requires to function well – this is good common medical sense that has been lost in the cultural context of dispensing drugs for unfavourable lifestyle habits.

The body has an innate intelligence to heal itself – wounds heal, fevers fight infection, sprained ankles recover, etc. I consider it my job as your naturopathic doctor to help you make the best decisions to facilitate a healing response.

I provide comprehensive assessments, including a thorough health history, physical exam, review of relevant health reports and further laboratory testing as required, in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and then determine an effective treatment plan.

I believe in working collaboratively with other health care providers so that you’re best supported in achieving your health goals.

And ultimately, I believe that we’re not immune to the laws of nature – we need to eat real food, move more, laugh (lots!), sleep better, work less, feel connected and find meaning in our existence.

Health doesn’t just happen by chance – it’s a process.

My medicine is natural, intelligent and makes good sense!

Symptoms are warning signals of improper functioning in the body – the body is requesting an adjustment. Dr. Braven Rayne

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of health care that blends current medical research with natural forms of medicine. It focuses on health restoration and identifying and treating the underlying cause of disease.

Naturopathic treatments are individualized and holistic – reflecting the unique physiological, structural, psychological, spiritual, social, environmental and lifestyle factors that influence each patient’s health and wellness.

Naturopathic doctors are primary care providers, meaning that they can diagnose and treat disease and order and interpret laboratory testing as necessary. They work in partnership with other regulated health care professionals, and are authoritative on interactions between pharmaceuticals and natural medicines.

What training does a naturopathic doctor receive?

NDs receive a minimum of 8 years of formal education – a four-year pre-medical bachelor degree followed by a four-year doctorate of naturopathic medicine.

They receive 4500 hours of training in both biomedical sciences (physiology, pathology, pharmacology, clinical diagnosis, etc.) and naturopathic therapies (clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle counseling, etc.).

NDs complete a minimum of 1500 hours of clinical training, and must pass rigorous (and numerous) board and licensing examinations. In addition to this, many have further specialized training and certifications.

Naturopathic principles:

First, do no harm
Using the least invasive, yet most effective diagnostic and treatment methods wherever possible

The healing power of nature
Using treatments derived from nature and science, and the body’s own innate drive to heal in order to achieve health and wellness without side effects

Identify and treat the cause
Researching and targeting the root cause of an illness, rather than merely masking its symptoms

Treat the whole person
Understanding that each patient has a unique health story, and that many aspects of one’s past and present health are often interconnected

Doctor as teacher
Educating patients about why they are being recommended a certain treatment course, and empowering them to take charge of their own health

Prevention
Getting well now, to ensure a long life without need for prescriptions, discomfort, or limitations on your mind and body