About Dr. Odette

Why I became a naturopathic doctor (aka My Story)

I always knew I wanted to help people improve their health in some way, so after graduating from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology, I went on to pursue post-graduate studies in Workplace Wellness & Health Promotion.

When I was introduced to the concept of wellness, I resonated with the idea that true health comes not just from physical, but also mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

With this realization, and knowing I always wanted to work in health care, I searched for a career that would allow me to help others take charge of their health and their lives. While researching all of my healthcare career options, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – a chronic, genetic condition that can lead to kidney failure, dialysis and the need for a kidney transplant. Having known that PKD has taken too many members of my family, I asked my nephrologist what I could do to improve my kidneys and overall health. I was told there was nothing that could be done but wait and address the common symptoms of high blood pressure, pain and kidney failure when the time came.

I was 23 years old at the time and felt completely hopeless and scared since all I knew up to that point, due to my family history was that PKD lead to kidney transplants and dying way too young. I refused to believe this bleak outlook and was not content to simply sit and wait for my kidneys to fail. With my background in wellness, I knew that stress management, nutrition and healthy living could impact health and I knew I wanted to take a proactive approach to manage this lifelong condition – I just needed to learn how.

This led me to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), where my hope was to learn how to integrate science-based natural therapies with traditional healing practices, in a holistic approach, to help optimize my health – and help empower others to do the same. During my first year at CCNM, I developed severe eczema, and experienced firsthand the amazing ability of naturopathic medicine to heal (through a combination of nutrition & lifestyle changes and acupuncture). Not only did my skin heal completely, but I felt empowered with a nutrition and lifestyle plan that would form the foundation for optimal lifelong health. Upon graduation from CCNM in 2007, I was honoured to receive the Award for Clinical Excellence in Asian Medicine and Acupuncture.

In 2015, I successfully completed the training and examinations to attain Therapeutic Prescribing Rights in Ontario. This ensures I meet the needs of my patients safely and effectively when prescribing high doses of certain vitamins and allows me to prescribe bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) to those who would benefit from it.

Prenatal, pregnancy and labour support and post-partum recovery training:

• In addition to receiving training in multiple areas of prenatal care, I completed my naturopathic doula training through the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors to ensure I can provide my pregnant patients with the best possible naturopathic care from the first to fourth trimester. It’s so rewarding to empower people during pregnancy by providing natural therapies they prefer like nutritional support and acupuncture to improve common conditions in pregnancy like morning sickness.
• I teach people and their partners various labour and acupressure techniques that help them have a smooth, and meaningful birth. In addition to providing individualized prenatal nutrition and supplement support through each trimester, and preparing your body and mind for a smooth delivery, I also provide post-partum naturopathic care to optimize physical & emotional recovery from both vaginal and cesarean births, support energy and optimal post-partum mood.

If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause and want support feeling your best through this transition, let’s work together one-on-one to make that happen!