Can you tell me about yourself?
Sure. I'm dedicated, and adventurous. I love what I do. I'm happy with where my life is now, both personally and professionally. I'm definitely an achiever. I always want to move forward but am learning now that I have to take a step back sometimes. I'm learning to live in the present instead of the future.

I have a little bit of a competitive edge. I've always wanted to be the best at what I do, and I've learned that I can't be the best at everything so I try to choose things that I know I can excel at or that I enjoy. I've also been told that I have a good sense of humor. I like it when people laugh at my jokes. I'm a social person. I love being around people.

What's your healing philosophy?
We take a whole-body approach. Everyone is an individual so we have to take the whole person into account, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. We talk about and go through all these things in an initial one-hour visit.

Patients come in as symptom pictures. They have a wide variety of symptoms. Our job is to work together and discover the underlying cause of these symptoms. What's the link between them? A patient may be experiencing a physical symptom that could actually be caused by stress. We have to look at the whole picture because our body is dynamic.

My philosophy is also about listening to patients. One big complaint I hear from patients is that they feel their doctor doesn't truly listen to them. That's why we use an hour for the initial visit -- to get a true picture of what's going on.

I also believe in setting realistic goals. In taking one step at a time rather than jumping in with both feet. Let's talk about the problem. A step by step process is the way permanent changes happen in patients' lives.

We work with diet, lifestyle and detoxification. We work with the fundamentals. I do believe in the basic philosophy of naturopathic medicine, which is that the body can heal itself. It has an inherent healing ability. Together we find out and remove the obstacles that stop the body from doing what it's supposed to be doing. We help patients make changes and make informed decisions. For example, if the underlying issue is stress, we have to include stress management in their treatment protocol.

What's your favorite hobby?
Life is busy, so anything that I can do with my family and friends is a hobby. I love to just be with the people I love. I like being outdoors. I'm definitely an exercise buff. I love to go to the gym. Yoga quiets my mind and seems to make life slow down a bit. And, of course, travelling -- from somewhere exotic near the ocean to the mountains in our own backyard. Once a month, my husband and I plan our little getaway. I treat myself to a monthly spa day, too.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you pack?
My husband always teases me about this, but I'd bring my first aid kit with tea tree oil, oregano oil, melatonin, vitamin C and digestive enzymes. I'd bring my personal hygiene stuff like a toothbrush and deodorant. A portable water purifier. My iPod because you have to have soothing music. Something to bring me comfort, like my favorite pillow. A picture of my husband and family. My yoga mat.

What's something you would like potential patients to know about you?
I love my patients. I think every doctor says this, but I feel like I have the best patients. They say I'm a good listener. When I'm with them, I'm with them. They matter. The plan for everyone is unique. Two people may come in with same condition, but they are treated differently because we take the whole-body approach.

My approach is a science-based natural approach. The therapies I use have science behind them. Patients always tell me I have a gentle approach and that they feel comfortable with me. I have great testimonials on my website.

The biggest thing is, I truly love what I do. My career isn't a job for me. It's a passion.

What's one question that you wished people asked more often?
I wish people now in their 20s and 30s who are feeling great and healthy would ask, How do I stay this way? What are the basic choices that will allow my body to stay in a healthy state? Generally, what we see at our practice are people who come in because they already feel sick and so we're working backwards. Some of my patients say, I wish I'd come to see you 20 years ago. Prevention is key. The best way to treat a disease is to actually prevent it in the first place.

Tasreen Alibhai, ND
phone: (604) 732-3422
fax: (604) 732-7425
Medical Director, Vitalia Health Care
#100-3077 Granville Street
Vancouver , B.C. V6H 3J9

Vitalia Health Care offers a complete range of medical treatments in our new clinic in Vancouver. We combine natural therapies with the most recent scientific research and technological advancements. We emphasize an integrated approach, inspired by models of treatment based on preventative care, science, and nature. We offer the following services: Naturopathic medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Intravenous vitamin/mineral therapy, chelation therapy, mesotherapy, laboratory testing, chiropractic medicine, cancer therapies and permanent weight loss solutions.
www.vitaliahealthcare.ca

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