Can you tell me about yourself?
I was born and raised in Vancouver. I did my first degree in social work and worked with teenagers in government care. I ultimately became interested in natural medicine because my naturopath was able to heal a throat condition that western medicine hadn't been able to. It caught my interest. So I did a year of sciences, and then went to the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. I graduated in 1996 and did a year of residency as well. I was fortunate to have a friend who was studying chiropractic at the same time, and I joined his Kitsilano practice in 1997.

What is your healing philosophy?
It comes directly from naturopathic philosophy. The body is intelligent and organized in its responses, and is constantly working on maintaining body health. It is key to avoid suppressing what the body is doing, because it has reasons for responding the way it does. The point is to figure out why the body is doing what it's doing, and then support and help the body in its process of healing. This is where the work is, both for the patient and me.

What are you doing at your clinic?
I treat a lot of women's health, from puberty to menopause and beyond. I also treat a lot of digestive issues. I think problems with digestion often arise because of the so-called "food" that a lot of people eat, (which is not really food), combined with high stress levels. I prescribe more supplements to help with stress and digestion than anything else. I also offer food sensitivity testing. All that said, I am prepared to treat anything. I consider myself a family doctor.

What is your favourite hobby?
I love riding my bike. I ride to work and back. The chiropractor at our clinic and me have this ritual of riding up Seymour Mountain in June every year. He started it when he turned 40. It comes from that place of challenging yourself to do something that is a bit of a grind, but being pleased when you realize that you can achieve it.

I like being active, so I skate in the wintertime. I love hiking, but I don't get to it as much as I would like. I also love to travel, both abroad and in BC. I love good food, and have been a food snob (meaning quality of food), since I was a child. I also read a lot, and am a recycling maniac.

What is quality of food?
Quality means organic to start with. Freshness is another issue. I like to be aware of seasonal foods -- like not buying strawberries in January. I also think it's important to take time with food, both the preparation and eating of, and I encourage my patients in this regard.

What is something you would like people to know about you?
I really enjoy my work. A big part of my life is my friends and family, and I feel fortunate that my work is social interaction as well. I like meeting people. In my actual work, I feel responsible to do the best that I can with my patients, but I am not responsible for their health. That responsibility lies with the individual. I am committed to helping and supporting them in their process.

What is one question that you wished people asked more often?
That question would be: "What kind of impact do I have on the earth in my day-to-day life?" There is all this talk about the environment, as if it is separate from us. We are the environment -- it is folly to believe that we are somehow separate from it. We need to be aware of our impact all of the time, with the commitment to impact the earth less.

Dorothy Fairley, ND
phone: (604) 738-2205
2490 Blenheim St
Vancouver, BC V6K 4M3
I provide family health care, treating among other things, poor digestion, fatigue, women's health and chronic illness. Modalities used include botanical medicine, nutrition and homeopathy. Food sensitivity testing is offered.

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