An Introduction

Hello!  I am Dr. Vanessa Lee, N.D., a Port Coquitlam Naturopathic Doctor.  I grew up right near here, in Coquitlam, surrounded by nature and beauty. After graduating from SFU with a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology, my studies took me to Toronto, where I completed the 4-year Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM).

Naturopathic Medicine for Most Conditions

Love kept me in Toronto for 7 more years, where I established a busy naturopathic clinic in the heart of the city.  There, patients came to me with any and every type of condition. Most often, I used naturopathic treatments to address women’s health concerns, digestive problems, and symptoms associated with high stress  lifestyles. However, I also offered naturopathic support ranging from general healthy living and disease prevention, to acute & chronic pain (and everything in between).

Naturopathic Support for Cancer Patients

A rare and special opportunity came knocking in 2011; my husband (also a Naturopathic Doctor) and I moved near Chicago, Illinois to provide naturopathic support to patients undergoing conventional treatments at a cancer hospital.  I am forever grateful for this experience, which significantly broadened my knowledge of both conventional & natural oncology care, and opened my eyes to how these two seemingly different paths can work hand-in-hand together.

Too often, I met patients who had previously experienced one of two scenarios: 1) an unnecessary degree of suffering while undergoing conventional treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation) without any natural support, or 2) worsening of their cancer when forgoing conventional treatments for unproven natural “cures”.  I know there is a middle ground that combines the best of both worlds – targeting an aggressive disease with proven conventional treatments, while safely supporting the individual naturally, keeping in mind that many natural substances can interact with medications and chemotherapies.

Bringing Naturopathic Medicine to Port Coquitlam

After the birth of our daughter in 2016, my husband and I made the hard decision to leave Illinois and relocate back to British Columbia so that she could grow up surrounded by family.  Having grown up in the Tricity area myself, I am excited to provide naturopathic care in my own hometown, and to re-incorporate primary care back into my practice.  However, I am equally passionate about continuing to apply my cancer-related knowledge and experience to educate and support patients through their cancer treatments.

My goals with oncology patients typically include:

• Side-effect reduction (e.g. fatigue/weakness, nausea, radiation burns, surgical healing, etc.)
• Immune support
• Blood-count support (e.g. low WBC, platelets, etc)
• Post-treatment care (e.g. cancer prevention strategies, hair regrowth, detoxification, rebuilding strength to feel more like “yourself” again, etc.)

Naturopathic medicine focuses on individualized, whole-person care, going beyond simply matching a disease or ailment to a remedy. This philosophy both guides and motivates me as an N.D., as I love the intricacies of figuring out what makes each person their own unique puzzle.

My areas of focus

• Adjunctive cancer care (before, during & after conventional cancer treatments)
• Women’s health
• Digestive health
• Energy optimization
• Pain management
• Lifestyle modification
• Weight management
• Mental-emotional & stress support

Personal facts

• I love making pottery and working with my hands.
• I speak some basic Cantonese.
• My dad is an acupuncturist. My husband is a naturopathic doctor.
• I have one cat. >.<