Dr. Rebecca Handford
ND
Naturopathic Medicine
Dr Handford was born on Salt Spring Island and graduated from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in 2007. Her 16 years of clinical practice have informed her treatment of chronic pain disorders, chronic mental health disorders, autoimmune conditions and other health concerns of people over 40.
She is an instructor and clinical supervisor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and is an active volunteer and past president of the BCND, the voice of BC’s naturopathic doctors.
She lives and thrives in Richmond, BC with her family and wonderful orange cat.
My Journey to Naturopathic Medicine
I was raised to care about others and to strive towards a better community, country and planet. My parents taught me from an early age to extend a hand to those who needed it, to work hard, and to remain compassionate and courageous in the face of obstacles.
Active in the community from an early age, I received an Honours Bachelor's Degree in the arts and worked in both for-profit and non-profit environments while struggling with several chronic health complaints. In my journey to better health, I saw both conventional and integrative medical practitioners and became inspired to become a physician myself.
I first considered conventional medical school, but realized the primary tools of surgery and pharmaceuticals were not enough for the kind of medicine I wanted to practice: primary care that incorporated traditional healing techniques and focused on the whole person rather than just the chief complaints. I returned to school to obtain pre-med training, then attended the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine where I found a community of smart NDs who were funny, brave, and full of care for others.
I graduated in 2007 and began practicing in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver where I still practice, along with a new office in central Richmond. I discovered a love for teaching, and returned to the Institute in 2018 as an course developer, instructor and clinical supervisor, as well a volunteer for admin and board of governors roles. I also joined the board of directors for the BC Naturopathic Association that year, and was vice-president and then president for 4 years. I have learned a lot from all of my roles, but I still learn the most from the patients I am honoured to serve.
Working Together To Help You Feel Better Fast!
Health care at my clinic starts with a thorough assessment and review of your current concerns, including relevant lab work. I work collaboratively with you and your other health care providers, as well as your support team, to create effective treatment plans that start with simple changes. I try to find the solutions that address multiple problems at once, at a pace that works for you and your resources. I combine compassion with accountability to get you through your personal roadblocks to achieve your health goals.
