Dr. Elena Fenske (she/her/hers)
Naturopathic Physician

Growing up in Iran, I had the opportunity to observe my family use herbal remedies and hydrotherapy to treat ailments such as digestive upsets, colds, and flus.  It was through this example that I learned to appreciate the wisdom of Traditional Iranian medicine and the healing power of nature from a very young age.
 
I have always had an inquisitive mind for health and science, and a keen interest in learning about the human body in all its intricacies; therefore choosing to pursue medicine came naturally to me. After moving to Canada, I completed my bachelors of science in Cell Biology and Genetics, with the intention of pursuing a career as a conventional MD.  However, upon discovering naturopathic medicine through my own health journey, my eyes were opened to what this medicine has to offer. 
 
It was when I began to visit with a naturopathic doctor that I realized all the aspects of my health including mental, emotional, physical and spiritual, mattered; that true healing happens beyond just the physical realm. My Naturopathic Doctor encouraged me to ask any questions that I had, and to express my opinions freely during my appointments. I would leave the visits feeling heard, cared for, understood, and empowered.  I realized that this, above all else, is what I wanted to create for my future patients. It was shortly thereafter that I started my journey at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, and my love and passion for this profession has only grown stronger ever since.
 
My journey to health through naturopathic medicine has been a remarkable and transformative experience, and I believe that access to this type of healthcare is everyone’s right.  It is for this reason that I strive to create a safe and unbiased healing space for my patients, where they too can be heard to and cared for while experiencing a loving presence.
 
I have a strong desire to help others, and one of my long-term dreams is to serve overseas in areas where medicine is not as widely accessible. I had the privilege to fulfill this dream, for a time, during my studies at Boucher, by volunteering in Nicaragua with a non-profit organization called Natural Doctors International. While there, I spent ten days caring for and learning from the community in Ciudad Sandino. I worked with, and learned from, an integrative team of health professionals providing services to that same community, which included general family medicine, obstetrics, paediatrics, oncology, cardiology, and urology. I also learned about the importance of environmental medicine, and the long-term impacts of pollution and pesticides in third world countries. I cherish these memories, and I hope to go back and serve the community again in the near future.
 
I truly believe in the “Doctor as Teacher” principle.  I love to empower my patients by educating them about their bodies, providing them with the agency to pursue their own health, and achieve optimal wellness. Outside my time with patients in clinic, I enjoy spending time teaching the next generation of naturopathic doctors as a teaching assistant in various courses at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.  I also love collaborating with various local heath food stores or corporations to help educate people on different health and wellness topics and to bring more public awareness abound naturopathic medicine. 

Professional Credentials;

Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Cell Biology and Genetics - University of British Columbia

Pharmaceutical Prescribing Authority  – Dr. James McCormack PharmD & Dr. Adil Virani Pharm D, FCSHP

Acupuncture – CNPBC Board Certified Acupuncturist 
Naturopathic Cardiac Life Saving (NCLS)– OHM

Basic Life Saving/CPR (Health Care Provider)- Heart and Stroke Foundtion 
Spinal Adjusting/Naturopathic Manipulation - Dr. Nikita Vizniak, Doctor of Chiropractic
Allergy Testing and Treatment - Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, ND
Advanced Intravenous Therapy – Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, ND
Global Health Certification and Internship - Natural Doctors International (NDI) - Ometepe, Nicaragua 

Affiliated Organizations:

College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC)
British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA)
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP)