Member Spotlight
Sarah Soles, ND
How did you get into Naturopathic Oncology?
I discovered naturopathic medicine while I was completing my master’s degree in environmental organic geochemistry. After two years of relatively solitary research, I realized that although it was interesting, using rocks to investigate the origins of life didn’t bring me joy or impact many people in a major way. I wanted a career where I could have more of an impact and where people would be grateful that I was a part of their life journey. I found this in naturopathic medicine and even more so when I entered the world of naturopathic oncology.
During my time at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, a close friend became ill and began treatment for two primary cancers. Despite his strong will to live, he passed away after several rounds of treatment. By this time pure interest had already drawn me towards integrated cancer care, but this experience further strengthened my belief that cancer patients need more treatment options and better supportive care. I got involved with the KNOW Project and attended my first OncANP conference in 2017; it was there that I realized I had found my people–a group of compassionate, incredibly intelligent, and collaborative naturopathic doctors. Now I’m completing my residency in naturopathic oncology with Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO, and I couldn’t be happier with the career path that I’ve chosen.
What do you do during your downtime and/or what do you do for fun?
Having recently moved to British Columbia, I can’t get enough of exploring the surrounding mountains, so hiking is my weekend activity of choice. I also enjoy working in my vegetable garden or curling up with a good fantasy novel. Because physical activity and re-connecting with nature are two of the best ways for me to unwind, any adventure that makes me sweat and gets my shoes dirty is my definition of fun!
What are you most grateful for in your practice of Naturopathic oncology?
I’m most grateful that my current position provides the opportunity to help and connect on a meaningful level with so many deserving people. It’s a constant reminder that I am fortunate to be a naturopathic doctor and touch so many lives.
About your clinic:
Sarah is currently in the first year of her naturopathic oncology residency at the Integrated Health Clinic (IHC) in beautiful Fort Langley, B.C. Working alongside 12 other naturopathic doctors, she is part of a collaborative team that aims to provide exceptional naturopathic healthcare to patients within the Fraser Valley. The IHC Cancer Care Center attracts patients from across Canada and the United States due to its evidence-based treatments such as loco-regional hyperthermia and numerous intravenous therapies.
