Certifications: Acupuncture, Advanced Injection Therapies / IVs, Prescriptive Authority
Dr. Vanessa grew up in Chilliwack heavily involved in sports, community and her family's award-winning organic/biodynamic farm: Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm. Her love for good food, community, health and sports fed her ambitions to work in healthcare so that she could empower people to be their best selves by helping them achieve optimum health.
After high school graduation, Dr. Vanessa went on to compete for the University of Victoria Vikes Women's basketball team while she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Upon graduating, she followed her dreams and explored the world of medicine deciding her future would be in the field of naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Vanessa has a deep passion for people, community and health. She believes in the importance of empowering her patients with individualized treatments to optimize the health of mind and body. Her clinical internships at Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, Brampton Civic Hospital’s Naturopathic Teaching Clinic, and at the Sherbourne Health Centre included a focus in sports medicine and as a general practitioner.
She has a general family practice as a primary care provider. The following are included in the services she offers:
- Physical exams
- Gynaecological exams and Pap smears
- Order and interpret lab tests and bloodwork
- Clinical nutrition
- Botanical (herbal) medicine
- Acupuncture
Her clinical focus includes treating conditions such as:
- Sport injury rehab
- Digestive concerns (bloating, heartburn, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain)
- Menstrual concerns (painful, irregular, heavy periods, PMS)
- General aches and pains
- Headaches
- Injuries (sport/work/other)
- Children's health concerns
- Pre and post natal care
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular concerns
Dr. Vanessa has a special love for sports and helping athletes of all levels be at the top of their game. Whether that be recovering from injury or optimizing performance her treatment plans keep athletes healthy and encourage a quick and full recovery.
Dr. Vanessa is a licensed naturopathic physician with additional training and certification in acupuncture including dry needling. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
Dr. Vanessa lives in Chilliwack where she continues to be involved with the family farm and youth sports through coaching, refereeing and mentoring.