About Dr. Samantha Bowen

Welcome! I’m Dr. Sam Bowen, a licensed naturopathic doctor offering virtual and in-person naturopathic care to residents of British Columbia. From a young age, I have always aspired to work in the field of health and medicine. Growing up on Salt Spring Island, BC, I developed a strong curiosity to better understand the various factors that influence our health. I truly believed that the path to optimal health was more complex than just treating our presenting symptoms.

This curiosity led me to Dalhousie University where I completed a B.Sc. Honours in Health Promotion. This specific program opened my eyes to the power of preventative health care and the need for more comprehensive upstream health initiatives. It also expanded my knowledge around the endless health barriers that individuals face each day. This influenced me to complete my honours thesis where my research strived to better understand the economic, environmental, and mental/emotional barriers that women living with HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia face while managing their health and nutrition.

I further pursued my interest in nutrition by completing the Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program at the Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. Many of my teachers were licensed naturopathic doctors and their approach to patient care resonated with my own beliefs and values around health. From there, I chose to enrol at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in order to become a naturopathic doctor.

My four-year program at Boucher provided me with 4800 hours of academic training, 1200 hours of clinical training, and 150 hours of preceptorship. The academic curriculum focused extensively on biomedical sciences, clinical diagnosis, and treatment modalities such as nutrition, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and botanical medicine. The clinical training and preceptorship was invaluable as it allowed for me to bridge the knowledge I had gained with actual clinical experience in order to effectively support and treat patients.

My approach to medicine is simple. You are unique and you deserve a personalized treatment plan that will work to optimize your health. Through a comprehensive health history, physical exam assessments, and diagnostic lab testing, I always strive to determine the underlying cause of your health concerns. My holistic treatment plans are evidence-informed and will be tailored to support your current health needs as well as your long-term goals. Most importantly, I hope to create a safe space where you feel supported and empowered throughout your health journey.

I look forward to working with you.