About Dr. Karina Wickland
I developed an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle during my childhood on Saltspring Island, BC. Inspired by a love of wholesome and delicious food, I chose to pursue a career in nutrition. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, I completed an 11-month dietetic internship through the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre in 2001. Following my internship I worked as a clinical dietitian at Vancouver General Hospital in a variety of different areas including general surgery, neurosurgery/neurology, acute medicine, sub-acute geriatrics, long-term care, diabetes and renal dialysis.
During my training and work as a clinical dietitian I saw first hand both the positive and negative aspects of the conventional medical system. While recognizing that conventional medicine was well suited to resolving critical situations, I was struck by the need to have more tools to help my patients with chronic illness. After researching a variety of career options, I was inspired by the principles and scope of naturopathic medicine and enrolled in the four-year program at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). I practiced on Commercial Drive in Vancouver from January 2007 – May 2013 before moving to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. My Cobble Hill practice has been open since September 2013. I use a wide range of therapies in my practice and enjoy the challenge of individualizing my recommendations to meet the needs and priorities of my patients. I also taught clinical nutrition courses to naturopathic medical students at BINM for 14 years.
In my spare time I enjoy playing with my family, reading and running a bookclub, practicing yoga, playing ultimate frisbee, gardening, hiking and enjoying good food with good people.
