Dr. Fiona Smulders B.Kin, ND

Dr. Fiona Smulders is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). Dr. Smulders developed a passion for herbal medicine while learning traditional herbal practices from a Kichwa Shaman in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest in 2008. After discovering the healing and rejuvenating effects of medicinal plants, she knew that plant medicine was going to be a large part of her life. During her studies at BINM, she was the president of the Herb Club and facilitated medicine making classes and talks for the students. As a Naturopathic Doctor, she incorporates customized herbal formulas for her patients and leads medicine walks and workshops for the general public. She is also the founder of Be Vital Live Wild medicinal tea blends and volunteers at the Indigenous Health Research and Education Garden at UBC Farm in her spare time.

Dr. Smulders’ additional education includes an Honours Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario and additional training in Botanical Medicine, Rehabilitation Therapy for injury recovery, Advanced Obstetrics, Bowen Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, and Naturopathic Doula training. She is currently practicing at the Local Health Integrative Clinic in East Vancouver along with monthly trips to Tofino and Ucluelet BC to offer Naturopathic Services at the Arbutus Health Center and Harbour Health Integrative Clinic. Dr. Smulders teaches Herbal Medicine, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Fitness & Sports Nutrition in IHN’s Diploma Program, as well as Herbal Pharmacology & Plant Based Medicine Making Intensive CEHPM in IHN’s Continuing Education Department at the Vancouver Campus.

  • HM 008 Herbal Medicine

    Learn the healing and rejuvenating effects of medicinal herbs. Special emphasis is placed on herbal terminology, levels of application (including tonics, heroics and specifics), chronic condition application, remedies for stress, detoxification and antiviral, antibiotic and immune stimulating herbs.

  • HAP 01 Human Anatomy and Physiology

    This course includes the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, beginning with the structure and function of the cell and continuing with the organization of the cell into organs. Specific topics covered will be transport mechanisms, the lymphatic system, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and the reproductive system. The interrelationship between systems will be explored with a focus on integrative and homeostatic control mechanisms.

  • FSN 013 Fitness and Sports Nutrition

    The main focus of this course is the role of nutrition in fitness and sports. Methods are focused on where nutrition can help maximize muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility; through building muscle and reducing fat. Techniques for guiding athletes in proper nutrition in training, and effective methods to prevent dehydration and sports related injuries due to insufficient nutrient levels. Real case studies are examined, exploring leading methods & techniques in optimizing sports performance with proper nutrition.