My story

My story began when I fell sick in my early 20s. It all started when I developed vague digestive issues – at first, I thought it was the onset of food allergies. Then I began reacting to almost everything I put in my mouth. Gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, grains, fats, alcohol … the list goes on. I was diagnosed with “irritable bowel syndrome,” but it didn’t end there.

Soon followed chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, daily sore throats, unexplained weight gain followed by weight loss, and chronic infections that could not be resolved with antibiotics. I saw several medical specialists who were perplexed by my visits. Your lab work and diagnostic tests are normal, they said; you’re "fine." But I really didn’t feel fine. I felt terrible and every day was a challenge for me. That's when I quit my first career and enrolled back in school.

One of the first things I was taught in naturopathic medical school was that in order to be a good doctor, you must have empathy for your patients. I understand first-hand the complexity and the psychological ramifications of chronic health conditions.

Naturopathic medicine came to me at a time when I had few other options. It changed my health and my life for the better.

Credentials and qualifications

A mama and gut warrior, Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor and currently sees patients in person and by telemedicine at Clarity Health Clinic in Burlington, Ontario. She has successfully passed both the Ontario pharmaceutical prescribing and intravenous (IV) therapy board-level exams.

Dr. Vanier ND graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, where she obtained a four-year post-graduate Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.), during which she completed a 12-month clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. She is in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and a member of both the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. 

Dr. Vanier ND has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Environmental) from Queen's University. She completed her chemistry thesis in 2009 on chemical hydrogen storage under the Canada Research Chair in Green Chemistry. Dr. Vanier ND also has a Master of Environmental Science (M.Env.Sc.) from the University of Toronto. She has been a consultant for various organizations in the health industry, including A. Vogel/ Bioforce Canada and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), and formerly developed economic and environmental policy in her role as Senior Policy Advisor for the Ontario provincial government.

Dr. Vanier ND recently served her second 3-year term as the Vice-Chair of the OAND Board of Directors and brings a perspective and understanding of policy and government to naturopathic medicine in Ontario. She lives in Waterdown with her baby girl and spouse.