Bal Pawa, B.Pharm, M.D.
"Women have a window of opportunity in their midlife years to take control of their health and make informed, lifestyle and medical changes. By making changes in midlife, women can enhance their quality of life in later years and reduce the risk of certain conditions and diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease."
Dr. Pawa has a degree in Pharmacy and is a 1988 graduate of the medical school of Memorial University in Newfoundland. While practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Burnaby, she pioneered the first PAP smear clinic through the Vancouver Health Board. Recognizing the need for integrated medical care for midlife women, Dr. Pawa went on to receive a certification from Harvard Medical School in Mind/Body Medicine and completed a course in "Creating Health, under the direction of Dr. Deepak Chopra. Dr. Pawa also received certification from NAMS (North American Menopause Society) as a menopause clinician.
Nishi Dhawan, M.D., CCFP
"Given today's longer life expectancies, Canadian women will spend more than one third of their life after menopause. Our goal is to provide women with the information and the therapeutic options they need within a medical, educational and integrated health environment."
Dr. Dhawan is a long-time advocate for women's health initiatives. She was instrumental in establishing a menopause program in the Fraser Valley and an obstetrics clinic in eastern Canada. A 1991 graduate of Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax, Dr. Dhawan served in Dalhousie's Department of Family Medicine at the Women's Health Center, first as a clinical instructor, and later as Department Head. Her undergraduate degree in psychology along with her interest in women's health made her realize the need for a holistic approach to practicing women's medicine. She has attended numerous medical workshops on mind body and preventative medicine as well as bioidentical hormone therapy. Dr. Dhawan has received certification as a menopause clinician through NAMS and taken additional training in cognitive therapy for the treatment of mood disorders.
Dr. Janet Franiek, BSc., MD., CCFP
In 1988, Dr. Franiek qualified with an undergraduate degree in Biological Psychology from UBC, in the study of hormones and behavior. She is a 1992 graduate of UBC's Faculty of Medicine and completed her Family Practice Residency at St. Pauls Hospital in 1994. Her special interest in psychology and the psychological factors that influence health and wellbeing have led Dr. Franiek to participate in many courses and workshops examining the evolution of personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Franiek has maintained a private practice since 1995. Her combined academic achievement, clinical practice and personal experience bring a uniquely balanced perspective to the medical team at the Westcoast Women's Clinic. In addition to a busy family life, Dr. Franiek enjoys yoga, meditation, nature, skiing, tennis, and cycling.
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Dr. Jessica Shintani, BSc, MD, CCFP
Dr. Shintani brings an incredible wealth of life experience to the Westcoast Women's Clinic. Progressing from an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with a strong interest in ethnobotany (spiritual and medicinal use of plants) and phytochemistry (plant chemistry), Dr. Shintani received her medical degree from UBC in 1984. In 1986 she completed her medical education at Queens University obtaining certification in Family Practice, and has practiced family medicine for over 20 years. In addition to a busy life as a single parent, Dr. Shintani has been a dedicated volunteer for a number of organizations throughout the years. A talented artist and solo performer (voice) she has explored her passion for life through experience, from climbing expeditions and marathons to teaching and yoga. Dr. Shintanis medical education and experience, combined with her diverse life experiences provides the ability to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each patient, which is an important component of the philosophy of the Westcoast Womens Clinic.
West Coast Women's Clinic - Vancouver , BC ( British Columbia ) , Canada - Medical Team
