Dr. Shelley Burns,
Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
Hi there! I’m Dr. Shelley Burns, ND (she/her). I am originally from Montréal, Quebec but found my way to Toronto to further my naturopathic education.
I have been in practice for 20+ years as a Naturopathic Doctor and prior to my shift in careers, I was a social worker, working with individuals with developmental disabilities and individuals dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and a mental health issue.
In my first 15 years of practice as a Naturopathic Doctor, I worked alongside medical doctors, consulting as a team, to offer the best advice from the medical and naturopathic worlds.
I completed the four-year program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, where I received the NaturoMedic Award for proficiency in Naturopathic Medicine. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Wilfred Laurier University, a Master of Laws degree in Health Law from Osgoode Law School and certification in Complementary and Integrative Medicine from the Harvard Medical School.
My passion for Naturopathic Medicine led me to establish the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in my tenure as the Chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and I currently sit on the council of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. I supervise at the Robert Schad Naturopathic clinic (the educational clinic of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine) and the Sherbourne Health Centre working with individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV.
Areas of focus
Digestive system issues including microbiome enhancement
Autoimmune conditions
Hormonal issues including perimenopause, thyroid and adrenal imbalances
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I have a special interest in precision medicine encompassing prevention and health optimization. I don’t believe in population health, so why should I try to fit you into a population you are different from?
I focus on the gut-brain connection and how it impacts hormonal, immune system, nutrient and mental/emotional health. My viewpoint is that your overall health is determined by your digestive system health.
When I am not in practice, I enjoy spending time with my dog PeggySue and working on my land. Foraging mushrooms, identifying medicinal herbs and attempting to make maple syrup are a part of this experience.
With all that said, I believe you deserve the best possible health outcomes and I look forward to being a part of your health journey!
Shelley offers her services in English.