Meet the Doctors
Meet Dr Rishi Verma, M.D. Founder of Balance Medical Center
After working as a General Practitioner for nearly ten years, Dr. Rishi Verma identified a lack of time and natural treatment options available to his patients. Inspired by an enthusiasm to improve patient quality of life, Dr. Verma sought a deeper understanding of how to treat the body from the core, by identifying the root cause of the illness. He turned to the nation’s leading educational institutions including the American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) and the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). His studies allowed him to collaborate and develop ideas with like-minded physicians committed to improving patient care. Adopting a modern approach to medicine, Dr. Verma opened Balance Medical Center to help patients restore their quality of life now and as they age.
Dr. Verma has always been enthusiastic about increasing his knowledge as a physician. As a result, his studies have provided him with a highly versatile and expansive knowledge base. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Physiology and his Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan. During his residency at the University of Manitoba, he was quickly recognized as a leader amongst his peers and was awarded the Chief Residency of Family Medicine. Even now Dr. Verma is one of few physicians in British Columbia to have completed the Fellowship for Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.
Both in and outside of his practice, Dr. Verma is an advocate for balanced healthy living. He is a family man with two young boys and enjoys the outdoors by golfing, climbing the Grouse Grind, and biking. Never one to neglect the mind, Dr. Verma is an avid reader.
Information on Dr. Rishi Verma's e-newsletter list.
Meet Dr. Karla Dionne, M.D.
Dr. Dionne’s Preventative Medical practice is the realization of a dream to bring conventional western medicine together with natural medicine. After graduating from UBC Medical School in 1991, Dr. Dionne worked for 12 years in family practice gaining an excellent grounding in evidence based medical knowledge. In 2003, Dr. Dionne began studying evidence based natural medicine and is now delighted to be able to provide the best of both worlds.
Dr. Dionne has studied with the Institute of Functional Medicine and, in 2009, completed the Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Anti-Aging Medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She has learned that the whole body must be considered if true healing is to occur and treatments that work best are those that help restore the body’s ability to heal itself. It is with lifestyle corrections, vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements as well as bioidentical hormones all carefully balanced to the individual patient that this is achieved.
Knowing the important balance in one’s life, Dr. Dionne spends time outside her work in a variety of activities. Daily meditation begins each day and sometimes also ends the day. She delights in her grandchildren and enjoys trips to the West Kootenays to visit family. Outdoor activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and kayaking.
We no longer have to feel old as we age. There are many healthy and safe options for restoring function and vigour.
Information on Dr. Karla Dionne's e-newsletter list.
Meet Dr. Seema Kanwal, N.D.
Dr. Seema Kanwal’s journey to naturopathic medicine was motivated by her enthusiasm for learning and a keen interest in the human body. She obtained her B.Sc from Simon Fraser University and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Forensics Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario upon graduation. She was drawn to naturopathic medicine after experiencing its benefits firsthand and began her training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Dr Kanwal has been a practicing naturopathic doctor in Vancouver since 2006. She is one of few naturopathic physicians to hold pharmaceutical prescription rights in British Columbia and one of the only naturopathic physicians in Canada to be trained in the Apo E Diet. Presently, Dr. Kanwal is working through the Fellowship of Anti-Aging Medicine through the internationally renowned American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).
As a dedicated physician and a continual learner, Dr. Kanwal’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of health concerns. She works with women and men for the restoration of hormonal balance, athletes for pain management and performance, children for allergies and overall health, as well as anyone looking to maximize their health and wellbeing. In the treatment of cancer patients and cancer survivors, Dr. Kanwal will develop a treatment plan that respects the highly unique needs of the individual. Through lifestyle modifications and supportive interventions, Dr. Kanwal inspires patients to learn about and engage in a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to her own practice, Dr. Kanwal serves on the CNPBC Inquiry Board and gives educational presentations to various businesses, events, and organizations. She is also actively affiliated with the Lil Divas Fitness & Lifestyle Program for girls 11+. The program is dedicated to combating the increase in teenage obesity by educating young women on how to make the right nutritional choices in an often unhealthy environment.