Dr. Brian Casteels, BSc. (hons.), ND
(currently on paternity leave)
Hi, my name is Brian. I have been a Naturopathic Doctor since 2011 when I graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. CCNM is one of only seven schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education [CNME].
After graduation, I successfully completed the week-long Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) as well as the Ontario Clinical and Jurisprudence Examinations administered by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). These steps are all required in order to demonstrate to the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (the regulatory body for Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario) that I meet all of the entry-to-practice requirements. I have practiced Naturopathic Medicine in two provinces and many different naturopathic and multi-disciplinary clinics.
After graduation, I successfully completed the week-long Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) as well as the Ontario Clinical and Jurisprudence Examinations administered by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). These steps are all required in order to demonstrate to the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (the regulatory body for Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario) that I meet all of the entry-to-practice requirements. I have practiced Naturopathic Medicine in two provinces and many different naturopathic and multi-disciplinary clinics.
Throughout my four years at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, I received in-depth training in the naturopathic medical sciences, diagnosis, physical examinations, and naturopathic modalities including: Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Physical Medicine, Counselling, Acupuncture, and Asian Medicine. During my final year, I saw patients on a full-time basis at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.
Additionally, I completed a clinical rotation with Dr. Arvin Jenab, ND, at the Queen West Community Health Centre, which caters to the residents of the Queen West neighbourhood of Toronto who require naturopathic services.
Additionally, I completed a clinical rotation with Dr. Arvin Jenab, ND, at the Queen West Community Health Centre, which caters to the residents of the Queen West neighbourhood of Toronto who require naturopathic services.
I completed my four-year honours undergraduate degree at Trent University in the Bachelor of Science Program, majoring in biology. I had a special interest in plant and animal biology and ecology, culminating my studies and thesis on tomato plant and algae interactions.
My studies in biology and plants have afforded me many strengths as I went through my Naturopathic training and entered into practice. I was able to extend my knowledge and experience with plants into my dietary recommendations and herbal/botanical medicine, offering possible further benefits for my patients.
My many years working with and studying plants also afforded me a great insight into their growth and development using different vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Being able to observe the effects of whole foods and natural phytonutrients versus synthetic compounds has most definitely influenced the way I practice, as I whole-heartedly believe in holism and the ancient wisdom of of whole foods and nutrients versus their synthetically extracted counterparts.
During my undergraduate years, I participated in cross-country and downhill skiing, martial arts, advanced piano and theory, and I played in multiple bands with friends over the years in addition to keeping abreast of my studies. It was actually a bout of tendonitis that I experienced due to my piano practices that led me to naturopathic medicine!
My studies in biology and plants have afforded me many strengths as I went through my Naturopathic training and entered into practice. I was able to extend my knowledge and experience with plants into my dietary recommendations and herbal/botanical medicine, offering possible further benefits for my patients.
My many years working with and studying plants also afforded me a great insight into their growth and development using different vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Being able to observe the effects of whole foods and natural phytonutrients versus synthetic compounds has most definitely influenced the way I practice, as I whole-heartedly believe in holism and the ancient wisdom of of whole foods and nutrients versus their synthetically extracted counterparts.
During my undergraduate years, I participated in cross-country and downhill skiing, martial arts, advanced piano and theory, and I played in multiple bands with friends over the years in addition to keeping abreast of my studies. It was actually a bout of tendonitis that I experienced due to my piano practices that led me to naturopathic medicine!
I began my Naturopathic practice in May of 2011 in Okotoks, Alberta, where I took over the practice of Dr. Amanda Holloway, ND as a locum for four months. This was an amazing experience for me, just starting out, as I was able to see a vast array of patients, allowing me to quickly hone my skills as a new naturopathic doctor.
However, home was calling my name in late 2011, and I returned to Ontario, where I was born and raised, to serve my hometown community and district. I worked in a couple of different naturopathic and multi-disciplinary clinics over the years. These experiences allowed me to further expand my practice, working with many different demographics and a variety of health concerns.
Although I have a general naturopathic practice, seeing most everyone, I do also have a special interest in women's health, fertility, digestion/gastrointestinal disorders, mental health, and hormonal imbalances. Over the years, I have also done extra training in therapeutic diets, food characteristics, principles, and combining for optimal dietary strategies, women's health and hormone balancing, fertility and pregnancy, hair tissue mineral analysis, bio-therapeutic drainage, unda, gemmo, and phytogen therapy, yoga, and meditation. I do also spend a considerable time keeping up to date with the scientific health and medical literature so that I can best serve my patients.
I strongly believe that many health conditions can be treated with very basic and foundational therapies, such as dietary and lifestyle strategies. While I do use supplementation, including nutrient, herbal, and homeopathic products, I use them in the context that I feel they should be used in...which are supplements to a health-promoting diet (which can be different for everybody). I aim to support the body using whole foods and nutrients, as well as more targeted herbal strategies and acupuncture when necessary, with the goal of bringing the body back into balance.
However, home was calling my name in late 2011, and I returned to Ontario, where I was born and raised, to serve my hometown community and district. I worked in a couple of different naturopathic and multi-disciplinary clinics over the years. These experiences allowed me to further expand my practice, working with many different demographics and a variety of health concerns.
Although I have a general naturopathic practice, seeing most everyone, I do also have a special interest in women's health, fertility, digestion/gastrointestinal disorders, mental health, and hormonal imbalances. Over the years, I have also done extra training in therapeutic diets, food characteristics, principles, and combining for optimal dietary strategies, women's health and hormone balancing, fertility and pregnancy, hair tissue mineral analysis, bio-therapeutic drainage, unda, gemmo, and phytogen therapy, yoga, and meditation. I do also spend a considerable time keeping up to date with the scientific health and medical literature so that I can best serve my patients.
I strongly believe that many health conditions can be treated with very basic and foundational therapies, such as dietary and lifestyle strategies. While I do use supplementation, including nutrient, herbal, and homeopathic products, I use them in the context that I feel they should be used in...which are supplements to a health-promoting diet (which can be different for everybody). I aim to support the body using whole foods and nutrients, as well as more targeted herbal strategies and acupuncture when necessary, with the goal of bringing the body back into balance.
Natural health, wellness, and vitality are my passions. I aim to align all aspects of my life to these principles by practicing what I preach, and sharing the areas I have extensive knowledge and experience. I'm not the kind of naturopathic doctor that is going to beat around the bush with you - I tell it to you straight...even the parts that may be more difficult to hear. But in the end, that's what you really want, isn't it? To be told it like it is, the ultimate vehicle for change.
I am methodological and thorough (ask my partner, she will attest to this!). I care deeply about my patients getting excellent and comprehensive care, making sure to address all pertinent factors and do any required research regarding the latest in medical and health developments. I find this field fascinating and love to delve deeper so that I can truly understand the inner workings and physiology behind a specific pathological process.
Beyond the scientific, factual part of my job, however, is my true joy. That is the connection. I enjoy forming meaningful, long-term connections with my patients. The privilege that I am afforded by being invited on my patients' health and wellness journey is so great. I am truly honoured to bear witness to my patients' journeys, successes, struggles, and transformations.
My practice and my work are very important to me (or as we at Core Naturopathics like to call it, being a "health detective"), and I derive a great deal of fulfillment in being able to provide the citizens of Durham Region with exceptional naturopathic care.
I look forward to accompanying you on your wellness journey.
Best in health,
Dr. Brian Casteels, ND
I am methodological and thorough (ask my partner, she will attest to this!). I care deeply about my patients getting excellent and comprehensive care, making sure to address all pertinent factors and do any required research regarding the latest in medical and health developments. I find this field fascinating and love to delve deeper so that I can truly understand the inner workings and physiology behind a specific pathological process.
Beyond the scientific, factual part of my job, however, is my true joy. That is the connection. I enjoy forming meaningful, long-term connections with my patients. The privilege that I am afforded by being invited on my patients' health and wellness journey is so great. I am truly honoured to bear witness to my patients' journeys, successes, struggles, and transformations.
My practice and my work are very important to me (or as we at Core Naturopathics like to call it, being a "health detective"), and I derive a great deal of fulfillment in being able to provide the citizens of Durham Region with exceptional naturopathic care.
I look forward to accompanying you on your wellness journey.
Best in health,
Dr. Brian Casteels, ND
