Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Sumar Chams, HBSc, ND
Before medical school, Dr. Chams began her educational journey at Western University in her home town of London, Ontario. Dr. Chams volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society throughout her undergraduate program and developed a passion for treating cancer patients. During her last year of medical school, she was accepted into a highly-competitive externship program in British Columbia where she worked alongside the top doctors and nurses in the integrative cancer space.
With a passion for learning, advocacy and community involvement, Dr. Chams contributed as the Chair of the Integrative Medicine department for two consecutive years and then went on to serve as the president of the Naturopathic Medical Student Association at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario in her last year of the program. Dr. Chams represented Naturopathic Medicine as being a member of the University of Toronto’s Interprofessional Healthcare Students Association (IPSHA) where she educated university graduates about the field of Naturopathic Medicine as they discovered the world of postgraduate medical programs.
Dr. Chams began to explore treating a wide range of conditions in her 4th year as a medical intern. These conditions include (but are not limited to) reproductive health, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, cardiovascular conditions and preventative care.
Dr. Chams is now accepting new patients and is looking forward to working with you one on one to develop a personalized and sustainable treatment plan. As a Naturopathic Doctor, she feels extremely fortunate to be in a position of trust with her patients and to have the opportunity to guide them on their journey toward optimal health and wellness. It’s a privilege to witness her patient's progress and to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Education
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Bachelor of Science Honors Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics
Western University
Memberships
- College of Naturopaths of Ontario
- Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
- Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
What is Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine blends modern medical practices with traditional, natural methods to promote wellness and prevent disease.
My mission is to work with you to figure out the root cause of your health concerns and create a personalized treatment plan for sustainable results.
Conditions:
- PCOS, irregular periods, painful periods, thyroid conditions, menopause and perimenopause
- Fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, athritis
- Burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome
- IBS, Crohn's, GERD/acid reflux, food intolerances
- Depression, anxiety, low mood, stress, insomnia, fatigue
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Infertility
- PAP smears, general health maintenance
Hormonal Health
Chronic Pain
Chronic Fatigue/Low Energy
Digestive Concerns
Mental Health
Cardiovascular Health
Metabolic and Endocrine
Reproductive Health
Disease Prevention
Treatments/Modalities
- Preventive medicine
- Post and prenatal care
- Infertility
- IV Therapy
- Nutrition counselling and personalized nutrition plans
- Comprehensive blood work
- Food sensitivity testing
- Hormone testing
- PAP smears
- Botanical/herbal Medicine
- Supplementation
- Acupuncture + electroacupuncture stimulation
- Laser and shock wave therapy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Cupping
- Hydrotherapy
- Toxin reduction
We accept health insurance, benefits and extended health plans
- 90 minutes - $250
- 30 minutes - $100
- 30 minutes - $99
- 90 minutes - $215
1) What first interested you in Naturopathic Medicine?
I was first introduced to Naturopathic Medicine in my second year of university at Western in London, Ontario. My first experience seeing a Naturopathic Doctor was truly life changing. It was the first time I felt heard and validated when it came to my health. From that moment, I knew that was the kind of doctor I wanted to be because it ultimately aligned with my values. I’m really fascinated by how naturopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on treating the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms. The combination of natural therapies, patient education, and the emphasis on prevention really sets it apart. Plus, the idea of empowering individuals to take charge of their own health is inspiring!
2) Briefly, what is Naturopathic Medicine (and how is it different, or supplementary to regular medicine)?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease also known as the root cause. Naturopathic medicine can be complementary to conventional treatments, offering additional support and complementary options for those seeking a more integrated approach to their health. Many patients benefit from integrating both approaches, using conventional medicine for acute issues while incorporating naturopathic methods for preventive care and chronic conditions. Naturopathic Medicine is focused on 6 main principles:
- First Do No Harm
- Identify and Treat the Root Cause
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Doctor as Teacher
- Prevention
- Treat the Whole Person
3) What training/certifications do you have or what specialties do you offer?
Before medical school, I began my academic journey at Western University in my home town of London, Ontario. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Specialization in Nutrition. I then went on to purse a 4-year naturopathic medical program in Toronto, Ontario and successfully obtained my license as a Registered Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario. I volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society throughout my undergraduate program and developed a passion for treating cancer patients. During my last year of medical school, I was accepted into a highly-competitive externship program in British Columbia where I worked alongside the top doctors and nurses in the integrative cancer and chronic complex disease space.
4) What are your most popular treatments/the reason most patients come to you?
I treat a wide range of health concerns such as hormonal health, painful and irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause, menopause, digestive concerns, fatigue, complex chronic disease and more. Often times my patients feel that they are not heard or valued in the health care system, they’ve tried everything under the sun and are still not getting answers. This is where naturopathic medicine comes in. I also see many patients who would like to take a preventative approach to their health which can include education around supplementation, staying up to date on routine screening procedures and more.
5) What do you like about living in (or working in) Hyde Park or at Synergy or some general info (favorite pastimes, overall health philosophy)...
I enjoy working at Synergy because it’s a multidisciplinary clinic that allows my patients to have access to many other healthcare providers such as family doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, medical aesthetics, naturopathic medicine and more. Working with a team of like minded individuals allows me to provide the best comprehensive care for my patients. The Hyde Park community is extremely diverse and welcoming. I’m grateful I get to give back to the London community as it has contributed to much of my growth as a person both professionally and personally.
