bringing naturopathic care to our community

When I moved to Drumheller, I knew I had to integrate myself into the community to figure out where my knowledge and experience could be of most benefit.

So as a new local, I wandered the coulees trying to identify the local plants, went exploring on my bicycle (and ended my rides at Valley Brewing), headed to the hills with my pals and our dogs, and got roared at by the tourists on top of Tyra.

I also talked to people about their healthcare teams and asked them about their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and medicine. At the same time, I went to providers for my own care.

I watched pregnant and birthing people experience joy, frustration, trauma, confusion, success, disappointment, and healing. I listened to anyone who was gracious enough to share their story with me.

And what I learned was this… we have amazing providers in this town. We are incredibly lucky to have so many caring and skilled nurses, physicians, paramedics, healthcare aids, chiropractors, dentists, RMTs, energy workers, physiotherapists and allied healthcare professionals here in the Valley.

We also have some BIG gaps in care. 

We do not have a lactation consultant position at the local health center.  Those seeking pelvic floor care must drive to the urban centers.  And for any pregnant person who seeks the patient-centered, consent-driven model of care more typically found in midwifery practices, the closest practice is in Airdrie. The same is true for anyone looking to consult with a naturopathic doctor.

these are the gaps i hope to fill in our community.

allow me to introduce myself…

Hello, I’m Pam!

I grew up on a farm in the North Saskatchewan River Valley by Buck Creek, Alberta. I moved to Edmonton to study animal biology at the U of A and that is where I met my musical farmer husband, Joe Vickers. Joe has a deep love for Drumheller and I knew that one day I too would become a local.

After my biology degree I completed a five year doctorate in naturopathic medicine in Portland, Oregon. My clinical training focused mostly on pregnancy, natural childbirth, postpartum care for parents and infants, and gender affirming care. This area of naturopathic medicine is a passion for me because I believe that these are the areas of healthcare where prevention is paramount and has lifelong (and multi-generational) implications.

Now I spend my days working to improve the well being of infants and their parent(s) and my evenings trying new recipes, listening to records and chasing my munchkin around the river valley.

PHILOSOPHIES I EMBRACE AND PROMOTE -

1) Health at Every Size. Every body is amazing and deserves to feel whole.

2) Harm Reduction. 

3) Anti-racism.

4) Inclusion.

5) Client-centered care.

6) Evidence-based medicine.