Dr. Erin Rurak, ND

Dr. Erin Rurak is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, graduating from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia with a degree in Microbiology and Immunology. She is an active member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC, the BC Naturopathic Association, the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, as well as a certified practitioner through the North American Menopause Society.

Dr. Erin Rurak has been practicing at the Integrative Health Clinic since 2014. She initially joined this clinic to pursue her passion in integrative oncology and she continues to dedicate approximately sixty percent of her practice to oncology. She provides support to patients who are both undergoing cancer treatments as well as helping support patients find their new ideal health after cancer treatments are complete. She finds that the treatment of cancer and as well supporting quality of life throughout cancer treatments are critical to both overcoming and recovering from cancer.

Dr. Rurak has developed a keen interest in women’s health related to hormonal imbalance, perimenopause as well as menopause. Helping women understand health changes that may arise during mid-life transition can be integral in the prevention of future health conditions.  She completed extensive training through the North American Menopause Society in 2021 and is now one of only a few physicians in BC holding accreditation as a certified health practitioner through the North American Menopause Society. Her menopause training combined with her cancer care focus provides a wonderful framework to help women with a history of cancer who are struggling with hormonal changes such as menopause related to or unrelated to their cancer treatments.

Other areas of focus include cardiovascular health, inflammatory disorders, and most notably disease prevention.  She works hard to understand the uniqueness of all her patients and their own values of health and keeping these aspects in mind she can provide helpful advice that will ultimately lead to improvements in both physical and mental health.

Professional Contributions

Dr. Erin Rurak is actively involved in clinical research. She has worked at BC Children’s Hospital researching diabetes, childhood obesity, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She has been involved in the implementation and assessment of lifestyle programs within BC schools to promote healthy eating and exercise in school settings within urban areas as well as remote first nations communities in Northern BC.

Dr. Erin Rurak has published articles in both naturopathic and conventional peer reviewed medical journals. Currently her research is focused on integrative oncology in the cancer care clinic at the IHC.

Life Outside of Work

Dr. Rurak lives an active life with her husband Scott, two children and dogs. She has training as a fitness instructor where she has taught core-strengthening classes in a low impact environment. She loves animals and spends her free time with her family, horse riding, exercising and cooking wholesome meals.