Naturopathic doctor Heather Marinaccio is retiring, effective Dec. 31, and passing the baton to her colleague Erika Kneeland, ND.
Dr. Marinaccio has seen many changes in her profession since 1981 when she first established her naturopathic practice in the Comox Valley. At that time she was the only female naturopathic physician in B.C. and the only N.D. north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Few people knew anything about naturopathic medicine. Heather gave talks and courses in 12 different communities to expand awareness and to develop her practice.
She gratefully acknowledges the support she received from local health food stores and Edible Island Food Co-op.
Over the past 30 years she has welcomed many new N.D.s to the Comox Valley and the North Island. Marinaccio has particularly enjoyed working with Kneeland over the past two years and is confident that she leaves her practice in good hands.
Marinaccio confides that she will miss her patients. She is very grateful for their support over the years and their participation in a proactive medical profession.
— Heather Marinaccio
