Cross Roads Clinic - Carley Akehurst, ND

Dr. Carley Akehurst works hard to provide compassionate, comprehensive and evidence-based care for her patients. She was first introduced to complementary and alternative medicine through several international study abroad programs. After completing her Bachelors degree at UBC, she expanded her knowledge of the medical field by working with both MDs and NDs. After choosing a career in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Akehurst followed her heart to the Boucher Institute to complete her four year medical degree.

Dr. Akehurst believes that doctors play an important role as teachers, educating and empowering patients to achieve balance in their own lives. During an appointment, she will listen to your unique story and conduct a thorough health history, a focused physical exam and laboratory testing (if necessary). She will then recommend an individual treatment plan that may include a combination of pharmaceutical drugs, herbs, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counselling, and nutritional supplementation. In her practice, Dr. Akehurst emphasizes integrating foundational scientific knowledge and modern research with the traditional philosophies and practices of naturopathic medicine.

During her training at Boucher, Dr. Akehurst worked in various clinical settings including the Family Naturopathic Clinic in Victoria and the Positive Living Society of BC in downtown Vancouver. Dr. Akehurst is highly trained in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, immune dysfunction, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, hormone imbalance and stress and fatigue. She has a strong passion for family medicine, especially fertility, obstetrics, women's health and pediatrics. She has completed naturopathic certificates in obstetrics, pediatrics and gynecology with renowned ND/midwives, Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink and Dr. Mary Bove. Dr. Akehurst provides detailed birth education and support and has additional training and experience as a birth doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding consultant. Most recently, she has been a contributor to Let Them Eat Dirt – a book about bacteria and the role it plays in gut health in children. She is also a consultant for a local microbiome testing company.

Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Akehurst can be found spending time with her three children, husband and dog. She enjoys skiing or hiking the local mountains, reading a good book or cooking for family and friends. Born and raised in Vancouver, Dr. Akehurst is thrilled to practice alongside the fabulous teams at Cross Roads Naturopathic and Mint Integrative Health.