Dr. Allana Polo has a great passion for naturopathic medicine and truly believes that we all have the ability to heal and achieve balance in our lives. Along with a complete physical exam, family history and relevant lab work, Dr. Polo uses nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, intravenous vitamins/minerals and lifestyle counselling to help her patients achieve optimal health and wellness. By identifying the root cause of illness, each treatment plan is customized and tailored to meet each individual patient's needs, based on their health goals and place in their own healing journey. Her goal is to empower, inspire and motivate her patients to achieve their highest level of wellness.
Dr. Polo's focus is on family medicine with a special interest in, Weight loss, food sensitivities and digestive health, mesotherapy for anti aging and cellulite reduction, metabolic concerns such as diabetes, and mental health including anxiety and depression.
She has pursued additional specialized training and is also a certified practitioner in Intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy, mesotherapy for cosmetic non-surgical facial rejuvenation and body sculpting, dermal fillers, and mesotherapy for pain management, and applied kinesiology.
Dr. Polo is a registrant of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia and a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA), The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors(CAND), and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM).
Dr. Safia Kassam is a licensed Naturopathic Physician certified in intravenous therapy, Bowen therapy, acupuncture, and holds pharmaceutical prescription rights in BC. At present, Dr. Kassam has a focus in digestive disorders, including SIBO, as well as hormone imbalances, and weight management. Dr. Kassam is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and BC Naturopathic Physicians Association (BCNA).
Dr. Kassam graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. During this time, she also completed five terms with the Cooperative Education Department as an Ergonomic Engineering Consultant in Michigan, with the designation of a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Although this career was very rewarding, Dr. Kassam knew her true calling was in the field of medicine.
In 2009, Dr. Kassam returned back home to BC to pursue a career in Naturopathic Medicine. During the intense 4-year program at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, she was also a part of Naturopathic Doctors International (NDI), a brigade providing free Naturopathic care to residents of a small town on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. Using local medicinals as well as acupuncture, massage, and counseling, this brigade delivered naturopathic care to over 150 residents, from newborns to the elderly. Conditions treated ranged from joint pain, gastrointestinal conditions, emotional trauma, and gynecological concerns requiring pelvic exams.
Anybody who knows me knows I love to help people. I was raised on a farm in central BCs Cariboo district. This is where I learned many of the values and skills I use as resources every day - problem solving , the power of the natural world, the value of hard work and perseverance (to name a few). My life's journey prior to Naturopathic Medicine included forays into a wide diversity of fields; from cancer research to delivery driver, from the ancient craft of timber-framing to biotechnology, from production labourer to high-rise tower design. It is this broad spectrum of experience which allows me to have some insight into most of my patient's daily lives: the struggles and inspirations inherent to them.
It was my role as a parent that truly led me into Naturopathic Medicine. As a young man holding my own children, I felt overwhelmed with responsibility. I wanted to do as much as possible to support my sons as they grew. I learned about health and treatments that were not part of the mainstream medical model; I became impassioned. I could not learn enough; I knew I had found my calling. My road to ultimately practicing Naturopathic Medicine was long and convoluted. Balancing family life and getting an education was certainly an enormous challenge. With the seemingly unending support of my wife Laura, I managed to earn a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UNBC, a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UBC and, finally, a Naturopathic Doctorate from Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.
I have specialized training in Prolotherapy. It is an injection based therapy that targets chronic joint injuries and can lead to complete healing with the result being joints are often stronger than they ever were. No matter what area pains you, I have had success treating it; from headaches to plantar fasciitis. Whether you are just trying to go for a hike or are playing professional sports, I have helped someone get through a similar situation. Don't go on living with the pain!
I was born and raised in Langley, BC where my early years were spent engaging in a wide variety of sports. My passion for Football landed me a scholarship to Simon Fraser University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Following University, I went onto pursue my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute in New Westminster.
I was first introduced to Naturopathic Medicine through my own health challenges. Many hard years on the field and in the gym left me with a whole host of left over injuries. I struggled with chronic pain for a long time and slowly began to accept the fact I would be stuck suffering for years to come.
Then, everything I knew about medicine was blown wide open when I reversed all my injuries within two years using Naturopathic Medicine. As soon as I realized people didn't have to live in pain my vision became clear. I set out on my journey to learn as much as I could about these valuable treatment techniques and spread the word about the options available to people in need. I am committed to helping you reach your health goals the same way my doctor helped me.
In addition to my Bachelor of Science and Naturopathic Physician designations I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an active member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I have extensive work experience with sports specific training, musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation protocols. For the past several years I have worked alongside Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, and Naturopathic Doctors completing several internships centered on helping patients with weight loss, pain management and nutritional programming. After my first year of medical school, I completed a 10-day intensive in Nicaragua working at a local clinic that services the residents on the Island of Ometepe.
I am also a part time faculty member at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine where I teach Exercise Therapeutics and assist with the Physical Medicine and Spinal Manipulation classes. I have undergone continuing education training in Prolotherapy, Applied Kinesiology, Total Body Modification (TBM) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
My areas of focus are:
- Anyone struggling with pain (motor vehicle accidents, headaches, sports injuries, chronic pain syndromes)
- Allergies (environmental and food related)
- Blood sugar issues (diabetes, hypoglycemia)
- Cardiovascular Disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol)
- Men’s health (mood imbalances, hormone decline and urogenital issues)
- Chronic Digestive dysfunction
711 Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 1B2
(at Polo Health + Longevity Centre)
T: 604.544.POLO (7656)
F: 604.544.7657
E: info@polohealth.com