The Toronto clinic™ offers a comprehensive and integrative approach to healthcare. As such, we are pleased to bring you an "executive team" consisting of physicians, nurses, nutritionists, dieticians, behavioral therapists, exercise physiologists, stress management consultants, naturopaths, and chiropractors. This team will work together to construct and implement a personalized health plan that not only addresses current medical issues but assesses and modifies risk factors in order to optimize your total health outcome.

"I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science and that warmth, sympathy and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug."

From the oath of Hippocrates, Father of Medicine


Dr. Melissa Hershberg, BSC MD CCFP
Physician

Dr. Melissa Hershberg is a medical consultant at The Toronto Clinic™ who will be providing executive health services, comprehensive family practice and one on one weight loss counseling. Her educational, professional, and extra-curricular experiences attest to her long-time commitment to better herself and others through the practice of preventive medicine and health promotion.

Dr. Hershberg's interest in science, health and weight-loss long predates her affiliation with The Toronto Clinic™. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science with highest honors from McGill University on an academic scholarship, Dr.Hershberg was selected to attend the innovative and world-renowned McMaster Medical School. When asked about her motivation for pursuing medicine as a career, she has responded:

"Times are changing. No longer is medicine solely the practice of disease recognition and treatment. It is becoming much more. It is seeing a shift in emphasis towards disease prevention; health promotion. I want to be a doctor equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote health and lessen the burden of preventable diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease."

In pursuit of her goal, Dr.Hershberg completed a residency program in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Concurrently, she continued to nurture her related interests in nutrition, weight loss and health promotion. By the completion of her residency, she successfully created and authored a revolutionary weight loss system targeted to help people combat the metabolic syndrome and achieve rapid, yet healthy and sustainable weight-loss. The book is entitled The Hershberg Diet: Shed pounds and Beat the Metabolic Syndrome and it is being published by one of Canada's largest and most respected publishing houses, Key Porter Books. The Hershberg Diet is set to hit bookstore shelves across Canada, March 2007 with possible international release dates following.

Dr.Hershberg's background as an elite level gymnast and provincial fitness champion laid the foundation for her interest in preventive health. Her experiences in competitive athletics coupled with her training in science and medicine have afforded her with a unique and highly respected knowledge base. She contributes health related articles and provides medical consultation to magazines such as Glow, TeenGlow and Oxygen. She looks forward to sharing her expertise with the clients of The Toronto Clinic™.

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Bruce Topp, MD B.Sc CCFP Dip.
Sports Medicine

Dr. Bruce Topp, or "Dr.Bruce" as he is affectionately known to most, is a medical consultant at The Toronto Clinic™ who was recruited as a result of his diverse qualifications with regard to the delivery of quality health care. He brings over 20 years experience in the field of general practice and sports medicine. He currently juggles his high-end family practice in North Toronto with surgical assisting, house calls, and primary care delivery to the local jail. Further, he is the team physician for the Toronto Maple Leafs American hockey league affiliate- The Toronto Marlies; his diploma from the Academy of Sports Medicine qualifies him for this very prestigious position.

Along with his B.Sc. and M.D, Dr. Bruce has a special degree in family medicine from the Canadian College of Family Physicians. Accordingly to him, "Primary care really should be re named Primary Prevention - The goal in caring for people is not to treat disease but to manage their risks so as to prevent illness in the first place." Bruce looks forward to partnering with you to help guide you through the complexity and uncertainty of life itself.


Dr. Joey Shulman
Nutritionist

Dr. Joey Shulman is the author of the national best seller The Natural Makeover Diet (Wiley, 2005) and Winning the Food Fight - Every Parent's Guide to Raising a Healthy, Happy Child (Wiley, 2003). As one of Canada's foremost authorities on nutrition and wellness, she is a highly sought after speaker who has inspired and educated large audiences across North America.

No stranger to the media, Dr. Shulman makes frequent radio and television appearances on the Vicki Gabereau show, Canada AM, Cityline, the Discovery channel, CBC radio and television, the Women's network and Breakfast Television. She is also a frequent contributor to several publications including Alive Magazine, Canadian Living and Homemakers. In addition, she is a distinguished member of the General Advisory Board for Healthy Woman publications and currently resides on the medical advisory board for Alive publications.

As a dynamic, outgoing speaker, Dr, Shulman has been retained by several large companies such as Nike, Nesbitt Burns and The National Post to speak on health and wellness issues. In addition to speaking at Dr. Andrew Weil's second annual Nutrition and Health conference in Tucson, Arizona, she won the Can-Fit-Pro delegates award for new presenter of the year for 2005.

Dr. Joey Shulman received a doctorate of chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, is a registered nutritional consulting practitioner (RNCP) and also received an honors degree in psychology from Concordia University where her thesis on language development in 20-month-old infants was presented and published.
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Natasha Turner ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Natasha Turner is one of Canada's leading naturopathic doctors and natural health consultants. Her main focus is on hormonal issues, weight management, preventative health and digestive concerns. She provides the guidance and tools necessary for wellness-for life - using a five-step treatment process that restores optimal hormonal balance for weight loss and aging well.

Natasha Turner's thorough proactive clinical approach and testing methods are based in functional medicine. This advanced form of medicine utilizes nutritional supplements, lifestyle recommendations, bio-identical hormone replacement, and foods for therapeutic effect. Doctors applying this approach recognize that understanding and addressing the mechanism of disease is more important than merely acknowledging the end diagnosis. So for example, identifying the early signs of insulin resistance, the mechanism, is more important than acknowledging the diagnosis of Type II Diabetes.

Bright, energetic and practicing what she preaches, Natasha Turner's goal is to inspire others to make positive lifestyle choices in order to enjoy healthier lives. Her passion for promoting wellness, fitness and integrated medicine makes her a sought-after speaker in both corporate and educational settings. She is a master lecturer at Le Sport resort (www.thebodyholiday.com), was a presenter at the 2006 CPTN conference, and frequently speaks to companies like Redcliff Realty Management, Labatt Inc., ADP, Mothercraft, and Ray and Bernstein for the promotion corporate wellness.

In addition to her clinical and consulting roles, Natasha Turner is a regular contributor to various magazines and television programs as a natural health expert. Publications include Alive Magazine, City Post Magazine, Fit Life, Cocoa, VIVA, Two - The Magazine for Couples, Canadian Business Magazine, Glow and several websites. She is also currently writing a book based on her clinical approach to create hormonal balance for lasting wellness and fat loss. Shows like The Perfect Fit, CTV News, Balance Television, Rogers TV, The Right Fit, Bodies in Motion, Toronto 1, MOJO Radio, CBC, Mix 99 and more have used her expertise to educate audiences.


Dr. Stephanie Estima, DC, Dip(Ac), BSc.
Chiropractor

Dr. Stephanie integrates chiropractic care with acupuncture, core stability and stretches. She uses computerized spinal analysis, digital postural analysis, computerized gait analysis, and postural testing to evaluate the joints, the muscles, and their interactions.

Dr. Stephanie uses a variety of techniques to correct spinal alignment, called adjustments. These include Activator, Manual, Upper Cervical Tonal technique, Mobilization, and Muscle adjustments. She also integrates core stability exercises (abdominals), postural and neural retraining with all her treatment recommendations. Dr. Stephanie is also a trained acupuncturist, and will integrate acupuncture and acupressure where appropriate. Additionally, she practices Cosmetic Acupuncture - a technique used to stimulate natural collagen production, reduce fine lines, and rejuvenate the face.

Dr. Stephanie believes in a holistic approach to health, and will refer to appropriate health care practitioners whenever appropriate. She has a keen interest in women's issues as they relate to chiropractic including pregnancy, post-pregnancy recovery, and pediatric care.

Dr Stephanie has given presentations on posture and ergonomics in various industries and is available for individual or small group ergonomic consultations.


Michael C. Carrera, M.Sc.
Exercise Physiologist

Michael Carrera is a sought after health and lifestyle expert. He has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Specialized Honors degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. Nationally certified as a Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant (PFLC), he holds a certificate in Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counseling. Throughout his educational training, he has administered fitness test protocols and trained elite athletes including national level swimmers and professional hockey players. He has also created and administered strength test protocols for provincial and national level athletes in ice hockey, soccer, figure skating, and swimming.

After working for the past 10 years, both as a student and colleague of internationally revered fitness expert, Dr. Tudor Bompa, Michael has become a specialist in the field of Periodization, a phase-based exercise philosophy. As Director of the Tudor Bompa Training System, Michael created international sport and fitness certification and education courses for personal trainers.

Michael is also a published author who has contributed to numerous scientific journals, articles, chapters and manuals in the areas of fitness, health and sports conditioning. He recently coauthored a book entitled, Periodization: Training for Sports (2nd edition) and is currently working on another book. In addition to his outstanding writing accomplishments, Michael is an international presenter. He has appeared as a health expert on numerous radio and television shows, including breakfast television, CityTV, CFRB, and MOJO radio, and has presented at various conferences.


Sam Gibbs CAT(C), RMT
Massage Therapist

Sam Gibbs is a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Athletic Therapist. He is also a thesis candidate completing his Osteopathic Manual Practice (D.O (M.P)) diploma at the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

Sam has worked with many athletes, both professional and amateur, and worked with national medical teams for a number of major international competitions including: Goodwill Games, Pan-Am Games and World University Games. He also worked with the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club as an Athletic Therapist and is currently Head Therapist of the Canadian Men's National Basketball Program.

Sam will be providing advanced approaches to treatment where he will utilize different manual and osteopathic techniques such as cranial-sacral techniques, myofascial release and visceral manipulation to help with the management of numerous medical conditions and health problems.


Dr. Greg O'Donohue, M.B.A., M.A., A.L.M., Ph.D., (C. Psych)
Psychologist

Dr. Greg O'Donohue is a Harvard University graduate, a Clinical Fellow of Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions as well as an M.B.A. (Strategy) from McGill University. He is a member of the American, Canadian and Ontario Psychological Associations, licensed in Clinical, Organizational and Industrial psychology.

Over the last 20 years Dr. O'Donohue has worked internationally with many top executives, professionals and business leaders, their staffs, and families. He has worked with professionals and leaders in fields spanning finance and banking, medicine and the health sciences, government agencies and political life as well as with entrepreneurs, entertainers, and independent business people. The common threads have been that these people are competent, motivated, high functioning individuals who are committed to personal growth leading to significant gains for themselves, their families, and their organizations.

Dr. O'Donohue is client-centered and solution-oriented. Greg has over 20 years experience helping people develop and implement life management strategies that bolster professional and personal effectiveness. Personable and supportive, Greg focuses on what is of most interest to his clients and provides practical, discerning insights that leverage clients' strengths. Greg acts as a catalyst for positive change.

Dr. O'Donohue is an award winning clinician, academic, and researcher whose clinical practice is informed by the most current findings, techniques and thinking. When clients are ready for change they find Greg to be personable, warm, and engaging, his approach practical, direct, and results-oriented.


Eli Bay
Stress Management Consultant

Eli Bay is a Canadian icon in the field of stress control. A pioneer in the field of mind-body regulation, he has introduced tens of thousands of people to the surprising range of health and performance benefits that naturally result by regularly eliciting the relaxation response, a too often ignored inner strength that is scientifically defined and easily accessible to everyone with the proper know-how and training.

Eli has taught his Beyond Stress skill-development strategy in many of Canada's largest corporations and to countless businesses, associations and institutions over 30 years. Two award-winning public television series, Well Being and Beyond Stress, along with his popular instructional audio and video programs, have made his approach to self-regulation respected around the world and appreciated for its quality and integrity.

A leader in raising awareness about the importance of being in a world filled with feverish doing, Eli's clients include physicians, executives, peak athletes, astronauts, entertainers, clergy, energy healers, martial artists, students, teachers - people from all walks of life from ages 10 to 86.

Eli has researched, written or lectured about the unique stresses of modern life, self-healing, the mind-body connection, the power of intention, superlearning, "the secret of efficiency", and maximizing performance. His strength lies is his unique ability to transfer life-enhancing stress survival skills to high-functioning, busy people.


Erika Engel, A.C.P.C., M.E.S., MCIP, RPP
Executive Life Coach

Erika is a certified executive and life coach. She works with clients to help them increase self-awareness in order to create more choice in personal and professional pursuits and to arrive at their own definition of balance. She inspires clients to commit themselves to their healthy living goals and supports them on their journey to achieving those goals. Her approach is appreciative, strength based, and client driven with a focus on self and relationships. Clients are empowered to improve and nurture their personal and professional relationships and to take more risks in the pursuit of happiness and balance. Erika works with clients to improve their style of interaction, accountability, collaboration and communication skills, stress management and self-trust.

Work-life balance is of particular interest in her practice as Erika has devoted her life to achieving her own definition of balance though self-discovery, personal and professional growth, and nurturing her family and friends. She works with individual clients as well as corporate and volunteer groups helping them address these important issues. She has developed and conducted life balance workshops, which she has implemented for the Canadian Breast Cancer and York University Foundations. She has also been instrumental in the creation of a workshop which enhances wellness by integrating nutritional knowledge with coaching tools to help implement an individual's nutritional goals.

Erika has done significant work in enhancing collaboration and communication among academic teams at the University of Toronto. She has also led workshops in communication and persuasion skills at Upper Canada College, where she also on the Board of Mentoring Ties. She is adjunct assistant professor at the University of Toronto, where she taught masters level courses at the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design and the Department of Geography and Planning.

Erika is a member of the International Coaching Federation. She is a certified coach, trained by the Adler School of Coaching. She has also completed the advanced course curriculum with the Coaches Training Institute and is qualified by Psychometrics Canada to administer the MBTI.


Susan Baron, MSW, RSW
Stress & Wellness Consultant

Susan Barron is a Master of Social Work with 19 years of experience. She currently has a private therapy practice specializing in the areas of individual, couple and family counseling; life transition counseling, grief, loss and bereavement counseling as well as health and stress/wellness counseling. She has advanced training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Mediation, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Theory (EMDR) as well as Autosomatic Training. Susan is currently providing wellness education and training to various corporations across Ontario and has been involved in the design and building of wellness training workshops for corporate clients. Susan spent the first 14 years of her career working in the field of Geriatric Social Work at 'Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care' in various areas including short-term, long-term and community-based programs. She has also presented guest lectures to Gerontology students at the University of Toronto on 'Family and Intergenerational Relations'. She has presented and published work on "A Narrative Approach to Working with Holocaust Survivors Inside the Institution" and interviewed for the Toronto Globe and Mail in May 1998 on "When to Consider Institutional Placement". Susan is currently a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario college of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.


Renee Climans, MSW, RSW
Stress & Wellness Consultant

Renee Climans is a Master of Social Work with over 24 years of experience. She has worked at Baycrest since 1990 in various areas including short- term, long- term and community- based programs. Renee has served as a field instructor for social work students. She has also presented guest lectures to social work students at Ryerson and the University of Toronto, as well as Gerontology students at the University of Toronto. Renee has also developed and presented staff and student training workshops to impart knowledge, creativity and expertise in the area of brief, collaborative therapeutic interventions and issues related to aging and illness. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally on various topics in the field of health care and gerontology. She has published work on"A Narrative Approach to Working with Holocaust Survivors Inside the Institution" and "Negotiating Relationship Contexts in Gerontological Social Work Practice." She is involved in a variety of support group initiatives, both face to face and online, in the areas of caregiver support and bereavement, which integrate care, research and education.

In addition to her work at Baycrest, Renee has a private therapy practice specializing in the areas of individual, couple and family counseling; life transition counseling; grief loss and bereavement counseling and health and stress/wellness counseling. She has intensive training in brief, narrative, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Renee has also provided wellness training and education and has been involved in the design and building of wellness training workshops for corporate clients. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.