We are delighted to welcome you to the “International Conference on Positive Psychology and Mental Health”, taking place on October 19-20, 2026, in Rome, Italy — an all-new international platform dedicated to advancing knowledge, sharing innovative research, and fostering collaboration in the fields of positive psychology and mental well-being.
(written by Dr. Karen Fraser, Nanaimo ND)
It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the sudden and unexpected passing of Dr. Tahira Jiwani, a long time naturopathic doctor in BC who lead her life with love, passion, determination and a keen business sense. Dr. Jiwani had a very loyal and committed patient base and was voted Best Naturopath for Surrey by Vancouver Burnaby NOW Gold Award five years in a row from ’21-’25.
Tahira began her career by completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at UBC with honors in 1993. Her interest in “food as medicine” and compassion for helping people, sparked her decision to pursue her diploma in naturopathic medicine at CCNM in Toronto. As a student, Tahira was known for being kind, thoughtful, and a hard worker. She shared her study notes freely, offered her perspective with a balanced view, and had bigger plans for her practice upon graduating – she hit all of her milestones and goals.
In her early years, she opened a general practice in Surrey. She participated in radio shows, volunteered her time with the former BCNA (currently BCND), and built a strong practice. Her career was enhanced further with the support of her good friend, Surj, who became her long time and current business partner.
By 2012, she launched what she always referred to as “her baby” – Physician’s Research supplements. This is a professional supplement line that she built during her off-patient time. She met her goals of creating high quality products, that were potent, clean, effective and priced competitively. She also wanted to ensure an altruistic goal of helping patients get the most for their supplement money by cleverly combining ingredients to support more than one target condition with each product.
Tahira’s practice evolved to have a focus on auto-immune conditions and chronic illnesses. She had a very busy practice and high success rate with her patients. She continued her education with her constant curiosity to learn by attending more conferences, workshops and seminars than she ever “needed”. She didn’t have a lot of spare time, but she made time to travel with her husband and loved to explore.
Personally, Tahira was my roommate during our graduating year at CCNM, and remained a long term friend. We could always “pick up where we left off”. She thoughtfully saved a seat for me at every AGM or conference lecture. Tahira, I will hold a seat for you at the next one.
Dr. Tahira Jiwani will be greatly missed by her husband, her sister, Dr. Nyla Jiwani, ND in ON, as well as parents, family, friends, patients, and colleagues.
Join us October 2, 2025 from 5:30-6:30pm Pacific time for a final ANM 2025 tech check. Test your system, set-up and get a quick overview of the Gatherly platform. The team will be there to answer questions.
Join by clicking here:
For NDs wishing to access the LearningHub, the work-around when creating an account is to select the account type as “Affiliate” (e.g., those without a direct BC Health Authority Employee ID).
Current enrollment as a student in a healthcare related discipline in BC. Please select the Health Authority you expect your first practicum to be with. If you need to change the Health Authority at any time, please contact LearningHubAdmin.
Employees under an organization in partnership/affiliated with a BC Health Authority. Includes contractors and those without a direct BC Health Authority Employee ID.
Medical Staff (i.e. physicians, dentists, midwives) working within a BC Health Authority.
If you are a Medical Staff with a direct Health Authority Employee ID, please register with an Employee Account.
Providing volunteer services in a healthcare setting in BC.
Join colleagues for a casual post day one ANM gathering with light nibbles and good conversation. These happy hour events are a relaxed opportunity to connect, share insights from the day, and enjoy time together in person.
When: October 4th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where:
Nomination packages should include a minimum of two and no more than five letters of support from peers or other stakeholders, clearly demonstrating how the nominee meets the award criteria. Letters should clearly demonstrate how the nominee not only meets the criteria for the award, but how they have consistently gone above and beyond in order to meet the criteria.
In rural or remote areas where obtaining letters from colleagues is difficult, letters from other healthcare team members or community stakeholders may be substituted, with an explanation provided.
Type of Insurance
Typical Uses
Who chooses how the money is spent?
When does it pay out?
How does it
pay out?
Can I hold it corporately?
Life Insurance
You + your beneficiaries
Upon death. Depending on your policy, you may be able to withdraw money while alive as well.
Tax-free lump sum
Tax preferred if you make a withdrawal while alive.
Yes
Mortgage Insurance
You (if you get it individually and not through the bank)
Upon death.
Tax-free lump sum
Yes
Critical Illness Insurance
*how you spend the money is up to you
You
Upon diagnosis of a covered condition such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS
*many policies have around 25 covered conditions but each policy is different
Tax-free lump sum
Yes
Disability Insurance
*how you spend the money is up to you
You
If you cannot work due to injury or illness.
Plans can have different waiting periods before the benefit is payable. 90 days is common.
Monthly to you personally
Yes
Business Overhead Insurance
Paid as a reimbursement for business expenses
If you cannot work due to injury or illness.
Plans can have different waiting periods before the benefit is payable. 30 days is common.
Monthly to your corporation as a reimbursement for corp. expenses.
Yes
Saskia Karlen is a third-generation insurance broker specializing in life and health insurance, financial planning, and employee benefits. With a BA from the University of British Columbia, Saskia transitioned from a successful career in marketing to the insurance and financial services industry. She provides personalized insurance solutions and financial planning strategies to individuals and businesses, helping them achieve long-term financial security.
Saskia is highly regarded for her expertise in insurance solutions and has been a key provider of life and health insurance services. She has a deep understanding of the financial needs of both individuals and businesses and uses her extensive knowledge to ensure clients are well-protected.
Sindy Billan is the founder of SB Wealth Solutions and has been an investment and insurance advisor since 2003. Licensed in BC for the sale of investments, life, and health insurance products, Sindy brings a unique, holistic approach to financial advising, incorporating considerations of health, wealth, and work-life balance. She is dedicated to helping families and business owners prepare for their financial futures with strategic solutions tailored to their individual needs.
Sindy is passionate about educating her clients and has presented at numerous seminars and workshops for both business owners and medical professionals. She has sponsored booths at BCND’s Advancing Naturopathic Medicine & Northwest Naturopathic Physician Convention (NWNPC) since 2011. Outside of her professional life, Sindy enjoys golf, spending time with her grandkids at Granville Island, and cooking for her family
“I’ve been seeing an ND for over 20 years. My ND listens and we spend time focusing on my questions and what matters to me. I see it as a true partnership.”
“My ND helped me get through some rough health challenges when I was experiencing menopause. Nothing I did helped, but my ND listened, helped me balance my hormones, and got me through it.”
“I’ve had health problems since I was a kid. Asthma, digestive issues and a host of other things. My ND has helped me manage all my conditions and has gotten me healthier.”
“My ND makes me feel empowered. I participate in my health decisions and feel like I’m an equal partner in my care.”
“My ND didn’t just focus on my symptoms and instead focused on treating my problem.”
BCND is pleased to share a professional development opportunity through the Indigenous Relations Academy, which is generously offering naturopathic doctors a 20% discount on two of their most valued online training courses.
BCND thanks the Indigenous Relations Academy for making this offer available to naturopathic doctors committed to advancing cultural safety and humility in their practices.
