Heidi Lescanec

Honoring the Life of Dr. Tahira Jiwani, CCNM class of ’97

(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.

Dr. Martha Reid - Naturopathic Medicine Week 2026

What inspired you to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine, and how does that inspiration continue to shape your work today?

What has been the most fulfilling moment or achievement in your career as a naturopathic doctor?

What has been the greatest challenge in your journey as an ND, and how have you overcome it?

What advice would you give to someone curious about becoming a naturopathic doctor or exploring naturopathic medicine?

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew or understood about naturopathic medicine and the role of NDs?

If you could describe what it means to be an ND in one sentence, what would it be?

How does your work as an ND positively impact your patients and your community?

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What inspired you to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine, and how does that inspiration continue to shape your work today?

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What has been the greatest challenge in your journey as an ND, and how have you overcome it?

What advice would you give to someone curious about becoming a naturopathic doctor or exploring naturopathic medicine?

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew or understood about naturopathic medicine and the role of NDs?

If you could describe what it means to be an ND in one sentence, what would it be?

How does your work as an ND positively impact your patients and your community?

What is one aspect of naturopathic medicine that you feel makes it truly unique in today’s healthcare landscape?

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CCNM Magazine, pg 30–33

What has been the most fulfilling moment or achievement in your career as a naturopathic doctor?

What has been the greatest challenge in your journey as an ND, and how have you overcome it?

What advice would you give to someone curious about becoming a naturopathic doctor or exploring naturopathic medicine?

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew or understood about naturopathic medicine and the role of NDs?

If you could describe what it means to be an ND in one sentence, what would it be?

How does your work as an ND positively impact your patients and your community?

What is one aspect of naturopathic medicine that you feel makes it truly unique in today’s healthcare landscape?

Heidi Lescanec

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Honoring the Life of Dr. Tahira Jiwani, CCNM class of ’97

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