Team

Exploring the strengths of integrative medicine

DIRECTOR

Dr. Peter Papadogianis, M.Sc., ND (Class of 1996)

Peter is the Director of the Patterson Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at CCNM. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he has a master’s degree in molecular biology from Dalhousie University and is a proud graduate of CCNM. He has been a registered naturopathic doctor for more than 20 years with a focus on helping individuals through their journey with cancer. A long-time professor and clinical care supervisor at CCNM, Peter was instrumental in the development of North America’s first naturopathic teaching clinic for integrative cancer care.

“As an advocate for whole-person cancer care and evidence-informed decision making in health care, I believe the combination of research, clinical care and whole-person programming that we are developing will help guide the way for future health-care practice.”

RESEARCH FELLOW

Dr. Elise Cogo, ND, M.Sc., MLIS (Class of 2000)

Elise is a licensed naturopathic doctor and research fellow at the Patterson Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at CCNM. Elise graduated from CCNM in 2000 and also holds two master’s degrees in epidemiology and information science. She has 13 years of research experience and has published 29 journal articles. Elise was previously the unit head for clinical trials assessment at Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate, and has worked in research at St. Michael’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.

“I believe certain aspects of mind-body-spirit healing lend themselves to scientific inquiry. For example, the rigorous study of natural health products that our team is conducting at the Patterson Institute aims to expand the safety and efficacy evidence base in integrative cancer care to enhance practitioner and patient decision-making.”

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Dr. Mohamed El Sayed, MD (Egypt), M.Sc., PhD, ND (Class of 2018)

In addition to being a licensed naturopathic doctor, Mohamed is a foreign trained medical doctor from Egypt holding both M.Sc. and PhD degrees in radiation oncology. He has held clinical, research, and academic positions in oncology for nearly 20 years. Mohamed has published 26 journal articles on various cancer-related topics and is a reviewer for four international peer-reviewed oncology journals.

“Throughout my journey in cancer patient care, I have recognized that individuals require a diverse mix of supportive care during conventional medical therapy. The research we are conducting at the Patterson Institute will open the path for health-care providers to integrate a variety of evidence-based supportive measures and help people living with cancer understand their needs and make well-informed decisions.”

ADMINISTRATOR

Dr. Nancy Rawling, B.Sc., ND (Class of 1997)

Dr. Nancy Rawling B.Sc., ND, is our administrator who manages the day-to-day organization and communications for the director and research fellows at the Patterson Institute. Nancy studied applied biochemistry and biomedical sciences at the University of Guelph before pursuing her naturopathic medical education at CCNM. In addition to her work with us she continues her clinical practice at the Wholelife Naturopathic Clinic in Barrie, ON.