Dr. George Gillson, MD, PhD, CCFP
Dr. Gillson is the Medical Director and Founder of Rocky Mountain Analytical. Dr. Gillson started Rocky Mountain Analytical with the idea of offering Canadian healthcare professionals a laboratory focused on providing high quality, innovative tests for early identification and prevention of disease. With a unique background in chemistry and medicine, combined with his solid expertise in the nutritional/natural approach to medicine at both the benchtop and theoretical levels, Dr. Gillson has developed tests to support health professionals in helping people on the path to wellness.
Dr. Gillson began his training with a PhD in Chemistry (Atomic Analytical Spectroscopy) from the University of Alberta and then earned a medical degree from the University of Calgary. He practiced Family Medicine for six years (Northern Ontario and Oregon) before moving to the Tahoma Clinic in Kent, Washington. At the Tahoma Clinic, Dr. Gillson worked alongside Jonathan Wright MD, one of the pioneers of the nutritional biochemical approach to chronic illness and disease prevention and developed a special interest in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Gillson was also a consultant for several laboratories in the Pacific Northwest, in the field of steroid hormone analysis. Dr. Gillson is an internationally recognized presenter and published author.
Dr. Andrew Don-Wauchope, MB.BCh, MD, FRCP Edin, FCPath, FRCPath
Dr. Andrew Don-Wauchope is Vice President Clinical Services for LifeLabs. He is responsible for professional and quality services of the national operations of LifeLabs, including its subsidiary Rocky Mountain Analytical. He is an experienced and respected endocrinologist and laboratory physician who provides critical medical leadership in strategy and business development while overseeing LifeLabs’ quality management and continuous improvement activities. His medical experience and perspective are instrumental in the continued efforts to innovate, grow and diversify LifeLabs.
Prior to joining LifeLabs Dr. Don-Wauchope spent 26 years in medical practice, most recently as a medical biochemist with the Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine program. He has held leadership roles in professional medical associations and at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He continues to hold a role as professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University. He has a research interest in laboratory utilization; the production, evaluation and implementation of evidence-based laboratory medicine guidelines; and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers.
Dr. Don-Wauchope holds a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa; a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Cape Town; a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Edinburgh and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, South African Colleges of Medicine and the Royal College of Pathology.
Haleh Bahrami
As VP, Lab Operations, Haleh is responsible overseeing the operational excellence for all of our 16 laboratories nationally, including Rocky Mountain Analytical and Genetics.
Haleh joined LifeLabs in 2011 and has held a variety of leadership roles overseeing laboratory operations including her most recent role of Director, Lab Operations, British Columbia. In this role, she was accountable for integrating and managing day-to-day laboratory operations in the lower mainland into one site to achieve operational efficiencies.
Prior to LifeLabs, Haleh worked at Canadian Blood Services where she started her career as a medical laboratory technologist (MLT) after graduating from BCIT, quickly moving into more senior leadership roles where she oversaw day-to-day operations of the production and distribution of blood and plasma protein products to hospitals.
Haleh holds a Master degree in leadership, specializing in health care from Royal Roads University. An inspirational leader, Haleh is passionate about the advancement of women in science and actively mentors and supports team members and peers in pursing development opportunities in their careers.
Dr. Joe Klassen, ND
Dr. Joe Klassen graduated from Bastyr University of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, in 2005. A licensed naturopathic doctor in Alberta and member of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, Dr. Klassen is also a board certified colon hydrotherapy instructor and practitioner. Since 2014, Dr. Klassen has worked as the clinician support specialist for LifeLabs and Rocky Mountain Analytical. In this role, he uses his experience in alternative and conventional lab testing to train and support NDs, MDs, nurses and other regulated health professionals in understanding lab tests and results.
Prior to practicing naturopathic medicine, Dr. Klassen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After a marketing and finance career with a Fortune 500 company, he decided to make a radical change and enter the field of natural health. This experience has given him a real–world perspective on health challenges in our community, and a realistic approach to health when relating to patients with challenging work and life demands.
Dr. Klassen teaches anatomy and physiology, cellular biology and pathology at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Calgary. He can often be found presenting educational seminars to the general public at local health food stores, community groups or events on topics such as hormone health, stress, allergies, digestive dysfunction, childrens’ health, fertility and more.
Dr. Klassen is actively involved in his community and supports several projects with the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society. He is an active Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park and is the Treasurer for the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta Executive Committee.
Dr. Clare Westmacott, MD, CCFP-LM, MD MFHom (UK)
Dr. Clare Westmacott obtained his MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1973 and specialized in family medicine for 23 years. Through his solo family practice, home care and hospital work, Dr. Westmacott came to understand that there was much more to good health than just waiting for medications and surgery. Consequently, he decided to pursue an integrated approach to his medical care. In 1998, Dr. Westmacott studied homeopathy at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London, England, and obtained his MD-LFHom; eight years later, he was granted his MD-MFHom – Member of the Faculty of Homeopathy.
Through his practice in Calgary, Alberta, Dr. Westmacott focuses on an integrated functional medicine approach of personalized medicine using natural medicine modalities. Dr. Westmacott is a practicing family physician and a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, with acceptance from the College to practice homeopathy. In 2018, Dr. Westmacott was awarded his Lifetime Membership by the Canadian College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Westmacott has spoken on numerous occasions to naturopathic doctors at conferences and meetings as well as making a five-part webinar series on bio-identical hormones, including thyroid and adrenal.
