My guest today is Dr. Hilary Pada. Hilary was raised with an appreciation of nature, family, community, and creativity. Born and raised in Kelowna, Hilary returned home after University years having backpacked in Africa, Europe, Central America and lots of road trips through Canada! A 2000 graduate of UBC Dental School.

Dr. Pada's interest in Hospital, Emergency, and Complex Medical-Dental care motivated her to pursue the UBC-VGH General Dental Residency. Exposure to Oral Oncology piqued her interest and brought her home to work at BCCancer in Kelowna, start her family and raise 2 beautiful daughters.

Since 2001, Hilary has served patients in private practice dentistry and at BCCancer Kelowna. She embarked on a new journey in Myofunctional Care and Integrative Oral Medicine when her youngest daughter’s health needs collided with a planned dental care path. Her many hours of continued learning exposed her to a different way of thinking…that breathing issues and body tensions are the root cause of many dental conditions. This has not been an easy path. It conflicts on some level with many aspects of established health care, which has been a challenge personally and professionally.

It has been a personal healing journey as much as learning a new way to show up as a dentist in integrative health care. “Once you see it, you cannot unsee it”, “breath forms life forms” and “meet people where the are at” are common phrases spoken about this path. Hilary is fortunate to have assembled a strong, supportive and growing team of dedicated health professionals whose combined passion forms CO₂llaborative Care + Research.

You can find out more about Dr. Pada at www.co2llab.care.

For access to all photos, videos, and resources, visit the blog posting at childrensairwayfirst.org/blogs.