Professor Dr. Heather Boon

Biography

Heather Boon investigates health services and health policies with a focus on the use, regulation, safety, and effectiveness of natural health products and traditional/complementary medicine practices. A key challenge is that many Canadians utilize natural health products and seek care from traditional and complementary alternative medicine practitioners, making it crucial to understand these practices within a cultural context. Boon's work involves determining the safety and effectiveness of natural health products and influencing policies to serve the needs of Canadians. Her team conducts rigorous clinical trials and employs mixed methods designs to assess these interventions comprehensively, providing evidence for informed consumer choices. The research has led to evidence-based policy changes that impact the regulation of traditional complementary medicine in Canada.

Research Interests

Experience