DR SONIA FOLEY
BMedSc (Distinction), MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Sonia Foley is a general practitioner (GP) with a special interest in integrative and lifestyle medicine, located in Elanora Heights on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Dr Sonia has always had a passion for wellness, and it was the driving force for her entry into medicine.
To that end Dr Sonia has a variety of interests, including the preventative branch of medicine (Lifestyle Medicine), which encompasses the research, prevention and treatment of disorders caused by lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and chronic stress. Research shows that addressing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (whole food, plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep, and positive social connection) helps improve the quality of life in all patients, including those with ailments such as obesity, cancer and diabetes. Dr Sonia’s treatment aim is to prevent and reverse (improve) chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, using evidence-based lifestyle interventions whenever possible.
In support of this interest, Dr Sonia has completed the T. Colin Campbell Centre for Nutrition Studies/eCornell Plant based Nutrition Certificate, and has also been board certified by the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM) after being trained in a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine approach to chronic disease management and care. She was in the first Australasian cohort of doctors to sit the inaugural international examination in Lifestyle Medicine.
Each person is a unique individual, and therefore an individualised approach to each person’s healthcare is imperative. Whole person, patient-centred care is of the utmost importance to Dr Sonia, and patient safety is essential. To this end she combines safe evidence-based conventional medicine, and complementary medicines/therapies (if indicated) with a holistic, integrative approach to achieve optimal health and well-being. Please see our Mission statement for further information.
To support this philosophy, Dr Sonia is always reading and pursuing skills that will further her ability to help the patients in her care. In 2022 she applied for, and was awarded, the Chris Millar Foundation for Integrative Medicine Scholarship via the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Dr Sonia has completed the herbal medicine Professional Extension Course – Diploma in Botanic Medicine by Denis Stewart. She is also an accredited Fitgenes practitioner.
Dr Sonia is a firm believer that patient education is imperative, as it empowers the best decision for her patients in their healthcare. She promotes a preventative approach to healthcare, and encourages her patients to be active participants in their own healing.
Often patients may be hesitant to mention to their doctor any complementary and unconventional therapies they may have tried, or are currently using. Dr Sonia prefers open discussion of alternate therapies you are using, and she recognises that the best clinical outcomes are achieved when patient and doctor are working together. She respects patients needs and rights to make health decisions, and choices based on their preferences. She seeks to actively involve her patients during the planning of care and treatment for their most satisfying health outcome.
It is the belief of Dr Sonia that every person is uniquely valuable, and she endeavours to treat everyone with respect. Please visit our range of services to give an indication of the services provided.
Dr Sonia is a Northern Beaches local – born in Mona Vale Hospital, growing up in Elanora Heights and swimming down at North Narrabeen beach. She ended up working at Mona Vale Hospital both as an admissions officer whilst studying, and then later as an emergency doctor. In her own life Dr Sonia is committed to holistic lifestyle medicine. She embraces a whole foods plant based diet (WFPBD) and usually has a daily swim.
Please note: Dr Sonia wears a mask for all face to face consultations to ensure protection for immunocompromised family members and patients. She requires all people attending the centre to also wear a mask inside. Thank you for your understanding.
