We recently connected with Dr. Charley Dagher, ND and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Charley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Becoming a doctor has always been my true calling. I knew I wanted to help people profoundly. Even as a child, I had the intuition of a healer. I had an innate understanding of how the body works in many ways. I remember one instance where I explained to my mother why she had a headache, and years later, my professional learning confirmed that I had been right. I was no more than 8 years old at the time.
Spending my childhood in Lebanon, I developed a deep love for nature. I spent my days exploring forests, rivers, beaches, and farms. I would use a microscope to examine things I found in nature and even conducted an experiment in elementary school on how magnets affect plant growth. Based on my observations, they seemed to help plants grow better and faster! I was always curious, learning from TV or relatives about people who were sick—whether they had arthritis or cancer—and how they healed themselves using natural remedies. I always believed that God gave us all we need to thrive, and I recognized that nature was exactly that. This inspired me to understand the magic of nature and learn how to harness it, even before I realized it was possible.
For years, I pursued conventional medical school, believing it was the only path. I never knew Naturopathic Medicine existed, but once I discovered it, I realized it was the kind of medicine I had always wanted to practice: holistic and aligned with the healing power of nature. It was the form of medicine I had understood all along—God-given, combining science and nature, innovation and tradition.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario, Canada, I have been actively living my purpose. I have the privilege of helping people at their most vulnerable, supporting them in healing, regaining strength, and preventing disease. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to be an investigator and puzzle-solver. Each patient brings a unique set of concerns, and I get the honor of uncovering the root causes behind their symptoms, guiding them towards holistic healing and long-term wellness.
I also love how Naturopathic Medicine allows me to blend modern science with the wisdom of nature. Whether I’m using nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, or lifestyle changes, the goal is to treat the whole person—mind, body, and soul—and empower them with the tools they need to thrive. Every treatment plan is personalized, which makes the work deeply rewarding.
Recently, I’ve been expanding my practice to include corporate wellness services. I offer wellness packages designed to improve employee health and productivity, ranging from presentations to hands-on treatments like sound therapy. It’s a growing area, and I’m excited to bring the benefits of naturopathic care into the corporate world.
Looking ahead, I have plans to start a podcast that explores the intersection of culture, medicine, and faith. Additionally, I’m working on writing e-books to help people maximize their health potential using simple, accessible strategies. I also aim to grow my online presence to help people understand health in an easy and approachable way, making holistic wellness more accessible to everyone.
Whether through new treatment offerings, educational content, or community events, I want to keep building a space where people can find healing and feel truly supported in their health journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Faith: Having faith in God is my guiding force throughout my journey. What I do here, I do with the afterlife in mind; I strive to do what is good and right. My faith serves as my moral compass, determining every decision I make. It provides me with the strength to persevere and to trust the path I am on, especially during challenging times. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating a sense of faith through speaking to God as a child speaks to their parents, connecting with a supportive community, and believing that God chose you for this specific moment in time and no one else.
Self-Confidence: Building self-confidence has allowed me to trust my instincts, make decisions confidently, and advocate for my needs, those of the people I love, and especially for my patients. Without self-confidence, we may become bitter, resentful, and regretful, turning into people-pleasers and pushovers. Self-confidence enables us to pursue our desires without worrying about what others think, allowing us to perform our work—whatever it may be—more effectively. To develop self-confidence, start by celebrating small victories and acknowledging your progress. Seek out mentors or role models who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to expand your comfort zone, step by step. Each experience will contribute to your growth. Remember, being scared means that you are about to do something brave!
Wisdom: Wisdom comes from experience, reflection, and a continuous desire to learn. It’s the ability to discern what is truly important and to approach challenges with a broader perspective. Without wisdom, we risk stagnation or, worse, making choices that can lead to harm or regret. Wisdom involves recognizing bad influences and understanding what is genuinely good for our growth and well-being. It empowers us to navigate life’s complexities and helps us avoid pitfalls that can set us back. For those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend seeking knowledge from various sources—books, courses, and conversations—and reflecting on your experiences. Embrace curiosity and remain open to learning from both successes and setbacks. True wisdom lies not just in knowing but in applying what you’ve learned.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
We all go through different seasons—youth to old age, single to married, healthy to sick. Given that life is ever-changing, it’s wise to be well-rounded and invest in improving our weaker areas.
What if the internet goes down? What if there’s a recession or a flood? Those with practical skills, like home renovation or car repair, may find it easier to adapt. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe the magic of my field lies in viewing the body as a whole. While I enjoy treating digestive health, for instance, focusing solely on this area might lead me to overlook underlying issues causing digestive concerns, such as childhood trauma or thyroid problems. Although mastering digestion is important, it’s essential to recognize the body as a closed system where nothing happens by mistake. Therefore, I strive to be knowledgeable about the body as a whole.
Moreover, as we navigate life’s unpredictability, the importance of possessing both depth and breadth in our knowledge becomes increasingly clear. The T-shaped skills metaphor illustrates this effectively: the vertical line of a capital ‘T’ represents deep expertise in a specific area, while the horizontal line signifies the ability to draw from general knowledge across various fields. A robust horizontal line enhances our adaptability, allowing us to connect ideas, think creatively, and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. By continuously learning and expanding our horizons, we can develop both lines, empowering us to thrive in diverse situations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drdaghernd.com
- Instagram: @drdaghernd
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