Arbutus Laser

Who We Are

We are a multi-specialty centre and offer a full range of reliable services including: skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, a full line of injectable products to soften lines/wrinkles and replace lost volume, tattoo removal, laser hair removal and vein removal of the face and legs. Additionally, we provide treatment for cherry hemangiomas, port wine stains, birthmarks, moles, skin tags, age spots/freckles and therapies for mild to moderate bladder incontinence.

Our staff of fully trained professionals are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care available in our industry. We are independent and locally owned.

We are proud to have maintained accreditation by the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons as a Non-Hospital Surgical Facility from our inception in 1992 until 2018. All related surgical procedures are now done off site at the Diamond Centre at VGH.

We are located in Kitsilano, close to downtown Vancouver and beautiful Granville Island.

Dr. Nicolas Eichhorst - M.D., C.C.F.P., MBA

Medical Director

Dr. Eichhorst has been a pivotal figure within our team since 2018. He serves as one of our primary injectors and is the Medical Director of Arbutus Laser. He brings a comprehensive approach to patients, with a focus on facilitating natural rejuvenation and achieving optimal skin quality. He actively engages in lifelong learning, featuring extensive training in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Eichhorst completed his medical training at Queen’s University and residency at McGill University. In addition, he is a clinical instructor with the UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Eichhorst is also a fellow with the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and a member of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia.

Dr. Donald Mintz - M.D., FRCSC, E.N.T

Joined the ALC in 1994. As an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Mintz helped pioneer a procedure (LAUP) at our facility to treat snoring with laser devices. Since then, he has solidified his knowledge and expertise within the laser industry and is a key partner at the clinic. Since retiring from his ENT practice in 2018, he has been full time here at the ALC. Dr. Mintz is known for his patient and humorous attitude. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is a clinical associate professor in the department of Surgery at UBC. He is an active member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. Dr. Mintz has been a licenced member of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia since 1981.

Dr. Laura Riley - BSc., M.D. C.C.F.P

Joined the ALC in 2018. Dr. Riley completed her medical training and residency at UBC and has a well rounded background in family medicine. She currently works part-time as a GP in Vancouver and enjoys Obstetrics (delivering babies). She has trained extensively with Dr. Boey and Dr. Mintz in injectable neuromodulators and fillers and has completed courses with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Riley offers a full range of facial injections, laser procedures and heads our women’s health initiative.

Dr. Jonathan Misskey - MD MHPE FRCSC

Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon

Dr. Jonathan Misskey is a clinical assistant professor and vascular and endovascular surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital. He received his medical training from the University of Saskatchewan and completed his specialty training in vascular surgery at the University of British Columbia in 2019, as well as a concurrent Masters in Health Professions Education at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a Clinical Educator Fellowship in 2016. Dr. Misskey is the director of postgraduate training in vascular surgery as well as the program director for Surgical Foundations at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Misskey treats all forms of venous disease and varicose veins with a special interest in minimally invasive treatment options and sclerotherapy.

Karen Thomson - R.N.

Sclerotherapy

Joined the ALC in 2000, Karen has a 30 year background in critical care and angiography. She has performed hundreds of EVLT’s with Dr. Michael Martin at our clinic and continues to work part time at UBC hospital. Karen holds extensive knowledge on not just leg veins, but veins throughout the entire body. Her expertise on veins is widespread and unique.

Mimi Le Fox - R.N., BScN

Clinical Educator, Aesthetic Nurse

Joined the ALC in 2007. Mimi has an educational background in nursing, and is also a licensed esthetician. She uses her wealth of knowledge in every component of the facility. Her expertise lies within operating devices and her meticulous hands-on skills have given her the ability to perform laser treatments and Sclerotherapy. Her experiences and benefits of working side by side with the doctors and nurses in the clinic have provided her the knowledge to assess and treat skin and veins.

Renee Araszewki - R.N., BScN

Sclerotherapy

Joined the ALC in 2018. Renee specializes in leg vein injections. She has over 20 years nursing experience in critical care and angiography. Renee currently works part-time at Lion’s Gate Hospital. Her easy-going attitude and kind manner make visits with her a breeze!

Juli Johnson - RE, CPE

Managing Director, Director of Hair Removal Services

Joined the ALC in 1997. Juli is a second generation Electrologist who has been instrumental in the implementation of Electrolysis accreditation across Canada. She has taught and lectured throughout her 25 year career. It is unlikely to find anyone else in the world with more hands-on experience, or more satisfied customers.

Amy Kounalakis - RE, CPE

Patient Care Coordinator, Clinical Laser Technician, Body Contouring Specialist

With 26 years of Aesthetic experience & knowledge, Amy brings great thought and detail to creating the most comprehensive and customized treatment plans for her patients. Amy puts people at ease with her openness and approachable demeanor and has a true passion for our industry and patient outcomes. Amy has been with Arbutus for 10 years and takes a special interest in Body Contouring treatments performing thousands of Coolsculpting treatments over the last 8 years.

Miko

Senior Clinical Laser Technician, Esthetician

Joined the ALC in 2003. With a background in the aesthetics and spa industry, Miko has had the advantage of growing along with the emerging aesthetic laser industry. She has a wealth of technical experience that is hard to match and a dedication to the beauty of skin which sees her playing a vital role in patient care and assessment.

Lita

Clinical Laser Technician, Hair Removal Specialist

Linda

Clinical Laser Technician, Electrologist, Hair Removal Specialist

Jessica

Clinical Laser Technician, Esthetician, Hair Removal Specialist

The people who make it all work. Our support team

Kristal

Office Operations Coordinator, MOA

Joined the ALC in 2003. Kristal began her career as an MOA and you will occasionally still find her helping in reception with her infectious patience and kind attitude. She now spends most of her time ensuring we have everything we need to look after you.

Agatha

Patient Care Liaison

Taylor

MOA

Camryn

Millie

Serah

Camille

Mary

MOA

Professionals who have helped to shape us but no longer see patients at the Centre.

Dr. Gerald Boey - BSc.(Med), M.D., C.C.F.P.

Founder and medical director of the Arbutus Laser Center, Dr. Gerald Boey established the clinic in 1992 as a cutaneous laser surgeon. He lectured on various aspects of laser medicine globally and contributed to numerous publications in the laser field. Dr. Boey was involved in trials of developing laser and related technology. He is recognised for his experience and his warmful honesty with patients. He was a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (www.aslms.org) and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia (www.cpsbc.ca). Dr. Boey retired from active practice in 2020 and now spends his time tending his orchard on the banks of the Arrow lakes.

Dr. Richard Thomas - M.D. (Dermatology)

Joined ALC in 1996. Dr. Thomas has contributed to the Department of Dermatology at UBC for more than 25 years and is editor and co-medical director of the SkinCareGuide. As a former partner, Dr. Thomas was instrumental in helping define our approach to skin concerns. Dr. Thomas now spends his time between Qatar, Wales and Vancouver writing, lecturing and teaching.

Dr. Michael Martin - M.D.

Joined the ALC in 2003, Dr. Martin is an Interventional Radiologist who helped pioneer the Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) as a replacement for surgical removal of varicose veins. He is now head of Radiology at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Maureen McGrath - R.N. NCA

Nurse Continence Advisor

Maureen’s experience and wealth of knowledge made her a perfect fit for our vaginal rejuvenation department. She is the Executive Director of the Women’s Health Initiative Network, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about “below the belt” issues for women such as uterine fibroids, sexual, bladder and vaginal health. She is the author of, “Sex & Health: Why One Can’t Come Without the Other?” Her website is backtothebedroom.ca where you can find her blog 50ShadesofPink.ca includes all about vaginal health, sexual health and relationships.