Why I Started Lifespan Medical
For more than 25 years I practiced traditional endocrinology, and for most of that time I carried a quiet frustration. Patients would come to me with diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hormonal conditions that had been developing for years.
By the time they arrived, we were already behind.
The risks for disease had usually been there much earlier: in their bloodwork, their family history, their metabolic function, and their body composition. But our healthcare system isn’t set up to look for those signs before something goes wrong. It’s designed to treat disease, not prevent it. For a long time, I worked within that reality, because that’s what you do.
Eventually I decided I wanted to practice medicine through a preventative lens.
Building Something Different
I pursued additional training in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine in the United States. This deepened my understanding of the root causes of chronic illness and gave me a different framework for thinking about patient care. I became interested not just in how to manage disease, but how to identify risk factors and how to give patients the tools to do something meaningful about it.
The clinic I had in mind would combine thorough diagnostics with personalized care. A real relationship between a patient and a clinical team that knows them well, follows them over time, and helps them stay ahead of their health rather than react to it. That conviction is what Lifespan Medical is built on, and it’s what shapes everything we do, from the assessments we offer to the way we work with patients day to day.
Lifespan Medical was founded on the belief that Canadians and like-minded people everywhere deserve access to this kind of proactive, personalized healthcare. We opened in North Vancouver in early 2025.
My Personal Diagnosis
I have always believed that prevention matters. But I’ll be honest, I understood it differently after I received my own genetic test results shortly after our clinic opened.
I carry the APOE4/4 genotype. This means I have two copies of the highest-risk genetic variant for Alzheimer’s disease, a profile that elevates my lifetime risk by approximately ten times compared to the general population. Actor Chris Hemsworth carries the same
variant. He has spoken openly about his diagnosis, documenting his prevention journey, and used his platform to bring this conversation to a much wider audience. I found that genuinely meaningful. He demonstrated that this kind of news doesn’t have to lead to fear or withdrawal. It can lead to action.
I realized I had the medical background, the clinical resources, and a clinic already oriented around exactly this kind of proactive care. So I leaned in. Over the past year I have trained alongside some of the world’s leading neurologists in Alzheimer’s prevention, specialists working at the leading edge of a field that is changing how we understand and approach the disease. My goal was to bring that knowledge to patients who share the same mindset around prevention and want access to the most current thinking in brain health.
The science is clear that the neurological changes associated with Alzheimer’s begin 10 to 20 years before any symptoms appear. What we do in our 40, 50s, and 60s, how we manage our metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and hormones, matters far more than most people realize.
Dr. Sue Stock
What This Means for You
Whether you come to us for a Signature Health Package or our Brain Health Program, you will find a team that takes your health seriously. We will look at your health in ways it likely hasn’t been looked at before, give you information that is specific to you, and help you optimize your health to prevent future disease.
That is what I set out to build. I hope you will find it valuable.
Dr. Sue Stock, MD, FRCPC
Endocrinologist and Functional Medicine Specialist
Co-Founder and Medical Director, Lifespan Medical
Register For Lifespan Signature™
Lifespan Medical is an innovative private-pay healthcare model, focusing on proactive healthcare leading to a longer, healthier life. Lifespan’s services are not covered by MSP.
–
Interested in learning how our clinic can support your health journey?
Submit your information, and our team will be in touch with details about our programs and next steps.
Join Lifespan Medical and invest in your future health.
What’s Next?
Your Health, Our Answers
How often can I book appointments with the care team?
You’ll have access to our multidisciplinary team throughout the year, with the flexibility to book in-person or virtual appointments as needed. We encourage proactive care and open communication.
What happens after the first year? Is there a renewal option or ongoing plan?
Yes, clients have the option to renew annually. The first year establishes a personal health baseline through the initial assessment, which serves as a foundation for future evaluations. Each subsequent annual PHA builds on that baseline, allowing us to identify long-term health trends and make proactive adjustments to your care plan. Many of our clients choose to renew each year to maintain consistent access to our team, ongoing support, and clear visibility into their evolving health over time.
Will I still be referred to outside specialists if needed?
Yes. If our team identifies a need for specialized care beyond what we offer in-house, we will coordinate referrals to trusted specialists outside our clinic. We’ll continue to support you through the process and collaborate with external providers to ensure your care remains cohesive.
What if I have a health concern between appointments — how quickly can I get a response?
Our team aims to respond to your concerns in a prompt and timely manner. For urgent matters, we offer appointments whenever possible to ensure your needs are addressed quickly.
Where is Lifespan located?
Lifespan Medical is located in the Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver, BC, offering convenient access to world-class ongoing and preventative care.
Do I need a doctors referral?
No, you don’t need a referral from a doctor to see us. We provide our comprehensive assessments whether or not you have an existing healthcare provider.
Can you work with my family physician if I have one?
Absolutely! We believe in a collaborative approach and are happy to work alongside your family physician to ensure a seamless healthcare experience
What are the fees?
Our fees vary depending on the program or service you choose. The Lifespan Signature™ program, which includes a full preventative health assessment and ongoing care from our integrated medical team, is $4,500 per year. This fee covers your comprehensive testing, wellness planning, and access to our care team. A detailed breakdown will be provided during your intake. *If you are a non-Canadian resident or do not have a PHN, additional fees may apply.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. You can register directly through our signup form. Once you're signed up, we’ll reach out with the details and book your appointment.
Are you accepting patients?
Yes, Lifespan Medical is now open and actively accepting new patients. You can join our Lifespan Signature™ program today to access private, preventative, and personalized health care. Appointments are available now—our team is ready to welcome you.
What do the fees for Lifespan Medical programs cover?
Lifespan Medical’s Fees are strictly for uninsured health services (these are services that are not insured under the Medical Services Plan (“MSP”) of British Columbia). In the course of providing Lifespan Medical’s Services, our staff may identify the need for medical services that are insured under MSP. They may be available and willing to provide such medical services and bill MSP if you are registered with MSP.
Are insured physician services included in the Lifespan Medical program enrollment?
No, enrollment in a Lifespan Medical Program is not a precondition to access insured physician services. Insured physician visits and other publicly covered services will be billed directly to the provincial health insurance plan if you are registered with MSP. Please note that if you chose to receive any insured medical services you will have to provide your BC health number and a consent to the physician. Lifespan Medical’s Programs focus on providing additional, uninsured care.