Calgary
230- 2635 37 Ave NE, Calgary AB T1Y 5Z6
+1
403-607-1432
Ireland9 Sea Road,
Galway, Co. Galway
403-607-1432 (Canada)
Our Services
Services
Functional Medicine
Dr. Cathryn Zapf is a dedicated practitioner specializing in Functional Medicine, a holistic approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms. With a strong background in integrative health, Dr. Zapf combines advanced diagnostic testing, personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies to help patients achieve optimal wellness. Her patient-centered care emphasizes balance, prevention, and long-term health solutions, empowering individuals to take an active role in their healing journey.
Bredesen Protocol for Peak Cognition
The Bredesen Protocol helps patients to achieve and maintain peak cognitive function and prevent or put into remission early signs of cognitive decline. As a Functional Medicine practitioner, Dr. Zapf applies this evidence-based, personalized approach to identify and address the root causes of brain health issues, including inflammation, hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, and insulin resistance. Through comprehensive assessments, lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, stress management, and targeted supplementation, she empowers patients to enhance memory, focus, and overall mental clarity.
Ketogenic Diets for Diabetes & High Blood Pressure
Dr. Cathryn Zapf also supports patients using Ketogenic Diets for Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. A well-structured ketogenic diet helps stabilize blood sugar, enhances insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation, key factors in managing diabetes. It can also support healthier blood pressure, improving arterial function, and balancing metabolic markers. Dr. Zapf guides patients through a safe, customized keto plan that focuses on nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats, and sustainable lifestyle changes, helping individuals achieve better energy, improved biomarkers, and long-term cardiovascular and metabolic wellness.
Functional Nutritional Psychiatry for Anxiety & Depression
Dr. Cathryn Zapf integrates Functional Nutritional Psychiatry into her practice to address the root causes of anxiety and depression. This method focuses on the powerful connection between the gut, brain, and body, recognizing how nutrient imbalances, inflammation, and hormonal changes can impact mental health. By using advanced testing, targeted nutritional therapy, Dr. Zapf helps restore balance and support optimal neurotransmitter function. She has completed training with Dr Georgia Ede a Harvard trained nutritional psychiatrist and incorporates circadian biology.
Welcome To
Paleo Medical
About Dr. Cathryn Zapf, MD MBA MRCGP CCFP FRSPH IFMCPThe Paleo Clinic was founded by Dr. Zapf in 2018 to reflect her evolutionary approach to medicine. She grew up in England and France. Her medical training was at University College, London in England. After graduation she moved to Scotland where she was a psychiatrist. Her Family Medicine training was on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands.
In 2000 she began work with the British Armed Forces as a Civilian Medical Practitioner. They kept her very busy for 16 years. She was sent to BATUS near Medicine Hat in 2011 and fell in love with Alberta. In 2016 she moved to Canada and completed her training in Functional Medicine with the Institute for Functional Medicine. During her last posting she met Prof Peter Andrews, formerly head of human origins at the Science Museum in London and one of the greats of paleontology. He educated Dr. Zapf in human evolution and changed forever the prism through which she views health.
Dr Zapf left Canada in October 2021 and spent over three years working with the Irish Defence Force on the West Coast of Ireland. She lived on a small dairy farm in Co Galway. In 2025 she returned to Alberta.
"The field of medicine often appears naive about the full range of human biological experience, basing conclusions about human health - even about what is 'normal' - on the comparatively narrow experience of contemporary Western society". - Mark Nathan Cohen, Ph.D.
Words From Our Patient
Testimonials
V. Sk
Cochrane
Dr. Zapf is the exceptional doctor I spent years looking for. She provides compassionate, whole-person care, skillfully blending conventional and functional medicine. She never hesitates to refer to specialists and ensures her patients receive the best possible care. Much of her work is covered by AHS, with functional tests as an optional addition. The entire office, including manager Dayle, treats every patient with utmost respect. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
D. K.
Calgary SW
Dr. Zapf was the first doctor to tell me that my non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which I've had for 29 years, was reversible! She provided a diet plan and recommended some books to read. Just two months later, my liver enzymes had dropped to the normal range. She used no prescriptions—just information and diet. The best part is that it kickstarted a desire to keep improving. As a result, I also no longer suffer from arthritis, allergies, or a chronic sinus infection. Thank you, Dr. Zapf, for helping me take my life back a little bit more every day!
L. G
Airdrie
Dr. Zapf’s practice has literally turned my partner's and my life around. Instead of putting us on medication, all her recommendations have gotten us off our medication! We both have quality to our lives again, thanks to her. And her receptionist, Dale, is amazing!
K. H.
Okotokos, Alberta
Hey! I have to tell you about this amazing doctor I found, Dr. Zapf. She's seriously the best—so kind and actually listens. She looks at the whole picture instead of just pushing pills. If you need a specialist or conventional treatment, she's all over it, but she also offers functional medicine stuff if you're into that (it's optional!). Her office is great, too. Just wanted to share in case you're looking for someone new!
A. D.
Okotokos, Alberta
In all my years dealing with doctors, I have never had anyone listen to me like Dr Zapf did. Without going into too much personal detail, she had me pop in last minute, last appointment of the night and I bawled and she listened. For the first time, I was heard. She helped, she investigated and she truly cares about my outcome. I will travel throughout Alberta to see her because I know she truly wants to help. She knows so much about other issues I have seen my family go through and her willing to help these issues speak volumes! Finding a great doctor is rare, finding one who listens is finding the needle in the haystack. Dr Zapf is that doctor!
Z. P.
Calgary SW
I have been seeing Dr.Zapf for about 6 months and she has been extremely helpful. She has explained things to me that have encouraged a change in my diet, my stress and my way of thinking about health and food. I chose to follow, not question her instructions and recommendations and have had great success. I'm healthier, lighter and happier!! She is direct and and to the point, and I like that a lot. Her common sense natural approach without just giving drugs is a refreshing change for me. My husband also followed much of the same recommendations and has lost over 25 lbs. in just a few months. I'm so happy to have found her and highly recommend her!! -D.C. (thank-you Cathryn Zapf)
H. S.
Calgary SW
Dr. Zapf is a truly unique doctor in Alberta. I've been trusting her as my family physician for close to 5 years now. I don't feel like I'm rushed during visits. We converse about my issue. Each visit is a full two-sided conversation. Whether we are deciding on further diagnosis or on treatment, Dr. Zapf has always given me multiple options. She appears to be knowledgeable about many pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical, and lifestyle change interventions which could positively affect my conditions. I interpret Dr. Zapf's manner as caring and attentive. I especially recommend Dr. Zapf to anyone looking to resolve 'weird' symptoms, or issues which they haven't resolved while working with other doctors. My issues are largely related to autoimmunity, and Dr. Zapf has demonstrated she is highly knowledgeable about that subject. I live in Calgary, and I'll continue to drive out to Cochrane to see Dr. Zapf. She's the best doctor I've found.
G. A.
Calgary SW
Dr. Zapf is a truly unique doctor in Alberta. I've been trusting her as my family physician for close to 5 years now. I don't feel like I'm rushed during visits. We converse about my issue. Each visit is a full two-sided conversation. Whether we are deciding on further diagnosis or on treatment, Dr. Zapf has always given me multiple options. She appears to be knowledgeable about many pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical, and lifestyle change interventions which could positively affect my conditions. I interpret Dr. Zapf's manner as caring and attentive. I especially recommend Dr. Zapf to anyone looking to resolve 'weird' symptoms, or issues which they haven't resolved while working with other doctors. My issues are largely related to autoimmunity, and Dr. Zapf has demonstrated she is highly knowledgeable about that subject. I live in Calgary, and I'll continue to drive out to Cochrane to see Dr. Zapf. She's the best doctor I've found.
C. K.
Calgary SW
I feel very fortunate that Dr. Cathryn Zapf at Paleo Medical Clinic is located in Cochrane, Alberta. I have found her to be very approachable & warm: understanding of my complex health issues. Her vast knowledge of medicine is impressive, but it her expert application that makes all the difference. She has readily identified an infection and is treating it. She has given me confidence to change my diet and lose 22 lbs. With her guidance, I am reducing my diabetes symptoms and subsequent heart disease. From regular doctor visits to functional medicine appointments to listening to you share your inner most heart feelings... you can trust that Dr. Zapf has your health and best interests in mind.
I. L.
Calgary SW
Will genuinely care about improving the quality of your life. Would recommend for anyone with mental health issues. Dr. Zapf has taken extra time with me and helps me understand the biology and systems of my body. She goes aboves and beyond. Will also give you practical tools to improve life. Definitely is not a prescription pusher. Will take time to investigate your problems. Truly is a gift that I found her.
Our News & Event
Our Blogs
17
Apr
How to deal right now with a panic attack?
This pandemic has been cruel to our mental health raising anxiety in even the mellowest of souls. As a result we are getting more panic attacks some of us for the first time. We can feel totally overwhelmed.
20
Mar
Vitamin A and viral infections
Vit A is needed for the integrity and defence of our skin and the mucous membranes that line our mouth, nose, gut and lungs. Without this we are vulnerable to attack by viruses and other microorganisms.
09
Feb
High blood pressure. How to get an accurate diagnosis and why it is serious?
Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is very common. About a 1/3 of people are affected half of whom are poorly controlled. The consequences of HTN are stroke, heart disease, erectile dysfunction and heart failure.
14
Aug
Sugar 101: Starch, insulin resistance and diabetes
Long before we express the symptoms of type 2 diabetes (DM2) there are often years of poor metabolic health. This can be asymptomatic and we may unwittingly consider ourselves to be healthy.
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