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. Chris Brink, M.D., C.C.F.P., MBA
Medical Director
Originally from South Africa, Dr. Chris Brink was raised in a family that fostered a deep appreciation for the arts, music, and sport—an upbringing that naturally shaped his well-rounded approach to medicine. Driven by a desire to give back and make a meaningful impact, he pursued medical training at the University of Pretoria, graduating in 1995 as a General Practitioner.
Dr. Brink began his medical career in South Africa, working as a General Surgeon in hospital emergency settings, where he developed exceptional clinical skill and decisiveness under pressure. In 1997, he immigrated to Canada and transitioned into maternity care, finding profound fulfillment in supporting families and welcoming new life into the world. Across both disciplines, Dr. Brink was consistently drawn to areas of medicine that offered tangible, life-enhancing outcomes for his patients.
With a distinct passion and aptitude for aesthetic medicine, Dr. Brink founded Kamloops’ first comprehensive cosmetic medical clinic in 2005, SKIN Kamloops. Today, he divides his time between Arbutus Laser + Skin and his general practice clinic, continuing to deliver patient-focused care with the same dedication that has defined his career.
Recognized nationally for his expertise, Dr. Brink is one of only seven injectors in Canada selected to serve as a member of the Allergan Faculty. In this role, he collaborates with the global leader behind Botox®, JUVÉDERM®, BELKYRA®, and CoolSculpting®, and is frequently sought after to educate and train medical professionals across British Columbia.
Under Dr. Brink’s leadership, Arbutus Laser + Skin has become one of the largest and fastest-growing cosmetic medical clinics in Western Canada. The clinic is distinguished by its comprehensive consultation process, allowing the team to deeply understand each patient’s goals and deliver refined, natural-looking results that inspire confidence and lasting satisfaction.
Dr. Jonathan Misskey - MD MHPE FRCSC
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Dr. Joel Gagnon, MD DEC FRCSC
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Dr. Joel Gagnon is a vascular surgeon and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. Originally from Chicoutimi, Québec, he completed his medical degree at the University of Sherbrooke and his General Surgery training at Laval University in Québec City. In 2004, he moved to Vancouver to complete his Vascular Surgery fellowship at UBC.
Dr. Gagnon developed a strong interest in complex endovascular surgery and further refined his expertise through specialized training with renowned vascular surgeons in the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia. He has a particular interest in complex endovascular aortic repair, thoracic outlet syndrome and complex venous reconstruction. Over the years, he also has accumulated an extensive experience in treating patients suffering from mild to severe superficial venous disease.
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.
Carleigh Thomson - R.N.
Sclerotherapy
Carleigh is a Registered Nurse with a diverse and dynamic nursing background. She has experience in the operating room, previously working at Skinworks assisting with plastic surgery, as well as travel nursing in the Yukon.
Since 2018, Carleigh has been a part of the surgical team at Vancouver General Hospital, where she continues to work part-time in the operating room. In 2024, she joined ALC, specializing in sclerotherapy. With a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence, Carleigh brings both skill and compassion to every aspect of her practice.
Renee Araszewki - R.N., BScN
Sclerotherapy
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.
Laure Lee Lauriente
Senior Laser Technician + Doctor Assistant
Laura Lee has been a valued member of Arbutus since 2025, bringing with her an exceptional depth of expertise in advanced laser procedures, corrective skin treatments, skin needling, and comprehensive product knowledge. Her commitment to innovation has played a pivotal role in advancing the clinic’s treatment offerings, ensuring patients benefit from the most current research, technology, and non-surgical medical aesthetic solutions available.
Laura Lee has been instrumental in introducing cutting-edge technologies to the clinic, including Sylfirm X, JetPeel, and Ultherapy, further elevating Arbutus’ position as a leader in modern aesthetic medicine.
A fully trained and certified laser technician, Laura Lee received her education under leading experts in cosmetic medicine and aesthetics. She is among a select group of practitioners in Canada certified in paramedical procedures and advanced skin needling, reflecting her dedication to excellence and continued professional development.
With more than 24 years of experience in the aesthetics industry and over a decade specializing in medical aesthetics, Laura Lee is highly respected for her technical precision and results-driven approach. She performs advanced laser and skin needling treatments, provides expert product guidance, and works closely alongside Dr. Brink in the treatment room, assisting with MD Codes™ procedures to support optimal patient outcomes.
Jessica
Clinical Laser Technician, Esthetician, Hair Removal Specialist
Jessica joined ALC in September 2023, bringing with her 18 years of experience in the aesthetics and beauty industry. Her career began as a makeup artist in TV and film, following training in makeup and aesthetics in London, UK. She later honed her skills in Australia, known for being at the forefront of the beauty industry.
At Arbutus Laser, Jessica specializes in laser hair removal and body contouring. She is passionate about helping patients feel confident in their own skin and has a strong eye for detail. Jessica takes pride in building connections with her patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for throughout their treatment journey.
Sofia
Clinical Laser Technician, Esthetician
Sofia has been in the aesthetics and dermatology industry since 2021, beginning her career in one of Ontario’s leading dermatological research clinics. There, she gained valuable experience assisting with biopsies and surgical removals of cancerous lesions.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and an Honours Diploma as a Laser Technician. Six months ago, Sofia relocated to BC and brought her expertise to ALC. She has had additional, extensive training in both our Hair and Skin departments. Sofia is passionate about creating a strong foundation for healthy, youthful skin and strives to make every patient feel heard and comfortable
The people who make it all work. Our support team
Carleen Brink
Consultant + Director of Patient Care
Carleen joined Arbutus Laser and Skin in 2025 alongside Dr. Brink, united by a shared vision: to deliver an exceptional, elevated client experience rooted in trust, artistry, and care. Together, they prioritize refined, natural-looking results designed to leave clients not only confident in their appearance, but genuinely fulfilled.
In an industry defined by constant innovation, Carleen remains committed to excellence through ongoing advanced education. She continually seeks the highest level of training in emerging technologies and injection techniques to ensure safe, consistent, and sophisticated outcomes for every client.
Understanding that each individual is unique—and that apprehension around results is universal—Carleen takes a thoughtful, consultative approach. She carefully balances each client’s goals with her clinical expertise, recommending personalized treatment options that align with both aesthetic desires and long-term results.
With a genuine passion for both the industry and the people she serves, Carleen brings the insight of a business owner and operator who deeply values quality, integrity, and client satisfaction. Her focus is on education, transparency, and strategic treatment planning—ensuring expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
Clients can expect a comprehensive consultation and a fully customized treatment portfolio, outlining personalized recommendations, pricing, maintenance plans, and protocols tailored specifically to their needs. Every experience at Arbutus is designed to leave you informed, confident, and supported, empowered to look and feel your absolute best.
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.
Taylor
MOA
Serah
Camille
Mary
MOA
Santhyia
Coming Soon
Mary
MOA
Professionals who have helped to shape us but no longer see patients at the Centre.
Dr. Donald Mintz - M.D., FRCSC, E.N.T
Dr. Mintz joined Arbutus Laser Centre in 1994, where he helped pioneer a laser procedure (Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty or LAUP) for the treatment of snoring. As a skilled Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Mintz has continued to build his expertise in laser treatments and has become a key partner at the clinic. Since retiring from his ENT practice in 2018, he has dedicated himself full-time to Arbutus Laser Centre.
Dr. Mintz graduated from Queen’s Medical School and completed his Otolaryngology Residency at the University of Western Ontario. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. For 35 years, he was a member of the medical staff at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), Department of Surgery—Division of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, and continues his role as a Clinical Associate Professor at VGH/UBC.
Dr. Mintz has been an active member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery since 1995, and he has been licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia since 1981. Known for his patient-centered care and warm sense of humor, he is a trusted and valued expert at our clinic.
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
Giving Back to Our Community
Health starts from within, and access to nutritious food is fundamental. We support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in its fight against food insecurity, ensuring individuals and families in need have access to nourishing meals.
As a clinic dedicated to helping people feel their best, we stand behind this incredible hospital that provides life-saving care, research, and support for women, children, and families across British Columbia.
We believe that true beauty goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about making a meaningful impact in our community. That’s why we proudly support organizations that align with our core values of empowerment, health, and well-being.
Through these partnerships, we aim to contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more supported community. Thank you for being a part of our journey—your support helps us continue giving back.