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
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. Jonathan Misskey - MD MHPE FRCSC
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Dr. Joel Gagnon, MD DEC FRCSC
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
Pending Bio
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
Adrienne Ford - RTC, RHN
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Holistic Nutritionist
Having spent years in the fashion industry, Adrienne became deeply aware of the pressures on women’s bodies and self-esteem. Combining her experience as a counsellor and nutritionist, Adrienne brings 15 years of expertise in supporting women in their journey toward healing and self-acceptance.
Drawing from her own personal and professional experiences, Adrienne understands how past wounds can shape our choices and behaviours. She recognizes the critical role self-awareness and healing play in helping individuals embrace the life they desire. Her warm, nonjudgmental approach is tailored to each client using evidence-based techniques.
Adrienne is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada, and a member in good standing of the Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in BC. She is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and a member in good standing of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Professionals.
Adrienne is is fully insured and covered under most benefits.
Juli Johnson - RE, CPE
Managing Director, Director of Hair Removal Services
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
Bob
Clinical Laser Technician, Esthetician
Bob joined Arbutus Laser in 2025, bringing with him over a decade of expertise in laser technology and more than 20 years in skincare.
With a deep passion for combining advanced technology with personalized treatments, he strives to help clients achieve their best skin. Whether through innovative laser treatments, customized skincare solutions, or expert guidance, Bob ensures safe, effective, and results-driven care tailored to everyone’s unique needs.
His wealth of knowledge and experience allows him to provide exceptional support and treatment plans designed to enhance skin health and confidence.
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.
Sophia
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
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
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
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.