People first, powered by science.

My commitment is always to put people first, empowering clients with science-based support every step of the way.

This means that individualized care, attentive listening, and genuine partnership are at the heart of every recommendation, setting my services apart from most health offerings that rely on generic protocols or trends.

By bridging cutting-edge research with authentic, person-centered support, I provide guidance that honours both scientific rigour and your unique story.

Hi! I’m Dr Mary Pines PhD

I’m a Cambridge-educated Biomedical Scientist specializing in women’s health, with over 25 years of experience in research, education, and consulting.

I offer a fresh, outside-the-box approach to functional health & longevity, blending natural, lifestyle-based medicine with cutting-edge science.

By addressing root cause issues, I help minimize your reliance on medications and maximize your healthspan.

My mission is to help you discover what “optimal” feels like, empowering you to look, feel and perform your best and to ensure your best years are ahead of you.

Scientific Publications

Dr Mary has authored and reviewed peer-reviewed scientific journal articles in some of the world’s top scientific journals, including Nature Cell Biology and Cell.

  • Pines M*, Zhang P*, Lu H*, Peixoto RT*, Ge Y, Oku S, Siddiqui TJ, Xie Y, Wu W, Archer-Hartmann S, Yoshida K, Tanaka KF, Aricescu AR, Azadi P, Gordon MD, Sabatini BL, Wong ROL, and Craig AM. (2018) Heparan Sulfate Organizes Neuronal Synapses through Neurexin Partnerships. Cell. 174(6): 1450-64. *Contributed equally

  • Pines M, Das M, Ellis S, Morin A, Czerniecki S, Yuan L, Klose M, Coombs D, and Tanentzapf G. Mechanical force regulates integrin turnover in Drosophila in vivo. Nature Cell Biology. 14(9): 935-943.

  • Ellis SJ, Pines M, Fairchild MF and Tanentzapf G. (2011) In vivo functional analysis reveals specific roles for the integrin-binding sites of talin. Journal of Cell Science. 124(11):1844-56.

  • Pines M, Fairchild MF and Tanentzapf G. (2011) Distinct regulatory mechanisms control integrin adhesive processes during tissue morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics. 240(1):36-51

  • Pines M, Housden BE, Bernard F, Bray SJ and Röper K. (2010) The cytolinker Pigs is a direct target and a negative regulator of Notch signaling. Development. 137(6):913-22.
    [Featured as a “recommended read:” Faculty of 1000: 2010. F1000.com/2913958]

Education & Experience 

Mastering the Protocols for Optimization of Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT Fundamentals - WorldLink Medical (March 2025)

Chief Scientific Officer, Wellme.ai (2021 - 2025)

Functional Genomics Practitioner Training - Nutrition Genome (2021)

Research & Development – Physician’s Training program, Richer Health Inc. Whistler, BC, Canada. (2017)

Associate Research Scientist – UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada. (2013-2016)

Postdoctoral Researcher of the Year Award - UBC Dept of Cell & Physiological Sciences (2012)

Postdoctoral Researcher – UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada. (2009-2012)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – University of Cambridge, UK. (2005-2009)

Research Assistant & Undergraduate Thesis Student – UBC, Vancouver, Canada. (2002-2003)

Bachelor of Science (Honours). Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada. (1999-2003)

Presenter at conferences worldwide, mentor to university students & designed and led successful international scientific collaborations

Studied non-traditional, evidence-based approaches to health: functional genomics, ancestral health, mindfulness, bodywork.

Trained in interpersonal relations, non-violent communication, self-realization & empowerment

Philosophy:

• Aging should not come with pain, fatigue, frailty or ‘feeling old.’ These are terrible myths perpetuated by misguided societal norms, unhealthy habits and industry interests.

• Being healthy should not be difficult or restrictive. Keeping healthy habits shouldn’t be a struggle if they are a good fit for you.

• I do not believe in hierarchical ‘provider-patient’ relationships. We are equals. I listen, and never judge.

• I always work in your best interest. If you would benefit from working with someone who can support you better than I can, I will refer you to the practitioner who can best support you.

• Your empowerment is my goal. I teach you what your body needs to stay healthy for years to come and how to advocate for yourself in the medical system. Once we’re done working together, you can fly on your own. (It’s a terrible business practice, but I do not want to see you every 3 months in perpetuity.)

• I am your expert guide, not your medical doctor. I leverage my unique training, skills and knowledge to help you understand your body and master your health.

My Inspiration & Reinvention


Gosh, it’s been a WILD ride!

After 15 years of intense work as a laboratory research scientist, I suffered severe burnout. The medical system could not help me when my hormones tanked and everything came off the rails.

So eventually, I left my hard-earned career and cherished life in Vancouver, BC behind and moved Kauai to slow down and heal. (I also took up painting again, launching an art business I still keep on the side.)

Looking outside the box, I discovered incredible power of lifestyle-based, Functional Medicine to heal and restore my body, and I felt better I had EVER felt in my life!

This ignited my passion for teaching people the things I wished I had known before.

In 2016, I started my own consultancy to do exactly that.

In my clinical experience and in my own health journey, I witnessed the stark and frankly shocking lack of medical support for peri/menopausal women struggling with their hormones and metabolism.

So in 2023, I narrowed my focus to supporting midlife women to navigate the difficult hormonal metabolic shifts most of us experience.

Today, I helps women all over the world optimize their health and vitality through a comprehensive approach to functional health that’s deeply personalized, rooted in science and supported by a decade of experience and 25 years of research.

Full story

Why work with me?

  • Extensive expertise spanning 25 years of experience:
    - PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics
    - 15 years of Biomedical Research Experience
    - 10 years of Functional Health & Longevity study & consulting
    - Functional Genomics Training
    - Ongoing education through conferences and leading-edge trainings
    - Trained in communications, interpersonal relations & coaching
    - Experienced facilitator, speaker and mentor

  • Unique education: she sees the whole picture of your health from a different perspective

  • No dogmas or ego; it’s about what works best for your body based on your symptoms, labs and preferences

  • Powerful network of medical and wellness partners

  • Compassionate approach & strong mentorship

“We have reached the limits of medicine 2.0’s capacity, and if longevity is something we are aspiring for, we need a new strategy. Enter Medicine 3.0.”

- Dr. Peter Attia