“She is a rare combination:
a PhD scientist and healer.”

Hi! I’m Dr Mary Pines, PhD. I’m a Cambridge-educated biomedical scientist, longevity consultant and passionate women’s health advocate.

With a combined 25 years of experience in research, education and consulting, I’ve dedicated my life to the study of health since the age of 17.

I look beyond the standard medical paradigm, leveraging natural, lifestyle-based medicine and cutting-edge science to help people like you become the healthiest, happiest, most empowered versions of themselves.

This outside-the-box, deeply personalized approach covers all the foundations of your health, from personalized nutrition based on your labs and genetics, to wearables for sleep and recovery optimization, to use of peptides, hormones and more. 

My aim is to optimize your health & longevity within a lifestyle you love so you can look, feel and perform your best, and prevent diseases of aging. 

Why work with Dr Mary?

  • 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

Dr Mary’s 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 3/6/12 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.

Publications

  • 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 

(Conferences not listed)

Mastering the Protocols for Optimization of Hormone Replacement Therapy 1 -BHRT Fundamentals (upcoming: March 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. Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental biology, neuronal physiology. (2013-2016)

Postdoctoral Researcher of the Year Award (2012)

Postdoctoral Researcher – UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Cell & developmental biology, cancer, tissue growth, cell adhesion, communication, migration, survival, metastasis. (2009-2012)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – University of Cambridge, UK. Cell & developmental biology, genetics, tissue morphogenesis, cell communication, cell shape change, migration, cell death. (2005-2009)

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

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

Experience

  • Combined 25 years of experience in research, education and consulting

  • Functional Health & Longevity Consult for almost 10 years

  • Chief Scientific Officer, Wellme.ai (2021 - present)

  • Award: Post-Doctoral Researcher of the Year - UBC Dept. of Cell & Physiological Sciences (2012)

  • Post-Doctoral studies + 3 years as a Research Associate - University of British Columbia, Canada (2010-16)

  • PhD - Cambridge University: Molecular Biology, Genetics & Biochemistry (2005-9)

  • BSc Honours - University of British Columbia, Canada (1999-2003)

  • Authored and reviewed peer-reviewed scientific journal articles in some of the world’s top scientific journals, including Nature Cell Biology and Cell (listed below)

  • Presented at conferences worldwide, mentored university students & designed and led successful international scientific collaborations

  • Studied non-traditional, evidence-based approaches to health: functional genomics, ancestral health, mindfulness, bodywork, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine

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

  • Experienced facilitator, speaker & mentor

A Reinvention Story


Gosh, it’s been a WILD ride!

After 15 years of intense work as a laboratory research scientist, Mary suffered severe burnout. The medical system could not help her, so eventually, she left her hard-earned career and life in Vancouver, BC behind: she moved Kauai to slow down and heal. (She also took up painting again, launching an art business.)

She discovered incredible power of lifestyle-based, Functional Medicine to heal and restore her body, beyond what she had could have imagined.

This ignited her passion for teaching people the things she wishes she had known before.

In 2016, she started her own consultancy to do exactly that.

Now, she helps people 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 almost a decade of experience.

“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