Marsha Branco, BA, MA, MOMSc

Marsha is a classically trained Osteopathic Practitioner and has graduated from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA).

Prior to her education at the CAO, Marsha graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honour’s degree in Sociology, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Demographics specializing in the migratory and employment patterns of women to Canada. Not wanting to commit her life to research, Marsha obtained a Diploma in Education at Althouse and decided upon a career as a highschool teacher.

During her education in teacher’s college, Marsha suffered with chronic appendicitis. After repeatedly being told to manage the symptoms with various heavy pain medications and with nobody able to provide proper answers as to why this was happening, Marsha began her search for natural alternatives. During the search for natural/holistic approaches to her chronic appendicitis, Marsha discovered herbal and plant-based alternatives to manage the pain and delved into herbal teas and tinctures followed soon after by making her own herbal and essential oil-based skin care. At this point, Marsha was intent on pursuing a career as an herbalist or a naturopathic doctor. The chronic appendicitis had improved, though not disappeared.

One fateful day and as a result of her chronic appendicitis, her sister, Crystal, asked Marsha if she had ever heard of an Osteopathic Practitioner and that perhaps she should seek one out to help. That is precisely what Marsha did. At the first visit, the practitioner did her assessment and explained to Marsha why she thought there was an issue with her appendix based on the anatomy and mechanics of the human frame. After a mere 4 treatments, Marsha’s ‘chronic’ appendicitis was practically non-existent and she was awe-struck. Marsha looked around the room to see the practitioner’s credentials and saw a piece of paper on an obscure shelf that said Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Marsha promptly went home to look it up and decided upon this as her life path.

Marsha is compassionate and professional and takes her patient’s success very seriously. She remains curious about anatomy and physiology and is always studying her craft. Marsha believes in educating her patients on their treatment and always welcomes questions. Marsha still continues to study herbalism and brings a wide variety of knowledge to her patients while they are under her care.

Marsha interviewed and was accepted into the CAO in Hamilton, Ontario and she is now a member in good standing with the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA).

To be a member of the OOA in good standing, an Osteopathic Practitioner must meet the following standards:

• Have a minimum of 4200 hours of Osteopathic education
• A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical training
• Pass the OOA entrance exam with a minimum passing mark of 70% in safety, ethics, red flags and health sciences
• Hold valid liability and malpractice insurance policies
• Have a clean Vulnerable Sectors screening police check
• Continuing education requirements