Dr Olivier Caunes’ Philosophy
Dr Olivier Caunes’ fundamental philosophy is patient empowerment. At Holistic Options we take our time to listen to patients. Patients and Dr Olivier Caunes work constructively towards a common goal. We value open and honest communication as a core principle. A patient-centered approach is how consultations are designed ensuring the patient is at the centre of decision making. Every patient is different and comes with a unique medical history and its comprehension; at Holistic Options we take this into consideration.
Prevention is paramount; making the right choice for one’s lifestyle decreases the risk of serious illnesses. Diet, stress management, exercise, sleep and so many other aspects of our busy lives will be discussed.
We use an evidence-based approach to assess and treat conditions. Dr Olivier Caunes has a special interest in gut health. It is proven that the gut has a core function in overall well-being. Over the years Dr Olivier Caunes has developed a unique approach to treatment of many diverse conditions (bowel, mental health, inflammation, hormones, skin etc.). The gut microbiome is, according to him, “the elephant in the room!”; how come billions of micro-organisms living in our body are not considered important in modern medicine? Dr Olivier Caunes is passionate about gut health. He regularly witnesses the radical impact of evidence-based treatment of gut health changing the natural course of many conditions.
The patient and Dr Olivier Caunes will embark on a journey of re-empowerment where the patient’s personal understanding of their health will participate in improving health outcomes.
Any person who thinks their health is affected by a gut issue should contact Holistic Options; Dr Olivier Caunes is the doctor to talk to. In addition, he has a special interest in hormones, chronic conditions, weight management, inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and some natural treatments which are also evidence-based.
At Holistic Options, we provide comprehensive GP care. We look forward to partnering with you towards good long term health outcomes!
Meet Our Team
Dr Olivier Caunes
Past Adventures and Qualifications
FRNZCGP, Dip. Endo (Fr), Dip. Genetics (France), MD 2004 Lyon; Medecine Generale 2004
Dr Olivier Caunes is a French trained GP who became a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners 2018. He has two undergraduate diplomas, one related to genetics and the other to endocrinology. He also has specific training in the response to epidemics and malnutrition.
Two weeks after completing his GP specialist degree he took a flight to work with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). This adventure lasted 5 years. He worked in countries where war was affecting the populations access to healthcare. He learnt how important it is to be culturally mindful in achieving good health outcomes. He now has a saying: “if Kalashnikov’s are not involved, we can sort things out”. Working with Médecins Sans Frontières honed his clinical and diagnostic skills as, in the majority of project locations, he was the only doctor around. Whilst with Médecins Sans Frontières, he managed epidemics of meningitis, cholera, and measles, and also worked in a zone where hemorrhagic fever was present. In his last mission he met Hannah, his now Kiwi wife.
Here is an article where he was accompanied by a NY Times Journalist in Congo: https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/world/africa/wars-chaos-steals-congos-young-by-the-millions.html
After working for Médecins Sans Frontières, he became a GP in a semi-rural area for 7 years on the outskirts of Lyon, his hometown. He was working with physiotherapists, nurses, a midwife and two other GPs. He loves to be a family GP and be a part of patient’s lives.
He moved to New Zealand in 2016 and worked at a holistic practice for 6 years in Auckland prior to opening Holistic Options in 2022.
Special interest: family time!
Special policy: the “yes darling” policy!
Elle Abunda
Nurse
RN
Elle is our lovely, extremely experienced, Registered Nurse.
Hannah Caunes
Practice Manager
BEng (civil)(hons)
Hannah is our Practice Manager. She has a background in engineering, logistics and project management. She met Olivier, whilst working together for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and is very happy they are working together again in healthcare. She has a passion for using her non-clinical skills to facilitate the role of clinical staff in providing the highest standards of care to their patients.
Outside work, you will find Hannah at her easel, making NFT’s, running, at the beach, or hanging with friends and family.