Clinical Team
Get Access to Experienced Metabolic Specialists from the Comfort of Your Home
Care Oncology has been treating patients since 2013. Our clinical team are experienced in working with many patients with different types of cancer and alongside many standard-of-care regimens. And we can coordinate care with your existing healthcare team.
Karl Lingenfelder
Naturopath, Master in Psycho-Neuro-Immunology, Master of Preventive and Health Science Management, certified Expert in integrative Medicine and Diagnostics, PHD Student (Doctor of Advanced Medicine) – German speaking
Karl Lingenfelder is a dedicated naturopath with his own practice in Fulda, Germany who, over many years, has continuously expanded his expertise in integrative medicine, most notably in oncology.
Karl began his medical career as a rescue paramedic when he discovered his passion for health.
In 1989, he became a naturopath and established his practice, where he continues to serve his patients.
Early in his career, Karl started integrating oncology with holistic treatment options. Since 2000, his practice has specialized in complementary and biological treatments for cancer patients.
In 2020 he won the Science Award of the Swiss SSAAMP (Swiss Society for Anti-Aging and Prevention).
Karl has also been a lecturer at the German Paracelsus schools and continues to share his knowledge with various institutions, associations, and foundations. After studying integrative medicine and psycho-neuro immunology, he is now preparing for his PhD.
Karl joins COC as a consultant clinician for our German-speaking patients, both virtually and in person.
Gemma Chance
BA (Hons), BNurs (Hons), MRes
NMC PIN: 11H0213E
An experienced Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist with passion and spirit.
Gemma graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2011. During her nursing degree, she was awarded the Freda Ashmore Scholarship Award and spent time in Tanzania where she gained insight into healthcare in low resource environments. Her dissertation project researched the importance of choice for patients at end of life. Gemma completed a Masters in health research in 2015 and investigated the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in preventing emergency admissions for patients with cancer. This ignited her interest in oncology which has remained her passion and clinical focus ever since.
Employed at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust for thirteen years, Gemma has extensive clinical oncology experience. Proficient in delivering systemic anti-cancer treatments, she worked as a chemotherapy nurse before advancing her career into acute oncology, where she managed patients during oncological emergencies. Gemma volunteered and sat as a regional board member for the Royal College of Nursing for two years representing fellow nurses and RCN members, providing advocacy and influencing future workstreams. Her subsequent roles included oncology clinical nurse specialist and corporate nursing where she developed a partnership with primary care, she was appointed as the Macmillan Patient Experience Manager in an innovative team introduced to ensure that personalised care is offered to each patient diagnosed with cancer at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
Vanessa Ingraham
ND, NMHNZ, FAARFM
(Naturopathic Physician, Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine)
Hi, I’m Vanessa. I grew up in the Bahamas and have called New Zealand home for the past decade. As a naturopathic physician with over 15 years of experience in integrative oncology and metabolic medicine, I’m deeply committed to working alongside conventional cancer care—bringing a terrain- and metabolic-informed approach to support your healing journey.
At the heart of my practice is the concept of terrain: understanding the body as an ecosystem influenced by nutrition, biological rhythms, mitochondrial energy, stress, inflammation, and lifestyle. I don’t just look at symptoms—I explore the foundational aspects that underpin resilience, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
My clinical focus includes nutrition, circadian alignment, mitochondrial optimisation, and evidence-based adjunctive therapies such as targeted nutrients, botanicals, and personalised dietary strategies. Within the framework of metabolic oncology, I aim to help clients reduce side effects, strengthen treatment efficacy, and feel their best during and after cancer therapy.
Before relocating to New Zealand, I co-founded Pure Health Bahamas, where I supported women with breast cancer using integrative protocols. I later directed Bloom Integrative Health, a multidisciplinary clinic offering IV nutrients, ozone, and complementary therapies for oncology clients. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine (A4M), with advanced training in bioidentical hormone management and metabolic support.
At Care Oncology, I partner with patients to create comprehensive, evidence-informed care plans that align with their treatment goals and personal values. What inspires me most is seeing people feel informed, supported, and hopeful at every step of their journey.
Outside the clinic, I embrace the lifestyle I teach—starting my days with yoga, ocean swims, and the rhythms of nature on New Zealand’s west coast.