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Integrated Educational Opportunities for ND Students at NUHS
Students at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in Lombard, Ill., participate in integrated learning opportunities that may very well change the face of alternative medicine.
NUHS is one of only two schools in the country to host degree programs in acupuncture, chiropractic, Oriental medicine and naturopathic medicine on the same campus. There, students from different disciplines work alongside each other, sharing vital classroom and clinical experiences.
The benefits
When students from varying fields of medicine share the same learning environment, they are able to see how other areas of medicine relate to and benefit their own. While carrying out their own distinct objectives, naturopathic medical (ND) students at NUHS learn from their peers in other disciplines, a process that results in better doctors.
ND students at NUHS also have the unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives by taking elective courses in other programs, and to consider pursuing dual degrees, such as a masters degree in Oriental medicine or acupuncture. NUHS also awards advanced standing to chiropractic physicians who decide to work toward an ND degree, and vice versa.
The practical application
Naturopathic doctors and students alike practice an integrated approach to patient care at NUHS' on‑campus clinic. “In our clinic, patients have one chart,” explains Fraser Smith, ND, assistant dean of naturopathic medicine at NUHS. “That chart has sections related to each discipline that the patient receives care from. Patients can be referred amongst the various clinicians, and experts from differing specialties can work together to find care strategies that work best for each individual. Our aim is to put the patient's needs and choices foremost, while improving patient care outcomes.”
Dr. Smith also adds, “The effect of students studying together, learning together and collaborating in the clinic, as well as learning from faculty who teach across disciplines, is a powerful one. Misunderstandings and rivalries quickly disappear when people come together and work for a common purpose. More appreciation and respect for other approaches is one tangible benefit. We also see more students choosing to dual enroll and complete another degree that complements their initial work. Ultimately, the person who benefits the most is the patient, who enjoys a collaborative, not competitive, approach.”
NUHS hosts a combined Campus Visit Day, where students can enjoy unique and interactive activities as part of the university’s various programs. For more information, contact NUHS.
To your education,
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