In This Issue…
Editor's Note: Inaugural Issue
This would hardly be a proper January e-newsletter if we didn’t give you the full lowdown – 2008 in review – on both the ND school milestones and the top 10 CAM news stories of the year.
And this would hardly be a proper January election year issue if we went without mentioning the inauguration of new US President Barack Obama. While the Obama administration has not expressed support for naturopathic medicine specifically, or any form of integrated medicine for that matter, administration representatives have noted the intention to shift from an illness-based model of medicine to one that is prevention-based – a model of care in which naturopathic doctors are suited to function very effectively. States Obama in his health care plan:
This nation is facing a true epidemic of chronic disease. An increasing number of Americans are suffering and dying needlessly from diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV/AIDS, all of which can be delayed in onset if not prevented entirely.
Read some highlights of what we may expect from the new administration in terms of health care initiatives.
The beauty of health care as a political issue is that it spans the party lines: in the end, we’re all humans who want to lead better, longer and healthier lives.
To your health and your future,
Coquina Deger
Managing Editor, AANMC
ND School Milestones 2008
Not surprisingly, our six accredited naturopathic medical schools have forged strongly ahead this past year, expanding academic courses, conducting new research programs and creating multi-disciplinary partnerships above and beyond the normal boundaries.
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On Campus: |
Beyond Campus: |
| • BINM launches innovative new ND education track for part-time students. READ MORE > | • SCNM aids medical community by forging new cross-disciplinary partnerships. READ MORE > |
| • NCNM, under new leadership, institutes multiple new and expanded academic programs. READ MORE > | • Bastyr University continues to lead the way, making important strides in oncology research and more. READ MORE > |
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• UBCNM ramps up student clinical training opportunities, offering its students a comprehensive perspective of medical care. READ MORE > |
• CCNM studies the connection between naturopathic medicine and traditional aboriginal health practices. READ MORE >
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Many standard medical schools are now beginning to include CAM discussions and offer CAM electives. As of 2008, eight such universities are going so far as to require medical students to take part in a 250-hour integrated medical curriculum (Nutrition Business Journal, Nov. 2008). While these graduates will obviously not be qualified to practice acupuncture or naturopathic medicine, the hope is that this coursework will familiarize them with the different modalities, better preparing them to collaborate with NDs and other CAM providers and to work knowledgably with patients who seek complementary care.
Meanwhile, beyond campus walls, the rest of the natural health world has been advancing as well. Read Top 10 CAM News Stories 2008 (sidebar).
New Health Care Plan Highlights
A demonstrated ability and willingness to listen was a cornerstone of Obama’s presidential campaign. And his health care mobilization effort is following suit, utilizing online videos, public conference calls and interactive Web forms to gather public input. Already, several thousand people have reportedly submitted their requests for health care reform.
What can we expect from the new administration in terms of health care advancement? The Obama-Biden plan has committed to supporting scientific research, disease prevention and the required coverage of preventive services, beginning with an anticipated expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which covers children in uninsured families.
Find out how to submit your ideas to the new administration and read more highlights of the Obama-Biden health care plan. HIGHLIGHTS >
Your Questions Answered: Prerequisites?
Q: I am a new college student with a chemistry major and psychology minor, and I am very interested in attending graduate school with the goal of becoming a ND. Am I preparing myself adequately? What academic prerequisites are required to enter naturopathic medical school?
A: Yes, you are off to strong start! Having a solid science major such as chemistry should academically prepare you for entry into one of the accredited ND schools. Upon entering medical school, the typical ND student has earned a bachelor of science degree … For the full response, READ YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED >
And please keep the good questions coming!
E-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org.
Next Up: Food as medicine
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." – Thomas Edison
Top 10 CAM News Stories 2008
By Patty Bates-Ballard
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