Issue 1, May 2005:

What kind of doctor do you want to be? >>

• NEW! Survey results released.

Good News >>

• Idaho becomes next state to license NDs.
• U.S. extends federal loan limits for ND students.

Editor's Note >>

Future Issues >>

• AANMC profiles North America's top NDs.
• More about the impact of the U.S. federal student loan extension.

Thinking about becoming a naturopathic doctor?

Curious about whether this career will allow you to go beyond prescriptions and surgery to discover and alleviate the source of illness? We can help you find out.

We recently surveyed 583 naturopathic doctors (NDs) – about 19% of those currently practicing across North America – and consulted external industry sources on several key issues. We'd like to give you a glimpse into the naturopathic medical profession.
Here's what we found out ...

1. Income expectations: 71% of NDs report income satisfaction.
   View graph: Income satisfaction and years in practice >>
2. Career satisfaction: 98% report satisfaction with their naturopathic medical career.
   View graph: Naturopathic doctor job satisfaction rates >>
3. Top 10 conditions treated:
   #1 - fatigue (63%)
   #2 - menstruation and hormonal issues (62%)
   #3 - allergies (41%)
   View graph: Top 10 conditions treated by naturopathic medicine >>
4. State licensure: About 2,500 NDs currently practice in licensed states and provinces, and hundreds are operating thriving practices in unlicensed states and provinces.
   View list: The licensed states and provinces >>
5. Growth of the profession: Many new practitioners are choosing to work in multi-disciplinary clinics or in clinics with other NDs.
   View graph: Type of practice and years in practice >>
6. The 6 accredited naturopathic medical colleges: Only graduates from the 6 AANMC schools earn an accredited and licensable doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine.
   Learn more about the 6 colleges >>

Read the full article online by Patty Bates-Ballard.

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Good News

Idaho becomes next state to license NDs.

April 12, 2005 - Idaho's governor has now signed the Idaho Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Act (INPLA). The act, which will go into effect July 1, 2005, will regulate naturopathic physicians in the state, adding to the procedures that NDs can currently practice in Idaho. The law will ultimately give the people of Idaho more options in their health care.
Find out more and read the bill >>

U.S. Dept. of Education extends federal loan limits for ND students.

April 2, 2005 - Effective immediately, ND students of accredited colleges (AANMC-member schools) in the U. S. are now eligible to borrow up to $28,500 in Stafford student loans for a 9-month (3-quarter) academic year. This represents a $10,000 increase over the current graduate student loan limit.

Learn more about how this extended loan program will benefit ND students, along with the underlying, widespread significance of such a legislative decision. Look for more details in issue #2 of our e-newsletter next month.

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Editor's Note

If you've received this e-newsletter, we know that you have expressed the desire to learn more about a career in naturopathic medicine. We hope to address your unanswered career questions and ultimately to help you make well-informed career choices.

And if we don't address your specific questions, write us. We want to hear from you! Please e-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org.

If someone forwarded this e-newsletter to you,
sign up now to receive your own free issue.

To your health and your future,
Coquina Deger
Managing Editor, AANMC

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Future Issues

More news ahead to help you clarify and achieve your goals! Look forward to our next issue:

Extended federal education loan limits: What it means for incoming ND students, fall 2005.

Spotlight on the top NDs of North America:

• NDs in the unlicensed states: What are they doing, and how are they doing it?
• Doctors have families too: How practicing docs are finding a balance.
• NDs and school loan repayment: A record of excellence.