Issue 11, January 2007

Editor's Note – what a year! >>  

Nat. med school milestones 2006 – a year of progress >>  

Attend CAM Expo East 2007 >>  

Your Questions Answered – How can I serve those who need it the most? >> 

Editor’s Note – What a Year! What did you do in 2006? Inquire or apply to a naturopathic medical school maybe? Try asking this question to any of the AANMC colleges and you’re likely to hear an impressive answer. Year 2006 undoubtedly marked a year of progress for the naturopathic medical schools, without exception. Below you’ll read about just a few of the many contributions to the world of naturopathic medicine that the AANMC schools have made during the last year. If you’d like to learn of more about what else these schools have been up to in year 2006, or have on their agenda for year 2007, just ask an admissions advisor at any of the schools. To your health and your future, Coquina Deger Managing Editor, AANMC  Top of page

Naturopathic Medical School Milestones
2006 – A Year of Progress

Year 2006 was a year of openings and advancements in naturopathic medicine. A plethora of new facilities combined with a growing respect for naturopathic medicine by major institutions bodes well for those considering the study of naturopathic medicine.

Here’s what the ND schools of North America have been up to in the last year:

NCNM celebrates 50th anniversary, instrumental in ND degree elevation advocacy.
The National College of Naturopathic Medicine celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 28, 2006. Also in year 2006, NCNM president Dr. William Keppler worked to secure Carnegie Commission backing for an elevation of the ND degree to equal status with that of MD. Since the Carnegie Commission plays a key role in advising the U.S. Department of Education, the ND reclassification appears likely in 2007. Look for a dramatic increase in prominence and respect for the profession as a result. Read more.

Boucher opens new campus.
The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, Western Canada's only four-year, initially approved college of naturopathic medicine, opened a New Westminster, Vancouver campus on April 29, 2006. With over 20,000 square feet of contiguous newly renovated space, the facility offers its students modern classrooms, expanded library facilities, teaching labs, an expanded teaching clinic, administrative offices and student activities. Read more.

U Bridgeport College of NM accredited.
University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine became the fifth North American accredited naturopathic medical school in March 2006, following a five-year candidacy status. Accreditation means that the college meets appropriate study program, faculty, research, resource and service standards, and allows graduates eligibility to sit for national licensing examinations. Read more.

Bastyr opens state of the art teaching clinic.
Bastyr University’s Center for Natural Health teaching clinic re-opened on February 22, 2006, just seven blocks from its previous site. The new 40-room clinic features larger and more comfortable patient areas and many green building elements that reduce its environmental footprint. Other patient comforts include therapeutic water art, dramatic lighting and tranquil, inviting colors. Students at Bastyr will gain valuable experience participating in the 35,000+ patient visits per year to this elegant state-of-the-art healing environment. Read more.  

CCNM opens chronic pain / sports medicine clinic.
A new clinic specializing in complementary and alternative treatment for chronic pain and sports-related injuries opened in June 2006 at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). CCNM’s Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC) now houses the Pain Management and Sports Medicine Clinic, where fourth-year naturopathic medical interns approach patients’ pain from both Western and naturopathic medical perspectives. Read more.

Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center undergoes renovation.
Over summer break 2006, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine greatly expanded their clinic to better cater to patients, students and doctors. Some of the patient facilities include a new hydrotherapy suite, an expanded IV center with advanced treatment options, and an expanded medicinary with an increased product line. In addition to these patient comforts and expansions, SCNM also added more classrooms at their clinic, to facilitate enhanced student instruction. Read more. 

Good timing
The growing awareness that non-intrusive interventions can positively impact so many health conditions is attracting more and more prospective health care providers to naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medical colleges are responding with high quality programs, state of the art facilities, and inspiring research opportunities. The general public is recognizing this synergy in exciting ways that will make naturopathic medicine easier than ever to practice.

There may never have been a better time to contact one of the colleges of naturopathic medicine to schedule a visit! Request information here.

By Patty Bates-Ballard

Attend CAMEXPO East 2007

The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Conference CAMEXPO East returns to New York City this winter:

Marriott Marquis
New York City, NY
February 8-10, 2007

The conference program will feature the latest trends, research, clinical trials and protocols in the field of complementary, alternative and integrative healthcare presented by the leading experts in their respective fields. It’s also an opportunity to earn CME credit hours. And you’ll find a host of natural products vendors on display offering product samples and information. Look for our AANMC booth.
Register online or call 972.620.3014.
Enter the promo code #9992 to receive 15% AANMC discount.

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Your Questions Answered

Today's question:
How can I serve those who need it the most?

Q: I've noticed that people often begin training for the medical profession with high aims, which end up buried under a deluge of financial concerns. I understand that medical school is expensive, that students have to work to recover the money that they've spent on their education, but I don't want to end up thinking that way. I want to become a doctor, but only if I am able to serve the needs of those who need medical care the most but have least access to it – the poor.

How will obtaining an ND degree allow me to meet this aim? How have other students reached similar goals in the past?

A: You make a good observation and bring up a valid concern. The paths to wealth and/or giving back are different for every ND graduate, depending on their own choices and values. Certainly some of our alumni do go on to operate thriving and financially lucrative practices, charging higher fees by treating wealthy and/or well-insured clientele. However I've encountered plenty of other alum who’ve chosen to dedicate themselves to serving those lower-income patients who need help most, just as you plan to do.  

For the expanded answer and a couple of real-life examples, please read Your Questions Answered column.

And please, keep sending me your questions!
E-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org.