In This Issue…
Editor's Note: Love what you do
Thanks for your e-mails and survey responses! Many of you are enjoying the Naturopathic Medicine Informational Forums, getting some important career questions answered and finding common connections with other prospective students. One of my favorite responses, perhaps because it rings sotrue, is from Kathi-Rose Crawford, who shares her favorite part of the day’s events:
“The enthusiasm of the presenters. They obviously love what they do and are happy with their given choice [of profession] which is a joy to experience (Dr. Marnie Loomis for instance ;-). I enjoyed hearing from the various students and their experiences.”
Kathi-Rose’s observation about naturopathic doctors (NDs) loving what they do is spot on! When we surveyed over 500 NDs a few years ago, an overwhelming 98 percent of them reported satisfaction with their naturopathic medical career. But beyond satisfaction, 78 percent said they were not only satisfied with their work, but that they actually loved it!
You can browse the full survey results in our past article What kind of doctor do you want to be? Or take a look into the lives of naturopathic medical students, faculty and doctors in our Mind of a Doctor video.
What about you? Do you know why you get up in the morning? Can you articulate it? Being able to do so might be even more valuable than you realize. According to Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zone: Lessons for living longer from the people who’ve lived the longest, a sense of purpose is one key to a life of wellness and longevity. Buettner’s research sheds light on some lifestyle trends of centenarians around the globe. One common thread among these healthy, elderly people is a strong sense of purpose – what the Okinawans call ikigai, and what the Nicoyans call plan de vida. Turns out that feeling needed, contributing to a greater good and helping others all add years to your life … not to mention life to your years.
To your health and your future,
Coquina Deger
Managing Editor, AANMC
Now Playing:
Do you have the mind of a doctor video
Fall Forums: Last stops this year
If you haven’t joined us yet, don’t delay. We’ve only got three cities left to visit:
· In the South: MIAMI, Florida – This Saturday, Nov. 1st
· On the East Coast: NEW YORK CITY, New York - Saturday, Nov. 8th
· On the West Coast: LOS ANGELES, California - Saturday, Nov. 15th
Make your travel plans and register today >>
Do you know others who share your interest in naturopathic medical education? Feel free to forward this e-newsletter, or simply send them this link to AANMC’s forum schedules: www.aanmc.org/Register.
Updates for our Event Attendees:
Highlights & prizes
Congrats to our two prize winners: Kathi-Rose Crawford, LC, and Diana Morehead! I hope you’re both making the most of your Barnes & Noble gift certificates! We appreciate receiving your thank-you notes …
Your Questions Answered:
Enrollment growth in the ND schools
Q: What are some statistics on enrollment in the accredited naturopathic colleges this year versus five years ago?
A: Enrollment at the naturopathic medical schools in North America has grown significantly over the past five years. From the 2002–03 academic year to that of 2007–08, first-year student enrollment has jumped from 265 to 507 – a 91 percent increase!
Want to know more facts? Read Your Questions Answered.
And please keep the good questions coming!
E-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org.

