In This Issue…
Editor's Note: From the Ox to the Tiger
With 2009 behind us, and soon the Chinese Year of the Ox as well, I’m inspired to take inventory. From my vantage point, the world of natural health and naturopathic medical education has remained true to those attributes that characterize the ox: dependability and responsibility, loyalty and patience, organization and a sharp eye for detail. These traits have propelled the ND schools and the profession along a swift yet steady course of growth over the past 12 months, as you’ll find in ND School Milestones and Top 10 CAM News Stories.
So what can we expect in 2010, the Chinese Year of the Tiger (beginning on Feb. 14)? Here’s my personal forecast for the seven ND schools: You’ll see a year of fierce and committed follow-through on those endeavors put into motion in ’09. You'll see the schools take a wise and healthful approach to the newly resulting increase in activity. And if it’s done in typical Tiger style, then you'll see a vigorous year indeed: a year of passion and enthusiasm, with an underlying cord of honesty and stability, modesty and confidence. Courageous yet yielding – and full of challenges!
Speaking of challenges…have you committed to any New Year’s resolutions? To advancing your career, expanding your knowledge, strengthening your health? I’d like to share with you a special New Year’s ritual from one of my favorite NDs, Dr. Margaret Philhower: She and her community performed an art- and sugar-burning ritual on New Year’s Eve! Read Dr. Philhower’s blog about her blazing experience, both healthful and spiritual.
May the coming year be one of passion and enthusiasm for each of you. And may you find plenty of tiger-like courage with which to fulfill your own resolutions!
To your health and to your future,
Coquina Deger
Managing Editor, AANMC BACK TO TOP ^
ND School Milestones 2009
Distinguished by ox-like leadership traits, a strong work ethic and a creative flare, our seven ND schools have known no obstacle too big in 2009. It’s been a year of expansion, improvement and accomplishment.
Program landmarks:
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NUHS awards first ND diplomas as an AANMC-member school. READ MORE >
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CCNM strengthens curriculum and clinical education for early students. READ MORE >
Campus expansion:
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Bastyr begins construction on new eco-friendly student housing. READ MORE >
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SCNM acquires new clinic and natural pharmacy facility. READ MORE >
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NCNM opens Portland’s largest naturopathic medicine clinic. READ MORE >
Pivotal leadership:
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Boucher Institute names new president and executive director Alexander Cortina. READ MORE >
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UBCNM NDs supervise specialized medical shifts for students. READ MORE >
These recent achievements of the AANMC-member schools both reflect and support the ongoing trend in North America toward natural medical solutions. The schools and the people involved with them have made an invaluable footprint on our future. Read MILESTONES 2009 >
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Top 10 CAM News Stories 2009
Naturopathic medicine continues to provide valuable resources and options to patients, as indicated by the field’s important contributions over the past year. (See sidebar)
The top 10 news highlights from the world of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) include: a public focus on natural flu-prevention strategies; expanded ND prescription authority in Canada; and several proven natural treatments related to cancer, autism, back pain, depression and anxiety. READ TOP 10 CAM NEWS 2009 >
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Your Questions Answered:
NDs prescribing synthetics?
Q: I just read about the new Oregon law allowing NDs to prescribe synthetic medications. Doesn't this go against naturopathic philosophies and practices? Why would NDs want to use synthetics?
A: Although NDs prefer a natural approach, there are some situations that call for synthetic prescriptions. And although Oregon – and now some Canadian – NDs will now be able to prescribe synthetics, that does not mean that they will. In other states where NDs have prescribing authority, some choose never to use that option. To learn more, READ YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED >
And please keep the good questions coming!
E-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org. BACK TO TOP ^
Next Up: Curriculum comparison
Do your research before you become a student! When selecting an ND med school program, be sure you’re choosing an education that will prepare you to become the kind of doctor you want to be!
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