Issue 4, December 2005

Editor's Note - Any more questions? >>

Your questions answered >>

• What about online degree programs?

AANMC interviews more top NDs >>

• Merging medicine with motherhood in unlicensed
  New York
  Sharon Stills, ND, LMT
• Practicing "family" in all areas of life
  Tara Levy, ND

Future Issues >>

Editor's Note - Any More Questions?

An inquisitive group of readers you are! Thanks for voicing your questions - about an ND education, profession and lifestyle. To share some of my answers with everyone, I'm devoting a new column to address your curiosities and concerns. Look for the new column "Your Questions Answered" in upcoming e-newsletters and on our Web site. And please - keep sending me your questions! E-mail Coquina Deger at editor@aanmc.org.

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

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Your Questions Answered

Today's question:
What about online degree programs?

Q: I was wondering if there's a significant difference in getting an ND degree from a 4-year school versus an online program that is also accredited? I noticed that the AANMC does not accredit any online programs. Is there a particular reason why? If I were to do an accredited online program, would I have a hard time getting a job as an ND?

A: Good observation. Yes, you are right - AANMC does NOT recognize any online degree programs. And yes, there is a very particular reason why: Physicians carry an awesome responsibility, and must be trained accordingly. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, and any mistakes that they make can have major repercussions for their patients. A physician's education and training must adequately qualify them for this role.

AANMC believes that becoming a naturopathic physician is not something that can adequately be accomplished through an online or correspondence course. It is a major undertaking requiring years of academic preparation and hands-on clinical experience. Naturopathic medical students study the same core medical sciences as MD students.

Read more about the world of naturopathic medicine, as it applies to AANMC school requirements, accreditation, and the implications for your career as a practicing ND. See the full answer >>

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AANMC interviews more top NDs

More in our ongoing series to give you a look inside the real lives and practices of just a few successful naturopathic doctors ...

1. Merging medicine with motherhood in unlicensed
   New York
   Sharon Stills, ND, LMT
   Dr. Sharon Stills is a self-proclaimed "pioneer" - bringing naturopathic medicine to unlicensed New York, and doing it as a single parent. Earning a naturopathic medicine degree (from SCNM), blazing a trail in largely uncharted territory and opening her own solo practice while raising two teen-aged sons may sound daunting, but Dr. Stills never had to compromise her passion for medicine or motherhood - she just used a little creativity. Read the interview >>
2. Practicing "family" in all areas of life
   Tara Levy, ND
   For Dr. Tara Levy, the definition of success can be summed up in two words: family and balance. After graduating from Bastyr University, Levy found a successful way to balance raising her infant son, starting a practice, and joining the family of California naturopathic doctors in their efforts to change licensure laws. Read her secrets for creating "family" in all areas of her life, and sustaining them all with grace. Read the interview >>
   

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Future Issues

More ahead. What to expect next issue:

• More of your questions answered.
• More about the world of naturopathic medicine:
  Who are NDs' patients?
• AANMC profiles more of North America's top NDs.

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