Issue 5, March 2006

Naturopathic Medicine Events - Make plans now >>

Your Questions Answered - What about advanced standing? >>

Editor's Note - Naturopathic medicine gaining attention
in New York >>

Naturopathic Medicine Events - Make plans now

Explore your career options. Meet people in the profession .

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Your Questions Answered

Today's question:
What about advanced standing?

Q: I am a licensed doctor of osteopathy (DO), board certified in Family Practice (FP), and living and practicing in Washington state. I am interested in attending an AANMC approved college for a ND degree. How long is the course of study for a degreed medical professional? And what does it entail?

A: Thanks for writing, and you're not alone! I receive many questions from health care practitioners such as yourself - other osteopaths, chiropractors and medical doctors, as well as acupuncturists and nurses - seeking to expand their knowledge and their practice with a degree in naturopathic medicine. And many are eligible for advanced standing credit upon entering any of the AANMC-member schools.

The type and amount of advanced standing will depend upon what type of medical degree you have (MD, DO, DC), and on what college you attended. Advanced standing for students who hold one of these medical degrees can vary. You may have as little as 2 1/2 years to as much as 3 1/2 years.

My suggestion is for you to contact the individual schools directly. An admissions advisor will be able to review your qualifications in lieu of their school's criteria, and let you know just where you stand.

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

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Editor's Note - Naturopathic medicine gaining attention in New York

From patient to politician, people in New York are talking about natural medicine.  And their voices are being heard.

Many anticipate that New York may soon join the growing list of states and provinces which license NDs. History was made on January 24, 2006, in the effort to license NDs in New York state. The Senate bill for naturopathic licensing was passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee on to the Senate floor.
Learn more from our Legislative Spotlight on NY >>

And The New York Times has taken an in-depth look at the emerging trend of alternative medicine in part 12 of their "Being a Patient" series. The article, "When Trust in Doctors Erodes, Other Treatments Fill the Void," examines the factors that bring people to visit naturopathic doctors, from the patients' perspective.
Read an excerpt >>

What's going on in your state or province? If you're involved in or have heard of positive experiences in your corner of the world, wherever that may be, please write to me. I'm eager to hear your story and to share it with others.

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

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