Bastyr University(August 25, 2007) - Attended by prospective students across the country, the AANMC Prospective Student Day provided a wonderful opportunity for students considering a career in naturopathic medicine to take a deeper look into the profession and begin making future career plans. One-on-one conversations with admissions advisors gave everyone the opportunity to compare different schools before making that final choice on where to pursue their naturopathic medical education.
Leading doctors and researchers in the field addressed the audience, covering topics at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Notable speakers and topics included:
- Dr. Christine Girard, ND, introduced the audience to the therapeutic order that naturopathic physicians follow, drawing comparisons with other medical professionals such as medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs). She also discussed a range of potential career paths, from research to private or integrated practice, from academia and administration to working for herbal product companies. Read Dr. Girard’s bio.
- Dr. Paul Mittman, ND, DHANP, led the audience ten years into the future, opening up the room for audience participation in a discussion of the most prevalent health concerns facing patients and doctors over the next decade. The group discussion also covered related lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as the role that naturopathic doctors could play in treatment solutions. Dr. Mittman also presented a sampling of current ND course offerings to explain how the therapeutic order, referenced in Dr. Girard’s presentation, is taught to all ND students. Read Dr. Mittman’s bio.
- Dr. Wendy Weber, ND, MPH, took a detailed look at the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies among a specific patient population: pediatrics. She highlighted the findings from a recent pediatric-focused study showing the percentage and type of pediatric patients who are likely to turn to CAM, as well as some CAM treatments commonly used with pediatric patients. Dr. Weber also shared some pediatric case studies from her own practice. Read Dr. Weber’s bio.
- Dr. Carlos Calabrese, ND, MPH, commented on the growth of naturopathic medical research over the past few decades, going back to the time when he began focusing on CAM research. He also described the daily work-life activities of a naturopathic research scientist, specifically how these activities may differ from that of a clinically practicing ND. Read Dr. Calabrese’s bio.
This event was hosted on site at the Association of American Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). Conference, the annual professional conference for naturopathic doctors. The conference gave future students the unique opportunity to attend some of the professional-level seminars for doctors as well.
What about current naturopathic students?
Following on the heels of the national doctors’ conference was the third annual meeting of the Naturopathic Medical Student Association (NMSA). The event drew quite a gathering of ambitious future doctors, eager to make their imprint on the future of health care. More than anything, this student event serves as an opportunity for naturopathic students to come together to share, collaborate and enjoy one another's energy. Students who attend come to know more about the different means of contributing to the naturopathic profession and community, including what their student peers are up to. They also learn ways to develop leadership skills and reach their potential as future doctors!
The NMSA is an active group of naturopathic students with burgeoning interests in many areas of influence: public health, professional development, philosophy of the profession, licensing and government affairs, and leadership. To learn more about this student group and their interests and activities, view their recent conference agenda and guest speakers.
View schedule and locations of upcoming AANMC Naturopathic Medicine Informational Forums.