Bastyr University(January 2008) - The year 2007 brought expanded opportunities for research and clinical access to naturopathic medical schools, as well as expanded perspectives for naturopathic medical students. Also in 2007, a federal government agency partnered with an ND school in a study to demonstrate the efficacy of naturopathic medicine. It’s clearly a great time to enter the field!
Here’s just a snapshot of what each of the AANMC-member schools have been up to:
CCNM's postal worker study advances acceptance of natural medicine in Canada.
In 2007, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) partnered with the Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to conduct a study of low back pain treatment using naturopathic medicine. Seeking to mitigate workplace absenteeism, low productivity and other health-related costs for postal workers, the study demonstrated improved physical functioning and spine flexibility, as well as decreased disability, pain and use of over-the-counter painkillers. This partnership between an ND school and a federal government agency is expected to have a significantly positive impact on mainstream acceptance of natural medicine in Canada. Learn more.
Boucher Institute announces part-time student course schedule.
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) – the newest of the AANMC schools – announced a unique, part-time, ND student course schedule. The group will begin meeting on evenings and Saturdays in 2009. This offering answers a growing demand from established health care professionals and other qualified individuals who seek to further advance their career. BINM accepts just 36 new students per year – the smallest class size intake in North America – and is committed to maintaining high-quality, student-faculty interaction and mentoring. Read more.
SCNM children’s clinic offers free, quality health care for underserved families.
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) opened its newly renovated children’s clinic in September 2007. SCNM’s naturopathic medical students gain extensive pediatric training through rotations at Hamilton Elementary Medical Clinic in South Phoenix. The extensive and colorful renovations at Hamilton Clinic have allowed SCNM doctors and student clinicians to increase the level and availability of medical care, ultimately improving the free quality health care available to underserved families. Learn more.
Bastyr University Research Center establishes multiple new programs.
The year 2007 marked a major turning point for the Bastyr University Research Center, bringing an increase in NIH funding, revitalized areas of focus and groundbreaking new research opportunities for faculty and students. The newly established areas of focus include: healthy aging, pediatrics, immune health, herbal medicine, diabetes and obesity. The Research Center also recently received funding for two significant studies: one that evaluates the use of Echinacea for children’s colds, and one on using a medicinal mushroom extract for treating breast cancer. Learn more.
NCNM launches expanded green initiative.
The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) sent a student and staff contingent to San Francisco’s Green Festival in November 2007. During the event, an environmental disaster occurred: a ship spilled 58,000 gallons of oil in San Francisco Bay, heightening the group’s focus on the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Upon return to campus, NCNM participants launched an initiative to identify priorities to position their college as a leading green natural health school. Learn more.
UBCNM advocates licensing in the Northeast.
In February 2007, students from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM) volunteered at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium (IHS, formerly CAMEXPO). College faculty and administrators attended as well. Representatives of various groups within the college community participated in the New York Lobby Day in pursuance of naturopathic licensing for New York State, and some worked with the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians throughout the legislative session to support the effort. Read up on the current licensure effort in New York.Learn more about attending the upcoming IHS running Jan. 17-19, 2008.
A good time to become a doctor
According to Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), “…our country faces a serious shortage of doctors." Experts believe that our current soft economy helps attract students to study medicine, since medicine is considered to be more recession-proof than other fields. Many agree. "The buzz right now is health care," said Jamie Rehmann, director of admission for the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Iowa. In addition to opportunity, many students are drawn to the altruistic aspects of medicine. "Millennial students ... want to help others. They feel they can improve society, and what better way to do that than medicine?" asked Carol Elam, EdD, associate dean for admissions at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Yes, it’s a good time to become a doctor. Source: American Medical News, Nov. 5, 2007.
Beyond what the ND schools have been up to, 2007 has been a significant year of progress in the world of naturopathic, complementary and alternative medicine. Read CAM News Highlights – 2007.
You can also check our archives to see what the six ND schools were up to one year ago. View issue #11: “Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2006 – A Year of Progress."
Take your first step to becoming a doctor today. Request information from the ND school of your choice.
Author Patty Bates-Ballard is a mother, freelance writer and owner of WordSmooth. Patty's articles have appeared on the Environmental News Network and in Environmental Design + Construction magazine. She has guest lectured at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Sherman's Austin College and El Centro College in Dallas. She works from her home in Dallas, Texas, where she raises her sons, Kory and Kaden.
