The expression “beautiful BC” is more than just a saying. According to The Economist, Vancouver rates as the 3rd most liveable city in the world after Melbourne and Vienna. Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Campus (CCNM – Boucher Campus) is situated in this ideal environment.
To study at Boucher is more than an academic experience; it is life changing. With world-class cultural attractions and the mountains or the ocean a city bus ride away, students have the opportunity to relax and experience an educational program that changes outlooks and opens doors to opportunity.
A Close Community
For us, the power of our program lies in our small cohort sizes. This gives students the opportunity to interact with classmates and educators on a personal level. The collaboration among peers and ready access to faculty provides a strong support system. At Boucher, students acquire the skills to become the best naturopathic doctor they can be.
Outstanding Achievement
Boucher graduates have consistently beaten the average scores on the NPLEX licensing exams because they have a focused and supportive atmosphere in which to learn. After graduation, many stay in BC to take advantage of the wide scope of practice opportunities – one of the best options in Canada.
One-on-One Mentorship
During this time of transition, Boucher supports students through the LINC Collaborative: Leading Innovation in the Naturopathic Community. This mentorship program is intended to assist students in effectively transitioning from full-time studies into professional practice by pairing them with established naturopathic doctors. The mentor and mentee engage in a reciprocal relationship designed to benefit both parties.
For the student being mentored, this program provides an opportunity to receive guidance, support, ideas and advice from a practicing naturopathic physician who is excited to share his/her knowledge and wisdom about the profession. For mentors, this is an opportunity to receive support—in an area of their choosing—as a benefit to their clinical practice. It is also an opportunity to offer expertise and help develop a graduating student’s professional and personal growth.
Success Stories
Since the implementation of the LINC program, we’ve seen great outcomes with both mentors and those mentored. CCNM – Boucher Campus graduate Tasneem Pirani-Sheriff says, “From my personal experience, being paired with a mentor has brought back that sense of community that held such appeal to me before I entered CCNM – Boucher Campus. It has provided me with a sounding board to share my thoughts, my ideas and my questions with a peer who is well established in practice, has the familiarity of business concepts required in all clinics, and the general wisdom of what’s needed to succeed in the profession.
“The accredited colleges provide an excellent foundation for future NDs. However, as much as we learn in school, there are many unknowns. These include understanding the nuances of contracts, sorting and prioritizing start-up procedures, addressing administrative requisites, ensuring you consider local zoning and business policies, and so much more. To have a mentor who is there specifically for you is priceless.”
Boucher’s Philosophy
We believe that although scientific research is an integral part of naturopathic medicine, we must remain true to the roots of the medicine. We believe in integrative medicine, but our doctors know that they are naturopathic at heart because developing a truly sustainable medicine for a sustainable world is what makes us strong and represents the medicine of the future.
We plan to remain at the forefront as we continue to develop an educational model that challenges and excites students to help them become the naturopathic doctors that they truly want to be.
To keep up with the latest news on Boucher’s offerings and other noteworthy developments, visit CCNM – Boucher Campus.org.
