The University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine is the only school on the eastern seaboard in the United States. As one of the many programs within the College of Health Sciences, the School integrates their clinic facilities with the School of Chiropractic and the Acupuncture Institute. The academic components of the naturopathic program are combined with other health science programs as well as other University departments. Some of the faculty members in the School of Naturopathic Medicine participate in collaborative research efforts with multiple programs, providing our students opportunities to grow their knowledge and skills with students and faculty in other disciplines.
UBSNM students have a broad range of clinical opportunities, working with community members in assisted living facilities, centers of those struggling with addictions, YMCA residential facilities, families and staff at a local elementary school, and a church affiliated center. And of course, these community clinics are in addition to the on-site UB Clinics.
As we are in the process of a teach-out, we remain strong and vibrant. Students and faculty members are exploring ideas for opportunities that will continue to offer care for patients who currently seek naturopathic services through the no cost community clinics and the reduced cost appointments at the UB Clinics.
The DC Federal Legislative Initiative (FLI) provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn and become involved with the political aspect of the naturopathic profession. Being just a four to five-hour train ride to Washington, DC, the University of Bridgeport is always well-represented at the DC FLI by the School of Naturopathic Medicine students, with nearly 50% of the student body in attendance in one recent year.
Spring break finds many students on the annual Jamaica botanical medicine trip led by UBSNM faculty member Dr. Eugene Zampieron. Dr. “Z” organizes and joins in the wide variety of opportunities that students experience. Local herbs and practices are studied, taught by local healers, bush doctors, Blue Mountain farmers, and the experiential course affords opportunities to observe native medicine in practice. Students hike deep into the rain forests to learn about the plants and medicines of the region. And of course, the trip is not without the firsthand experience of traditional Jamaican food, drumming and dancing, swimming in natural pools and under the Jamaican waterfalls.