Whew, where did 2012 go? And was yours as busy as the AANMC’s? Our colleges have been working diligently all year to expand the reach of naturopathic medicine in many ways. After all, the more people who experience the benefits of naturopathic medicine, the more NDs are needed to be their doctors!
The ND colleges have made strong advancements in all three pillars of naturopathic medical education: clinical training, naturopathic research and academic/campus facilities. Everything our schools have accomplished over the past year to meet the (rapidly!) growing demand for naturopathic care just might amaze you.
Teaching Clinics Reach New Patient Populations with Specialized Care
Located in an historic house across the street from UB Clinics, the Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine (COE) provides students with educational opportunities in epigenetics, nutrigenomics, cutting-edge research and patient care shifts supervised by world-renowned naturopathic physician Peter D’Adamo. Generative medicine is an exciting new naturopathic specialty that uses systems biology and bioinformatics to understand the complex behaviors of health and disease and to identify the body’s self-healing processes. Current students have the opportunity to apply for the COE’s Pathfinder Scholarship, and Dr. D’Adamo himself mentors the ND student participants in research and special projects throughout their four years of study.
CCNM’s Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC) now offers a specialty clinic shift designed to help patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia — both among the top 10 conditions treated by NDs in the U.S. and Canada. Fourth-year interns, lead by Louise Shaw, BSc, ND, have the opportunity to provide patients with individualized, holistic healing approaches to these often debilitating conditions. The diagnostic procedures students learn range from food allergy testing and stool analysis to various hormone panels; the treatment protocols they administer include botanical, homeopathic, Asian and mind/body medicine. (Read more in an article by the Toronto Star.)
Naturopathic Colleges’ Research Activity Attracts Major Interest and Support
In 2012, NCNM received numerous grants for the renovation of the Helfgott Research Institute and Community Education Center, including a $220,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the largest grant the school has ever received from a private charitable foundation. NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute’s mission is to advance the art and science of natural medicine through the development of rigorous research studies and student education. The expansion of this institute, as well as of NCNM’s campus in general, reflects the urgent demand in today’s society for preventive, natural health care options.
Bastyr University received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to conduct clinical trials with cancer patients using a turkey tail mushroom extract. Researchers believe turkey tail, long used in traditional Chinese medicine, has potent immune system-boosting powers that can help cancer patients to better withstand chemotherapy. Clinical trials are the next step in a groundbreaking collaboration between Bastyr and the University of Washington, funded by a $5.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The multi-year investigation is also generating funding and training for Bastyr student researchers.
And Even More Growth on Campuses …
An energetic class of 48 students inaugurated Bastyr University California’s first quarter, exceeding the University’s goals for its first class size. The quarter began with a rousing grand opening attended by Bastyr founders, faculty, students and friends from San Diego’s medical community. One student reflected on the passionate, entrepreneurial spirit of her class and helped film an award-winning video about the campus. Also celebrated was the opening of Bastyr University Clinic, a new teaching clinic offering comprehensive health care to the public.
Boucher’s notable achievement in 2012 was the expansion of its campus facilities to include new classrooms and resource rooms, as well as space for the future enlargement of the library and additional office space. Most importantly, this increased space has allowed Boucher to welcome its first ever January-entrance class, who will help meet the growing demand for NDs in North America. This new class, which will graduate in 2016, proudly begins the next chapter in the growth and expansion of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Campus.
The next phase of Sonoran University’s campus expansion will include multi-media classrooms, an expanded library, a café, a teaching kitchen, a naturopathic pain/rehabilitation center and an exercise facility. Also included will be a new compounding pharmacy, which will offer a full-time pharmacist, consultations, and some over-the-counter prescriptions. The addition will enhance the Sonoran University experience for students, staff, faculty and patients by diversifying medical center patient services, offering dining and fitness amenities to everyone who works or studies at the college, and engaging the general public in community education.
Naturopathic students, physicians and leaders from across North America gathered at NUHS in November for the 2012 Naturopathic Gathering. NUHS was proud to be chosen to host the event, especially as the newest accredited ND school, and the only one in the Midwest. The annual weekend allowed ND students to learn from “elders” within the profession, as well as network with each other. At the event, inspiring speakers and group discussions alternated with yoga, drumming and social festivities, providing an unforgettable and nourishing experience for all. Student organizers worked mindfully to keep the event green and sustainable.
Want to be part of the sweeping movement that is naturopathic medical education? Take your first step to becoming a naturopathic doctor today: Apply to the ND school of your choice.
View our archives to track the growth and progress of the accredited ND schools over past few years.
Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2011
Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2010
Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2009
Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2008
Naturopathic Medical School Milestones 2007
Author Shana Schorsch is a freelance copy editor and ghostwriter based in Seattle, Wash. She works with both print and online articles, as well as books, covering a wide variety of topics, from naturopathic medicine to sustainable sushi to classic cars.