Developing Patient Diversity for our Students
Being hands-on is an important part of the Naturopathic Doctors Training process here at Boucher, and patient diversity is also what makes our training
unique. That is why, in addition to our onsite teaching clinic, our student clinicians have the opportunity to operate out of our four external community clinics across BC.
Our external teaching sites enable students the opportunity to gain experience treating different patient groups while speaking to Boucher’s commitment to serving communities in need by offering quality, patient centered care and support to individuals who may not be able to access our services otherwise. Health education, wellness focused health promotion, chronic disease management, and primary naturopathic care are just a few ways our practitioners make a difference.
Discover the uniqueness of Boucher External Community Clinics:
Vancouver Friends for Life Society (FFL)
Focusing on a holistic approach to healing, the not for profit FFL offers a diverse range of programs and services free of charge to people living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life threatening illnesses. FFL provides services to over 1500 members through more than 60 programs. Naturopathic treatments include Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, vitamin supplements, homeopathy, lab testing, and basic injection therapies (B12 shots).
Family Naturopathic Clinic (FNC)
Under the umbrella of the Victoria-based Acacia Integrated Health Clinic, FNC is a joint project between the Young Parents Support Network, Acacia Integrative Health, Dr. Amy Gilchrist ND, Dr. Kristin Schnurr ND, and the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic. FNC provides a range of naturopathic health care services free of charge to low income families with young parents, and is the only one of its kind in Canada.
Positive Living BC
With more than 4800 HIV positive members, PLBC is Western Canada’s largest AIDS service organization that is dedicated to empowering people living with HIV/AIDS. PLBC provides its members with support and advocacy services, as well as treatment information. PLBC’s naturopathic clinic offers members one-on-one sessions with supervised student clinicians free of charge. Naturopathic services occupy 3 rooms, and include Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, vitamin supplements, and basic injection therapies (B12 shots).
Katzie First Nation Health Clinic
Katzie First Nations is dedicated to upholding the values and traditions of the Katzie Nation. They offer a wide variety of services to their membership with a keen interest in promoting long term health and well being. Thanks to its partnership with the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic, Katzie is able to offer its members free one-on-one naturopathic medical care. Services provided include Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, clinical nutrition, vitamin supplementation, soft tissue massage, orthopedic manipulations, and basic injection therapies (B12 shots), with lab testing available if needed.
Making Graduate’s First Step into NDs Community Easier Thanks to LINC Program
Once graduated, Boucher assists new NDs transitioning into professional practice with a one of a kind mentorship program across CNME-accredited schools called LINC Leading Innovation in the Naturopathic Community.
LINC is a unique mentorship opportunity for established NDs to offer expertise and support for a graduating student’s professional and personal growth. Connecting with new NDs offers new grads support in terms of fulfillment, human contact and exchange. This program is also greatly appreciated by Boucher recent graduates with students expressing how grateful they are for this program which allows them to build relationships with NDs immediately upon graduation. This is a wonderful resource for all graduates including those that are interested in opening their own practice or becoming part of an existing clinic.
All graduates have access to this program. Since communication between mentor and mentee is often conducted via email, Skype or Facetime, graduates can participate from virtually anywhere. To date 44 ND Mentors have taken part in the program, which has doubled in size since its inception, one and a half years ago.
If you are a CCNM – Boucher Campus graduate interested in becoming a mentor, please contact alumni@CCNM – Boucher Campus.org
