Defeating Depression: A Holistic Approach

by | Oct 28, 2020

Join the AANMC and Dr. Christina Bjorndal for an informative webinar covering her personal and professional experience working with depression. Dr. Chris has created a unique approach to working with patients struggling with mental health. This framework not only addresses the physical side of health, but emphasizes the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of healing.

Dr. Bjorndal will cover:
– Supporting the neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine systems with diet, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine
– The 10 step framework for maintaining balanced mental health in patients with depression
– Supporting emotional health and understanding their connection to overall wellness
– Practical tools NDs use, including mindfulness, self-compassion and cognitive behavioral therapy
– How NDs observe the emotions hidden behind patient stories

*Webinar does not qualify for CE

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To view the archive of past webinar recordings, please click here.

About the Presenter

Dr. Christina Bjorndal is an authority in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders and eating disorders. Having overcome her own mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and writer who loves to share her philosophy of wellness in interviews with icons like Jenny McCarthy and many more. Dr. Chris has helped many patients achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. She has authored three books on mental health as well as a 10-week course and in-person retreat on mental health. Dr. Bjorndal is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

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*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .

Setting Your Roots as an ND: Tips for Career Success

by | Jul 28, 2020

What’s your next step after graduation? Join the AANMC, Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel – director of medical and scientific affairs for a branded nutritional ingredient marketing firm, Dr. Jason Marr – chair of professional development at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and Tafflyn Williams-Thomas – director of career services at National University of Natural Medicine – for an informative webinar on how to set your roots as an ND.

Here’s what you will learn:
– The importance of mentorship and networking in your career plan
– Recommendations for graduation strategy
– Review of different business strategies (insurance vs. cash, clinical vs. non-clinical practice)
– Tips for success
– How to foster work-life balance

*Webinar does not qualify for CE

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*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .

To view the archive of past webinar recordings, please click here.

About the Presenters

Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel is a best-selling author, international speaker, and the director of medical and scientific affairs for a branded nutritional ingredients marketing firm. She has traveled the world developing strong science, safety and education platforms for patented, natural ingredients. Dr. Shavon maintains a niche client-base in New Jersey, providing personalized wellness care to women struggling with hormonal and metabolic concerns in general, and infertility in particular. To extend her reach, Dr. Shavon has initiated the build-out of proprietary online and on-demand courses that empower people through education and ‘sustainable self-care’ practices. Before entering the business sector, she taught university-level health-science and wellness courses for nearly six years. Dr. Shavon’s professional and personal passions are fueled by her Christian faith and loving relationships.

Tafflyn Williams-Thomas is the director of career services at National University of Natural Medicine. She has over 20 years experience in career and workforce development, and higher education. Her accomplishments include providing leadership to the Portland Design Festivals and Mayor Katz’ Creative Economy Initiative. Ms. Williams-Thomas was part of a Spirit of Portland award-winning team and won a North Star Award for 95.3% placement assistance for college graduates. Her placement background includes working with homeless adults, cognitively disabled individuals, and youth. Ms. Williams-Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Oregon and a Master’s in Business Administration – Healthcare Management from Marylhurst University. She enjoys working with naturopathic doctors and holds the strong belief that everyone should have diverse healthcare options.

Dr. Jason Marr is founder and director of Evoke Integrative Medicine in Vancouver, Canada, Chair of the Professional Development curriculum at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and a business coaching consultant for naturopathic doctors and clinic startups. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Marr’s experience has included medical consultancy for suppliers and political involvement at the student level.

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*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .

Integrative Cancer Care – How NDs Support Patients with Cancer

by | Jun 9, 2020

Over 1.5 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States. More than 80% of cancer patients incorporate natural medicine in their treatment. Join the AANMC and Dr. Rick Bhim to learn about naturopathic approaches to cancer care.

Here’s what will be discussed:
– Defining integrative oncology
– Goals of integrative oncology
– The four pillars of health and how they are related to cancer
– Evidence for the use of natural interventions during conventional cancer care
– Case study of a patient who used an integrative medicine approach to treating cancer

*Webinar does not qualify for CE

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*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .

To view the archive of past webinar recordings, please click here.

About the Presenter

Dr. Rick Bhim is a resident at the CCNM Integrated Cancer Center where he works with oncologists in the greater Toronto area to continuously learn how to better support and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Dr. Bhim received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo with honours. He continued his education at the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine, obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree before moving back to Toronto to complete his doctorate in naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Following his graduation from CCNM, Dr. Bhim was accepted into the Clinical Residency program at the College where he was involved with teaching and clinical duties including supervising fourth-year naturopathic interns in the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. The principles and practices of naturopathic medicine are what drove Dr. Bhim to become a naturopathic doctor. He believes in a holistic approach of care, treats the whole person and appreciates the real connection he is able to make with his patients, while educating and empowering them to achieve their health goals.

 

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*The information you submit in this registration will be used to inform you of updates to this event and will enroll you in the AANMC newsletter. The AANMC values your privacy. Please see how we protect your data in our privacy policy .

Daniella Remy – CCNM ND Student

by | May 14, 2020 | Featured Articles, News, Student Spotlights

Daniella Remy is a second-year naturopathic medical student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). She shares her unique path and why she fell in love with naturopathic medicine.

Why did you choose naturopathic medicine?

Following the completion of her master’s degree in Family Relations and Human Development in Ontario, Daniella moved to France to study at the University of Nice. While in France, she taught English in three elementary schools. Her goal was to engage in language development in five countries over five years to collect data for a PhD thesis on improving ESL programs. In this “whirlwind of experiences” in Europe and Australia, Daniella was involved in research, edited a book, prepared manuals and courses, established a clinic in Austria, helped with an herbal shop in Italy, learned how to make products in Switzerland, sat in on clinic sessions to translate for patients and became involved in the development of an app called ph360. The app uses a person’s anthropometry and health assessment questionnaire to estimate current health and disease trends. It then provides personalized, evidence-based, lifestyle recommendations.

After nearly a decade abroad, Daniella returned to Canada to be closer to family. She continued to work for ph360 but desired to have deeper understanding of medicine. When Daniella’s mother’s breast cancer was successfully treated with integrative cancer care, “the power of naturopathic medicine was truly brought to light,” and she fell in love with the profession.

“Though I wasn’t consciously aware of it, everything I had experienced had been leading to naturopathic medicine. While speaking to my partner about my frustrations of having a lack of medical knowledge and considering going back to school, his response was ‘Finally! It’s obvious to everyone that you should be a doctor, but it was important for you to decide this for yourself.'”

Daniella Remy practices taking blood pressure readings during class, pre-COVID-19.

How did you prepare for ND school?

“In my mind, there was no point in doing something so important unless I could do it well. Taking the time to prepare and make sure I could be fully engaged from the very first day was vital to me.” Daniella chose to begin naturopathic medical school in January instead of September so she could get her affairs in order, finish prerequisites, wrap up ongoing projects, make a financial plan, and speak with her employer about limiting her hours to support her academic goals.

What is your favorite thing about school? What surprised you?

“The CCNM community fosters learning and encourages excellence in the naturopathic profession. Students can create clubs and interest groups, engage in mentored research, provide feedback to the school that is truly taken to heart, and participate in many lectures and webinars for their professional and academic development. Students are offered an environment for collaboration and cohesiveness, and that is inspirational to me.

Daniella Remy and her classmates enjoy a CCNM event, pre-COVID-19.

Naturopathic medicine is like a start-up business – it needs highly motivated and driven people to establish it. Whether it’s through advocacy, quality research, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, or any number of engagements, there is a type of camaraderie in the profession that can be quite powerful. There is no shortage of opportunities for students and professionals to grow, be creative and explore their passion.”

How do you maintain a school/life balance?

Daniella is the student governor for the Naturopathic Student Association and the vice president of professional development for the Naturopathic Medical Student Association.  On top of that, she maintains good grades, participates in research, and works a part-time job with the unending support of her family and partner. She prioritizes self-care by finding time in nature, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and taking care of her body and mind.​

What advice do you have for prospective ND students?

“You are responsible for your energy, so look on the bright side and make what you want from your experiences. Life can take many twists and turns but it always leads to a place that is right for you. Embrace it, make the most of the journey and stay positive – even with the challenges we are currently facing with COVID-19. Look for solutions and better outcomes rather than complaining or letting others bring you down. This is a time to focus on priorities. Learn something about yourself and the ones you love. Step up and take on challenges, engage in positive change and help foster a supportive community. Student life is not easy, but nothing that is worthwhile usually is. Studying for exams is much easier when you think about them as necessary stepping stones to your ultimate purpose.”

Click here to learn about other naturopathic doctors’ paths to naturopathic medicine.

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Dr. Meghan Walker – CCNM

by | May 13, 2020 | News, Success Stories

Meghan Walker, ND is the ‘Chief Cheerleader’ at Clinician Business Labs – a platform built to empower clinicians and help their businesses thrive. Dr. Walker is an award-winning speaker on topics related to women’s performance medicine, brain health, and her niche – entrepreneurship. She hosts an annual entrepreneurship conference – Impact LIVEs. Dr. Walker shares how she combines her degree in naturopathic medicine with her passion for business.

Laying the groundwork to become an ND

“I learned about naturopathic medicine while I was in high school. I had been ill for six weeks, and a family friend recommended I see a naturopathic doctor. The first question the ND asked me was: “How has your body historically responded to stress?” It was such a simple question but it made so much sense to me. The quality of care is determined by the quality of the questioning. I was forever enamored by and called to naturopathic medicine.”

CCNM as a springboard

“The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) was a great choice. I had a diverse education and was able to connect with an amazing cohort of people. As a larger school, I was also afforded the opportunity to access a variety of clinical exposures. Seeing diverse groups of patients, especially early in the journey, is critical to sculpting a strong foundation.

Following graduation, I had the privilege of opening an integrative practice with my friend and colleague, Dr. Erin Wiley. Our vision was to build a clinic based on community and conversation. The Integrative Health Institute is still in operation in Toronto with nearly 25 practitioners!”

Finding fulfillment as an ND and an entrepreneur

“Naturopathic medicine not only enables me to help people in a profound way, but it is equally satisfying for my entrepreneurial itch. I believe that when people have their health, they can change the world. My practice caters almost exclusively to the health needs of entrepreneurs. They need their health to support their work.”

Dr. Walker has found “the ultimate opportunity to address the health of the naturopathic profession at a root-cause level” by taking sabbatical from her private practice to focus on supporting colleagues in business development.

“With the onset of COVID-19, there was nearly an overnight shift in the delivery model of care. For some time, I have spoken about the need to transition, at least a portion of practice online. When this became forced upon us, my team was able to rapidly pull together experts and training to assist in the transition through the launch of a toolkit for setting up an online clinic.

I did not want price to be a barrier, so we moved quickly and through the help of industry partners, were able to release it within one week of the lock-down and most importantly, for free. I feel strongly that the health of the naturopathic profession will rely heavily on the speed in which our professionals pivot to telemedicine.

I am grateful to have a career that enables me to have impact and freedom at the same time.  Most of my daily work happens from my home office or traveling and speaking at events. I record several episodes of my podcast each week from my home studio and connect to our coaching groups online. I am also balancing a busy life with three kids under the age of nine.”

Advice for aspiring NDs

“Get clear on why you want to pursue naturopathic medicine. Your purpose and clarity around your why will see you through the tough times. Succeeding in this, or any career will require that you step outside your comfort zone. If you are not connected to your why, your fear will win.”

To read more about other naturopathic doctors’ success stories, click here.

Learn more about Dr. Walker

Website

Personal Website

Virtual Practice Toolkit

Learn More About Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor

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