Naturopathic Medicine

Transcription

1 DOCTOR OF Naturopathic Medicine

2 Our task is not to treat the disease, but the patient. VINCENT PREISSNITZ

3 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree is an intensive four-year program that prepares candidates to become primary care physicians. It is a distinct system of health care; an art, science, philosophy and practice of medicine that focuses on prevention and treating the root cause of disease. The curriculum emphasizes an approach to health and healing that considers the whole person when treating disease, and prepares candidates for state board licensing examinations and clinical practice. As the oldest naturopathic medicine program in North America, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) educates students as primary care physicians with an expertise in natural medicine. The expansive scope of practice and designation of NDs as primary care physicians by the state of Oregon allows our students to be trained in a broad range of therapeutics from nutrition and botanical medicine to pharmacology and minor surgery.

4 Program Overview The first year of training focuses on the structure and function of the human body. After taking basic coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology and immunology, students move into a deeper exploration of disease diagnosis and therapeutic modalities. Coursework includes botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, minor surgery and pharmacology. Clinical training begins in the first year and continues throughout the program. About a quarter of our students are involved in projects at NUNM s Helfgott Research Institute, including studies that have been funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. Residency Program NUNM s naturopathic residency program is rigorous and competitive, and provides invaluable clinical experience to assist students in completing the transition toward becoming practicing physicians. In addition to completing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution, candidates must demonstrate professionalism, maturity, commitment to serve, excellent clinical abilities, and an aptitude for enhancing their clinical skills. Our ND Graduates Enjoy careers in private practice, integrative care with conventional providers, research, public policy work and academia Are employed at Oregon Health & Science University, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Thorne Research, Providence Health & Services, ZOOM+ and Vitanica, among others Complete 1,264 clinical hours, which includes 500+ patient contacts throughout the program Are offered customized 1-1 career and business development support

5 The groundwork for all happiness is good health. LEIGH HUNT Naturopathic Medicine Principles First, do no harm: Naturopathic physicians use the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies appropriate to the patient and condition they are treating. The healing power of nature: The human body is in tune with a natural force that moves living things toward a healthy state. Identify and treat the cause: Symptoms are signals of underlying imbalances and ailments that must be addressed in order to achieve healthy function. Treat the whole person: Overall health is a reflection of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Each of these factors must be addressed in a healing regimen. Doctor as teacher: Naturopathic physicians empower patients to care for their own health as much as possible. Prevention: Naturopathic physicians focus on promoting health to avoid disease.

6 Program Outcomes 1. Medical Knowledge Apply appropriate biomedical knowledge and clinical skills to patient-centered naturopathic primary care. 2. Patient Management Apply the philosophy of naturopathic primary care to effectively encourage prevention, treat health problems, and foster optimal health. 3. Communication and Collaboration Apply communication skills that result in an effective connection with patients, their loved ones, and other health professionals. 4. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Appraise, assimilate and apply scientific evidence to improve patient care. 5. Ethics and Professionalism Demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population. 6. Practice Management and Business Skills Identify opportunities and develop resources for establishing and maintaining a viable career using your naturopathic medical education. 7. Systems-Based Practice Effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

7 Estimated Program Cost Current tuition, as of , for the ND program is $414 per credit. Tuition is subject to change. Please visit nunm.edu or contact the Office of Admissions for current information. Estimated first-year tuition: credits x $414/credit = $34,259* *subject to change; does not include course lab fees Note that the first-year credit load is heaviest; credit load decreases in years two through four. Total ND Degree Credits Core program credits 286 Elective credits 16 Total required credits 302 Admissions Requirements GPA: 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended) Course Prerequisites: General Biology Two courses Science-major level; must cover cellular biology Competencies may be met through other courses, such as: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Lab work required. Chemistry Four courses Science-major level Must include two sequential courses in organic chemistry, or biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required. General Physics Must cover mechanics One course Mathematics One course Algebra, calculus or math-based statistics English Composition AP and online credit accepted Psychology Must cover human development; AP and online credit accepted One course One course Social Sciences Two courses and Humanities One course each; AP and online credit accepted Personal Statement: Please write a 2 3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM. Essay 1: How do you see yourself using the ND degree five years beyond graduation from NUNM? (maximum 1,000 words, double spaced) Essay 2: In addition to academic standards, NUNM also requires students to meet a variety of technical standards, which includes communication skills, among others. The process of becoming a physician requires giving difficult feedback to your patients, and possibly, receiving difficult feedback as a way to challenge your performance in being a better physician. Describe a time in which you communicated difficult information or received feedback that challenged you to grow. How did you respond and what was the outcome? (maximum 1,000 words, double spaced) Resume: Please include job experience, internships, extracurricular activities, and publications relevant to natural medicine.

8 Required Courses Structure and Function I III Anatomy I & II This year-long sequence is an in-depth exploration of the microscopic and gross structure and function of the human body. Students examine the anatomy, physiology and embryology of each organ system, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumentary, nervous, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. Biochemical structures and pathways of metabolism, including the roles of vitamins and minerals, are also covered. This series covers the anatomy of the muscular, skeletal, vascular and nervous elements of the extremities, spinal column and skull. The lab component includes participation in palpation and biomechanics labs, and cadaver dissection as an aid to learning the interrelationships of the parts of the human body. Students study the microscopic anatomy of all major body tissues with an emphasis on histopathology. Naturopathic History and Philosophy I & II Naturopathic Medicine Retreat Microbiology, Public Health and Immunology Introduction to Medical Systems Introduction to Therapeutic Modalities I & II This series introduces the philosophical basis of naturopathic medicine and the role of the naturopathic physician in today s world. Students examine the history of naturopathic medicine, historical figures that played key roles in the development of naturopathic medicine, and the formation of naturopathic philosophy. In this weekend experiential course, naturopathic philosophy comes to life as students discuss and experience nature-cure and related therapies in a natural setting. This course explores infectious diseases, microbial structure and function, and the normal flora and common pathogens of the human body. The etiology, epidemiology, prevention and control of communicable diseases from a public health perspective are also covered. Special emphasis is given to how practitioners effectively interact with public health agencies. The class also explores the basic functions of the immune system with emphasis on its role in the protection against microbial infections and tumors, immune deficiency states, autoimmunity and psychoneuroimmunology. This course covers the history and philosophy of the major medical systems of the world. Characteristics of the U.S. medical system will be explored, as well as the developing role of naturopathic medicine within the larger context of our healthcare system. Insurance practices, strategies for delivering quality care, and best practices in referral and management of patients are also covered. This series introduces each major naturopathic therapeutic modality: clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine and pharmacology. History and philosophy, terminology, mechanism of action, general therapeutic applications, indications, contraindications, safety and monitoring for each modality are covered. Students analyze evidence for the effectiveness of each modality.

9 Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. SWAMI SIVANANDA SARASWATI

10 Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers with an expertise in prevention and natural medicine. Our unique approach to patient care combines the traditions of natural healing with the integration of conventional modalities, each supported by a balance of research, scientific validation and clinical expertise. MELANIE HENRIKSEN, ND, LAc, CNM DEAN, COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

11 Required Courses Community Education Clinical Observation Introduction to Clinic Preceptorship Hydrotherapy Rotation Business Seminars I V Through promoting naturopathic medicine to the greater community, students enhance their public speaking, communication, presentation, organizational, networking and outreach skills. Community education guidelines and required paperwork are reviewed prior to public event involvement. Examples of community education projects include developing educational materials, giving lectures, staffing a wellness table and teaching a class. Clinical observations provide students with learning experiences under the mentorship of licensed physicians in practice. Students observe NUNM faculty physicians on clinical rotations with student interns while witnessing routine clinic procedures, diagnoses and treatments, therapeutic modalities and referral management. During the first year, students are assigned to NUNM clinic shifts; in the second, third and fourth years, students mentor with licensed physicians outside NUNM. This course gives an overview of NUNM clinic procedures, and includes required HIPAA and OSHA trainings. Students participate in external preceptorships throughout all four years under the mentorship of licensed physicians outside NUNM. Students will observe and may participate in medical interviewing, physical examination, diagnostic techniques and analysis, and application of therapeutic modalities. Students will also observe routine clinic policies and procedures, doctor/patient communications, coding and billing practices, and referral management. Students provide hydrotherapy treatments to NUNM Clinic patients under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic physician. Students continue to develop their patient communication skills; assess patients for indications and contraindications to hydrotherapy treatments; refine their hydrotherapy treatment skills; monitor patients during treatment; and recommend hydrotherapy home treatments. This series covers the steps necessary to start and maintain a private naturopathic medical practice, including an in-depth review of clinic business operations and management, development, administration and marketing. Students will have the opportunity to explore other professional paths as naturopathic physicians, such as starting a career in academics, research, consulting, sales, or joining existing integrative medicine practices.

12 Required Courses Jurisprudence This course surveys medical healthcare law as it applies to naturopathic physicians. Topics include licensing and regulation, reporting requirements, informed consent, patient confidentiality, advanced directives, HIPAA, malpractice and provider service agreements. Grand Rounds Case Integration Mentorship Secondary Rotation Primary Rotation Electives Grand Rounds lectures are given by physicians or subject matter experts, typically from outside the NUNM community. Topics may include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), OSHA and other regulating agencies, best practice charting principles, cultural sensitivity, clinical cases, and other areas that are important in a physician's practice. Students are exposed to a variety of clinical conditions and treatments designed to augment material delivered in the core curriculum. Under the guidance of an experienced clinician, students present and analyze cases, discuss and review the evidence behind therapeutic options, and support their peers in determining diagnosis, treatment and management protocols for their patients. Students serve as secondary student interns at NUNM clinics under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic physician. As a secondary, students are responsible for the initial patient interaction, including taking patient vital signs, reviewing medications, etc. In addition, the secondary student participates in patient care by assisting the primary intern, which may include interviewing patients, conducting physical exams, etc. The primary student intern rotation is the culmination of a student s naturopathic medical education with NUNM. Under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic physician, a primary is responsible for interviewing patients, conducting physical exams, ordering and assessing diagnostic lab work, developing a diagnosis and treatment plan, and managing patients long term. Students are expected to synthesize knowledge and skills from all courses in the ND program, and demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills, evidence-informed practice, and diagnostic skills to the treatment and management of patients in a primary care setting. Students are required to take a minimum of 16 elective credits focusing on advanced therapeutics or modalities. Electives such as NW herbs or massage may be taken early in the program. Advanced electives such as advanced gynecology, pediatrics and gastroenterology are more appropriate once students have completed the majority of their didactic instruction. For a complete list of electives, please refer to the NUNM catalog.

13 Required System Block Courses Cardiology and Pulmonology Dermatology and Minor Surgery Gastroenterology and Proctology EENT: Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Hematology and Oncology Parenteral Therapy and Environmental Medicine Metabolism and Endocrinology Musculoskeletal, Orthopedics, Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Neurology Pediatrics and Geriatrics Psychology and Mental Health Reproductive Systems (Andrology, Gynecology and Natural Childbirth) Urology and Nephrology All courses within the clinical sciences curriculum begin with a brief overview of structure, function, anatomy, physiology and whole-system wellness. The bulk of the courses are devoted to diagnosis, assessment and treatment of pathology. Within the context appropriate to that discipline, clinical science courses will address criteria for referral to specialists and integration of naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine. Courses will also integrate cultural competency, ethics, evidence-informed practice, inter-professional practice, jurisprudence and practitioner cultivation. These courses place a strong emphasis on case-based learning and practical clinical skills.

14 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Four-Year Program FIRST YEAR CREDITS Structure and Function I III Anatomy I & II Naturopathic History and Philosophy I & II 2.00 Naturopathic Medicine Retreat 0.75 Microbiology, Public Health and Immunology 5.00 Intro to Medical Systems 2.00 Intro to Therapeutic Modalities I & II Clinical Observation I & II 2.25 Preceptorship (credits charged in 4th year) 0.00 Intro to Community Education 0.25 Early Electives (e.g. Massage, NW Herbs, etc.) 3.00 SECOND YEAR Musculoskeletal, Orthopedics, Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Neurology 7.25 Intro to Clinic 0.25 Cardiology and Pulmonology Hematology and Oncology 8.75 Gastroenterology and Proctology Urology and Nephrology 8.50 Metabolism and Endocrinology Preceptorship (credits charged in 4th year) 0.00 Hydrotherapy Rotation 2.00

15 THIRD YEAR CREDITS Reproductive (Andrology, Gynecology and Natural Childbirth) Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology 6.00 EENT: Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat 7.25 Dermatology and Minor Surgery Psychology and Mental Health 7.00 Pediatrics and Geriatrics 8.00 Parentaral Therapy and Environmental Medicine 6.00 Business Seminars 2.00 Community Education 2.00 Preceptorship (credits charged in 4th year) 0.00 Secondary Rotations 7.50 FOURTH YEAR Primary Rotations Grand Rounds 4.50 Case Integration Mentorship 6.00 Jurisprudence 1.00 Business Seminars 3.50 Preceptorship 9.00 Electives: Special Topics, Advanced Topics and Advanced Therapeutic Courses TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS 302 FACULTY HIGHLIGHT Kimberly Windstar, ND With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Dr. Kimberly Windstar s extensive medical practice and personal growth work have helped her develop a distinctive style of care. I strive to create a space of unconditional acceptance for my patients, she says. Dr. Windstar uses a variety of treatments in her practice, including lifestyle education, botanical medicine, diet and nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, holistic pelvic care and more. A recognized authority in women s health, Dr. Windstar supervises student interns on clinical rotations at the NUNM Clinic and teaches courses in gynecology, tutorials throughout the core curriculum, practitioner cultivation and mindful self-compassion. She is also the course director for the reproductive systems block. Her love of teaching led Dr. Windstar to create unique clinical mentorship opportunities for naturopathic students for nearly 15 years. Dr. Windstar received a Master of Education degree from California State College in 1982, and graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1991 (now known as National University of Natural Medicine) with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree.

16 Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it. JOSH BILLINGS 049 SW Porter Street Portland, OR nunm.edu admissions@nunm.edu /2016 NUNM WELCOMES STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF AGE, SEX, RACE, NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, RELIGION, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, MARITAL STATUS OR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.