Message from the President

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

I find this year’s annual report to be a wonderful celebration of the nature of leadership that occurs throughout the organization. As Jefferson proposes, this leadership has been demonstrated with an uncompromising focus on the values that the College holds dear.

The article on graduates Dr. Kealy Mann, ND and Dr. Chelsey Corrigan, ND provides an example of the leadership exhibited by NDs across North America as they continuously adjusted their practice style to meet the needs of their patients during the multiple twists and turns of the pandemic.

Reid Wildeman is quoted in the article highlighting the leadership being exercised during the merger. Reid deserves this recognition, but as he would tell you, CCNM has experienced a remarkable team effort where a large number of employees have stepped up and exhibited leadership when the challenges we encountered matched their ability to contribute. From both campuses, many leaders have stepped forth to make our pan-Canadian dream a reality.

The article on research leadership focused on Dr. Tiffany Turner, ND, who is leading the creation of a strong research presence on the Boucher Campus. However, it could have included virtually any of our researchers, who have done a remarkable job in keeping CCNM recognized as one of the world leaders in research in complementary and alternative medicine.

Other articles highlight leadership in ensuring that virtual care provides strong and effective patient experiences, and valid learning opportunities for our interns; the importance of publishing in codifying the knowledge of the profession and ensuring that ND students across North America have strong support for their learning; and the leadership required to develop a new and exciting brand for two merging institutions with proud traditions.

Education is the mother of leadership. — Wendell Willkie

Education is at the core of everything CCNM does, and two of the articles on leadership reflect that very strongly. The Curriculum Project 2022 is developing an enhanced curriculum that will better prepare our future graduates, and do it in a way that provides more enjoyable learning experiences. The article on the Robert Schad Leadership Scholarship demonstrates the value in identifying potential leaders and providing mentorship and learning opportunities in support of their development. A penchant for leadership may be innate, but strong leadership can be nurtured and taught.

And that is what CCNM is committed to do – develop the strong leaders of tomorrow that will, as our graduates recite in the naturopathic oath, “assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves, our families and future generations.”

Bob Bernhardt, PhD

President & CEO