Information for International Medical Graduates
Bridge Delivery for International Medical Graduates Continuing your medical career in Canada
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Educating nat uropat hic doctors for almos t 40 years 1
Welcome This is an exciting period for naturopathic medicine, and I cannot imagine a more important time for a cohort of expert foreign trained medical graduates to enter our healthcare system. If you are the type of person who views the healing of others as a calling, and that genuine health care is more prevention and less prescription, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) may be exactly what you have been looking for. For almost 40 years, CCNM has been a leader in educating naturopathic doctors (NDs). We offer a rigorous full-time naturopathic program. We have entered a critical period for health care in North America. Health costs are spiraling upward and society is recognizing that promoting wellness can be far more effective and Bob Bernhardt, B.Sc., LLM, M.Ed., PhD, President and CEO of CCNM efficient than dealing with the symptoms of established conditions.
NDs are uniquely positioned to deal with the many significant challenges that exist in health care, particularly with respect to the avoidance and management of chronic conditions. The entire nature of practice is set around ongoing visits in which a patient is taught, or coached, back into health. To date, CCNM has graduated over 2,300 naturopathic doctors and approximately one quarter of all practising NDs in North America are graduates of the College. Are you being called? Do you have the drive and ability that will allow you to excel in an intensive program of study? If so, I look forward to welcoming you to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Bob Bernhardt
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The Bridge Delivery
You have significant training that is valuable to the Canadian health-care system and to the health of Canadians. CCNM offers a bridge delivery of its naturopathic medical program, developed specifically for international medical graduates (IMGs). Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care that addresses the root cause of illness or disease and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are highly educated and integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. We offer a full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The College is a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).
Graduates receive a degree upon graduation and the naturopathic doctor (ND) designation once they are licensed/registered in the jurisdiction in which they practise. CCNM offers a naturopathic program that is the first, and only, naturopathic program in Canada to award degrees to graduates. CCNM educates, develops and trains naturopathic doctors through excellence in health education, clinical services and research that integrate mind, body and spirit. Successful applicants to the CCNM program will have demonstrated their knowledge through standard examinations such as the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) or the United States Medical Licensing Examination Part I (USMLE I), one of which is required for entry into the CCNM program. Required courses are organized into a compressed period so that the program can be completed in 24 months. The IMG bridge delivery begins every spring.
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What will I Study? The six-term (two-year) curriculum:
»» Incorporates all of the clinical competencies of the four-year full-time naturopathic medical program; »» Acknowledges previous medical experience and education, while »» Concurrently providing additional supports to address the unique needs inherent to an IMG cohort.
Many foreign trained medical doctors feel that the nature of a naturopathic doctor’s practice is much closer to their experience as a medical doctor because the provincial fee-for-service system can drive the average duration of standard visits to allopathic doctors to less than 10 minutes.
The bridge delivery allows for reasonable sequencing of all required courses, as well as enhanced opportunities for integration of the IMG and third-year students. IMGs develop a naturopathic professional identity through these foundation courses: »» History, Philosophy and Principles of Naturopathic Medicine; »» Art and Practice of Naturopathic Medicine and »» Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Students will learn to model and integrate naturopathic medical practice through mentorship and observation at CCNM’s teaching clinics. Clinical exposure begins in first term. It is primarily observational with the opportunity to assist in physical exam and history taking, with the third term showing an increase in responsibility. Early exposure provides context for the different modalities that define the practice of naturopathic medicine.
The modalities taught at CCNM include:
»» Clinical nutrition; »» Lifestyle management; »» Traditional Asian medicine and acupuncture; »» Botanical (herbal) medicine; »» Physical medicine Students in the naturopathic program receive a rigorous educational foundation similar to that offered by traditional medical schools. We see the value in ensuring that more highly trained immigrants to Canada can build upon the knowledge and skills that helped them gain entry to the country, and employ these skills through gainful employment.
The Clinical Experience at CCNM 4
The Clinical Experience at CCNM Clinical experience is a key component of the education we provide at CCNM. Bridge delivery students obtain 1,032 primary clinic hours.
Clinical training provides students with a hands-on learning environment with patients, so that they can apply their academic knowledge and learn the skills necessary to become competent and caring naturopathic doctors.
sports medicine clinic; promote a child’s physical, emotional and mental development; provide complementary cancer treatment in the adjunctive cancer care clinic; administer an individualized and holistic approach to health to those suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome; or offer naturopathic care for individuals and couples with fertility and reproductive health issues. The Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic (BNTC)
The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC ) The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC), CCNM’s on-site teaching clinic, is Canada’s largest natural health clinic, hosting approximately 26,000 patient visits per year. Students are trained under the direction of a team of dedicated naturopathic doctors. The CCNM Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic (BNTC) opened in January 2013 and is the RSNC offers interns the opportunity to focus on physical injury and pain management in its
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first naturopathic teaching clinic in a hospital setting in Canada. The BNTC is a satellite clinic of the RSNC and is operated by CCNM through collaboration with the William Osler Health System and the Central West Local Health Integration Network. Uniquely located in Brampton Civic Hospital, the largest of Osler’s three hospital sites, it serves one of the fastest growing and culturally diverse populations in Canada. Patients can see a naturopathic senior clinic intern and a supervising naturopathic doctor to help manage their health concerns. In addition, the College operates five external satellite clinics where students provide care to a variety of diverse and under-serviced populations, such as the elderly, people with physical disabilities and people living with HIV/AIDS. Students can also participate in third party externship opportunities by travelling to foreign locations such as Haiti, Kenya, India, Nicaragua, Vietnam and Guatemala, where they learn about local medical traditions and apply their education and clinical skills to rural and underprivileged populations. In total, we provided approximately 45,000 patient visits at our various clinical sites in 2014. Our Library The library at CCNM is regarded as one of Canada’s finest natural medicine facilities. A collection of approximately 12,000 varied, authoritative and up-to-date resources are available in traditional and multimedia formats. In addition, the library has a dedicated group study room and computer lab that is accessible 24/7.
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Dr. Nick De Groot, ND, Dean of CCNM
Faculty Our faculty brings together leading researchers, clinicians and teachers in naturopathic medicine. At CCNM, NDs, PhDs, MDs and other specialists dedicate themselves to helping students prepare for their future as naturopathic doctors. Many faculty members are published experts in a variety of areas including mental health and anxiety, endocrinology, botanical medicine, infectious diseases and pain management.
Research
CCNM’s research is inspiring, vital and changing the future of health care in North America and beyond. Our partnerships with well-known institutions such as Canada Post, SickKids Hospital and Ottawa General Hospital have strengthened our reputation as a leader in groundbreaking, evidence-based naturopathic medical research. We receive numerous grants that fund individual and collaborative randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and qualitative studies, many of which are published in peer-reviewed medical journals such as Lancet and The British Medical Journal.
of Postal Workers, showed a reduction of the risks associated with cardiovascular disease through the provision of adjunctive naturopathic care. The results of the study were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Current research projects include:
»» A study between CCNM, the William Osler Health System and the Wise Elephant Family Health Team to assess outcomes of adjunctive naturopathic care for type 2 Diabetes »» A cohort study looking at the impact of intravenous vitamin C on various types of cancer »» A joint Canadian/U.S. research investigation into advanced treatment for stage 4 cancer patients »» Investigating the safety and efficacy of a topical natural health product in treating osteoarthritis of the knee
One of our more significant and groundbreaking studies explored the use of naturopathic medicine for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This Visit: www.ccnm.edu/research. multi-centred study, a joint project between the Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union
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The Student Experience at CCNM
“From the first day of school there is a strong sense that you have joined a supportive family, where everyone is helping and encouraging you on your path towards becoming a naturopathic doctor.” Ellen McDonell, Class of 2015 President of the Naturopathic Students’ Association, 2014 - 2015
The Campus Our campus features an on-site residence, landscaped grounds and plenty of green space. A modern, fully equipped fitness centre, a healthy foods cafeteria and a bookstore/dispensary ensure that your mind, body and spirit are nourished and prepared for the day. Internet access ensures that you’re always connected. On-campus Housing CCNM’s 176-room on-campus student residence offers co-ed accommodations on both a short-term and year-round basis, for both CCNM and nonCCNM students. Conveniently located above the main campus building, residents are only steps away from the facilities of the College including the on-site fitness area, the library, and RSNC. Nearby amenities include parks, shopping centres, and restaurants. Each floor has laundry facilities and a number of shared lounges complete with satellite television, a full kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the courtyard.
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Rooms are single occupancy and include a bed, study area, closet, personal fridge and Internet access. Naturopathic Students’ Association A strong and dynamic voice for CCNM students, the Naturopathic Students’ Association (NSA) fosters a sense of community amongst students, faculty and administration. The NSA is committed to supporting students’ enthusiasm and passion for the naturopathic medical profession, working with the health-care community for the benefit of future patients and expanding opportunities for current students and graduates. The NSA team coordinates spirit-building and professional events and activities including Unity Summit, Naturopathic Café (talent night), the Annual Formal, legislative advocacy, and relief efforts with Naturopathic Doctors International to unite students at every stage of the program. Many other events, such as women’s and men’s health awareness weeks, dragon boat racing, and environmental week, draw interest from the community at large. Visit www.nsa-ccnm.net.
Your Career as a Naturopathic Doctor Many CCNM graduates open a private practice, partner with a team of NDs, or pursue a more integrative approach to medicine with other health-care professionals in a multidisciplinary setting. Some collaborate with corporate wellness programs and others find opportunities in teaching, research and development, government, business and consulting.
Students learn about business and health care delivery while fostering their own unique leadership capabilities. CCNM also provides a comprehensive, online plan to guide NDs through the process of setting up a practice – everything from ordering business cards to developing a business plan for potential investors is included.
CCNM supports its students at every step of the journey – from acceptance to after graduation. Our students also benefit from mentorship and direction in practice management, especially as they begin transitioning into professional life.
CCNM’s curriculum boasts courses in practice management, carefully designed so that students understand accounting principles, marketing, office administration, and how to run a health care clinic before becoming NDs and starting their own professional practice.
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“As a newcomer to Canada and a foreign-trained medical doctor, joining the IMG bridge delivery was the perfect fit. My experience as a student was rewarding; I learned new aspects of medicine and patient care that I had never heard of in my native Eg ypt. Being a clinical resident at CCNM allows me to continue learning about naturopathic medicine through clinical care and research and gives me the skills to successfully provide patients with the best care.� Abdullah Abd Elaziz, MBBCh. (Egypt), M.Sc., CCNM Clinical Resident, IMG Class of 2015
The Accredited CCNM Post-Graduate Residency Program CCNM provides competitive and challenging post-graduate clinical and research residency positions for a limited number of qualified graduates from CNME-accredited naturopathic medicine programs. The residencies allow for further exploration into the principles and practice of naturopathic medicine. Independent clinical experiences, opportunities to engage in research trials and studies, structured mentoring and advanced, clinically focused education form the basis of the residency program at CCNM.
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Application and Financial Information Admission Requirements
Canadian Student Loans
»» Applicants must have graduated from a medical Canadian students enrolled in the naturopathic school recognized by the Medical Council of medicine program may be eligible, if qualified, for Canada. assistance under one or more of the following: »» Applicants must have attained a passing grade »» Canada Student Loans Program (CSL) on the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) or a passing grade for »» Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) United States Medical Licensing Examination »» Student loan program in their province of Step I (USMLE I). residence »» Applicants from non-English language medical programs must submit proof of English proficiency: ◊
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher (on a 9 point scale) or
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: minimum 86 out of 120
Financial Aid We know that cost is a key factor when considering further education. That’s why we endeavour to keep our tuition as low as possible, and are proud to offer top quality education at the lowest rate of all accredited naturopathic schools in North America. Many students are eligible for financial assistance including awards, bursaries and scholarships. Students may also apply for professional student lines of credit through their financial institution or take advantage of government student loan programs.
U.S. Student Loans American students attending CCNM are eligible to apply for U.S. based financial assistance such as Unsubsidized Direct Loan and Grad Plus Loan Programs. Entrance Awards, Scholarships, Bursaries and Graduation Awards Through the generosity of our donors, CCNM offers a number of entrance awards, scholarships, bursaries and graduation awards to qualified students. Most awards are valued at $1,000 or more. Emergency Student Loans Each year, CCNM staff and faculty donate funds to the Emergency Student Loan Program, an interest-free loan available to students who are experiencing delays or shortfalls in funding and are having difficulties meeting essential living expenses, including items such as rent, utilities and food.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period from May 20, 2014 to May 20, 2019. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
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We want to hear from you! Talk to an advisor today! Our Student Services team is here to help you. 1-866-241-2266 ext. 245 | info@ccnm.edu facebook.com/myccnm
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The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine 1255 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2K 1E2 www.ccnm.edu