The groundwork of all happiness is health. ~ Leigh Hunt Viewbook 2012-2013
Our mission is to educate and train physicians, practitioners and pre-professionals in the art, science and research of natural medicine.
The College NCNM is proud of its longstanding legacy of academic excellence. Founded in 1956, NCNM is the oldest college of naturopathic medicine established in North America. NCNM continues its vision of innovation and leadership by offering superior education and training in natural medicine to new generations of physicians and practitioners. The French have a saying: plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose. Translated, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In the world of health care, some things change a great deal but the basics are constant: How to maintain good health and, when illness does intervene, what treatments are most appropriate? At NCNM, we help you prepare to address these questions by combining time-honored practices with cutting-edge advances. We’ve been at the forefront of natural medicine education for six decades and will be for many more to come. Your time to join us is now. Let’s get you ready. ~David J. Schleich, PhD NCNM President
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The College Patient Care The Programs Naturopathic Medicine
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Classical Chinese Medicine Research Our Faculty Our Students
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Our Alumni The City Facts at a Glance Prerequisites
NCNM offers four exceptional degree programs: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), Master of Acupuncture (MAc) and Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR). Our campus, located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, offers students and faculty the benefits and advantages of city living at its most sustainable within an urban setting infused with natural beauty, culture and social conscience. In addition to our onsite teaching clinic, NCNM has access to nearly 20 local clinics offering diverse clinical experiences to students. The college supports a tightly-knit, inspiring learning environment, and a vital, groundbreaking research community.
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The Programs
Patient Care NCNM Teaching Clinic
Community Clinics
The School of Naturopathic medicine
The NCNM Clinic—the largest natural medicine clinic in Portland—offers patients a full spectrum of naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine treatments. Our teaching clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive patient care, where students assist doctors in all aspects of diagnosis and treatment, learning skills required for expert patient treatment.
By working with diverse communities, students gain an appreciation of different practice settings and patient populations. We currently provide patient care at nearly 20 community clinics located throughout the greater Portland area, giving students the opportunity to help medically underserved patients who require treatment for a wide range of health concerns.
The clinic’s peaceful atmosphere reflects the healing philosophy of natural medicine. The clinic has an extensive medicinary of naturopathic products and more than 300 Chinese herbs, which are blended and formulated onsite. Our state-licensed laboratory provides in-house lab tests for patients, producing quick results and diagnoses in patient treatment.
In conjunction with other agencies and as a member of the Coalition of Community Health Clinics, NCNM offers low-cost medical care at sites that serve homeless youth, seniors, LGBTQ, drug and alcohol addictions, HIV and the immune compromised, among others.
trains students to be primary care physicians with an expertise in natural medicine. It is a distinct system of health care—an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. The naturopathic approach creates the conditions for health to flourish. Its focus in treating disease is through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing power of the body.
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Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree is an intensive four-year program that prepares candidates for state board licensing examinations and clinical practice. The program at NCNM emphasizes a distinctive approach to health and healing that considers the whole person
when treating specific conditions, and seeks to diagnose and treat the root causes of illness whenever possible.
Naturopathic Residency Program NCNM’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. All residency sites provide general family medicine with varying areas of emphasis including community medicine, women’s health, integrated naturopathic and Chinese medicine, cardiology, functional medicine, IV therapy, and other innovative naturopathic therapies.
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The School of Classical Chinese Medicine
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine
NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute is a
was created to honor and restore the deep wisdom and holistic spirit of the classical teachings of Chinese medicine. Its most pure intention is tian ren heyi— fostering universal harmony. Lineage-based teaching methods promote the understanding that all of life is sacred, interconnected, and reflected in the microcosm of the human being.
The Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) is a four-year program in which students are immersed in the classical foundations of the medicine; receive a holistic education in Western medical sciences; and are trained in the clinical application of the major modalities of acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal formulations, bodywork, qigong and nutrition. The curriculum has a strong focus on personal and professional cultivation to optimize students’ proficiency as practitioners and to support their health as they progress through school.
recognized leader in integrative medicine research. The research conducted at Helfgott serves to advance the science of natural medicine in order to improve patient care. Helfgott has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and is the recipient of numerous awards and press coverage. As experts in natural medicine research, Helfgott faculty members speak nationally and internationally about nutrition, acupuncture, botanicals, mind-body medicine and environmental medicine.
Students learn to understand Western scientific knowledge from a classical Chinese perspective and come to appreciate that Chinese medicine is itself a profound science that integrates both systematic and intuitive aspects of medicine.
Master of Acupuncture The Master of Acupuncture (MAc) three-year program, and the five-year program for licensed health care professionals, are designed for students with a special affinity for classical acupuncture and moxibustion, who want a more streamlined graduate experience. The foundation of the MAc program is similar to that of the MSOM program, with fewer hours of theory and without the focus on herbal instruction. An increased emphasis is placed on the refinement of palpation skills used in acupuncture diagnosis and treatment.
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Helfgott researchers provide mentorship and support for students as they progress through their education. Students who wish to pursue research work with established investigators to conduct independent studies or participate in collaborative projects with fellow students, faculty members, and other medical or research institutions.
Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) degree is designed for those interested in a strong foundation in research and study design in natural medicine. As the need for evidence-based medicine grows stronger, the demand for research skills among clinicians has
increased. This program aims to train master’s level researchers, clinician-researchers and evidence-based clinicians by offering courses that cater to multiple career paths. The MSiMR is an accredited degree program that can be completed in two years when taken alone, or in four years with concurrent enrollment in another NCNM degree program. Using an active learning approach, it combines course subjects from standard Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Clinical Research (MCR) programs with a strong literary and scientific base in integrative medicine research. With the numerous therapeutic approaches available, it’s important to determine which work and which don’t. Our students build the evidence base for integrative medicine through applied, basic and clinical research. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to publish their work in national journals and present at local, national and international conferences. MSiMR graduates are prepared for careers in public health and in research groups at universities and medical institutions. The program allows graduates to communicate and collaborate with expert researchers, conventional doctors and public health professionals; and provides them with skills to seek and gain further knowledge after the degree is completed. NCNM Viewbook
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Our Faculty A key consideration in deciding where to get medical training is the quality of the faculty. You want to learn from the best. The NCNM roster includes some of the most renowned names in natural medicine. Our faculty members are talented and eclectic physicians, practitioners and scientists. They have a wide breadth of experience, knowledge and backgrounds. Experts by every standard, our teaching staff publish books and scientific papers, and are sought after to lecture nationally and internationally. Teaching NCNM medical students—training and preparing the physicians and practitioners of the future—is a vocation our faculty practice with passion and dedication. You’ll find them warm and engaging; busy, but ready to share a cup of tea at the local café with their students. Most importantly, you’ll find them willing to make your education the very best it can be.
“Research topics here at NCNM can be uniquely diverse and inspiring, with students and faculty able to pursue their own interests and convictions.” ~Dr. Douglas Hanes
“. . . I want to pass along to my students classical Chinese medicine theories and practices, starting where Chinese medicine starts: at the roots.” ~Associate Professor Xiaoli Chen
“At NCNM we are here to learn, and to teach, the skills and art and science of being an excellent primary care physician…” ~Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis
Meet the rest of our esteemed faculty: www.ncnm.edu/faculty
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Dr. Douglas Hanes, Assistant Professor Helfgott Research Institute
Xiaoli Chen, Associate Professor School of Classical Chinese Medicine
Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis, Professor School of Naturopathic Medicine
“I grew up on a traditional family farm in Indiana, earned my PhD in mathematics from the University of Michigan, then taught mathematics for several years at the University of Minnesota. Since then I’ve worked in research on human sensation, perception and motor control. Now I’ve moved into integrative medicine, and though it’s a long way from where I started, the path makes sense. At NCNM I assist in many facets of ongoing research. I help with initially designing a study and with analyzing and presenting data once experiments are completed. I enjoy seeing all the great ideas and learning about new methods, and I’m working to help us meet some of the special challenges of presenting rigorous analytical results in integrative medicine.
“In China, during the Cultural Revolution, the entire theory of Chinese medicine—what we now call classical Chinese medicine, dating from ancient times—was reorganized to follow a more modern standard. This new way was called traditional Chinese medicine; in it, education had to discard the things they could not scientifically prove. But you cannot “prove” medicine at the energetic and spiritual level, and much was lost. The damage is like a tree with too many branches broken; if you break and break, it’s not good for the root, and the tree can’t grow.
“I came to NCNM at the age of 19 and finished my undergrad degree by taking summer-school classes for my first two years. I graduated as a naturopathic physician at 23½—still the youngest NCNM graduate ever. Now, I find there’s so much to study, to treat, to teach; I think the main challenge for a naturopathic physician is to contain yourself! We have the most freedom of any medical field: we’re encouraged to think for ourselves, to embrace vitalism. We approach medicine from the deep knowledge that humans aren’t just a bag of bones and organs, each with its own specialist, working in isolation. We’re a gestalt, bigger than the sum of our parts, with a force that keeps us in balance. I also believe in a ‘right livelihood’ as an important component of health. People in a job or vocation that doesn’t serve their core beliefs are less healthy, even likely to develop diseases.
“Research topics here at NCNM can be uniquely diverse and inspiring, with students and faculty able to pursue their own interests and convictions. One study I’ve contributed to examines beneficial effects of moxibustion, a traditional acupuncture technique that’s had limited application in the U.S. Another one compares the effects of environment—a pleasing, trees-and-nature surrounding, or a built-up, urban setting—on measures of psychological impact and stress. Another addresses diet and its effect on measurements of blood glucose and lipids. We’ve really got a good set of people in place, and NCNM is committed to research. There’s a lot of impetus, given the economics of health care, to find non-invasive solutions that avoid expensive tests and pharmacological or surgical interventions. If integrative medicine can make itself understood, our methods of care will be able to reduce costs as well as negative side effects from relying on conventional treatment alone.” Doug Hanes, PhD, assistant professor of biostatistics, joined NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute in 2012; he also holds an adjunct position on the faculty at Portland State University. His research has explored mathematical modeling of the relationships among vision, the inner ear and balance, and he has extensive experience mentoring students studying mathematical approaches to medicine.
“I was trained in this system and taught under it in China for at least 15 years, but my teachers had studied the old medicine, so I learned from them. I bring to students what I learned from the old teachers, along with new information we receive from China, where things are more open now and the old medicine can be studied again. As a classroom teacher, I want to pass along to my students classical Chinese medicine theories and practices, starting where Chinese medicine starts: at the roots. When you go to the roots, you really understand; you have a better way to absorb the essence of our work.” Xiaoli Chen earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at China’s Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and teaching hospital, where she taught and practiced for many years. She teaches acupuncture at NCNM and treats a wide variety of conditions in NCNM’s clinics and in her private practice at Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Center in Portland. An award-winning researcher, she has written three books and published extensively in professional journals.
“I’ve interviewed many prospective students who say they’ve considered other options, but didn’t feel the same “heart” elsewhere. They realize NCNM has an atmosphere that’s more supportive, more loving; it’s not a “tech” style of learning, where students are more in competition with one another. At NCNM we are here to learn, and to teach, the skills and art and science of being an excellent primary care physician who observes, makes a diagnosis, and offers treatment based on what I’ve just said.” Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP, received his degree in naturopathic medicine from NCNM in 1978. After practicing and teaching in Washington, he joined the NCNM faculty in 1996. Focusing on functional gastroenterology, on which he wrote the authoritative textbook, he conducts research and clinical work on small intestine bacterial overgrowth and other conditions. He is a research investigator at NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute and a multi-instrumentalist whose CD, “Talking ‘Bout Degeneration,” matches pop tunes with lyrics describing pathological conditions.
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Megan Choy, ND/MSOM/MSiMR 6 “As a classical ballet dancer, I was always very concerned about nutrition: not just for good health, but also maximum energy and body performance. I’d also had a little acupuncture, and when I spent some time in Hong Kong, I became interested in Chinese medicine. Then I moved to Portland and realized there was this phenomenal school that addressed everything I wanted to do, including Chinese medicine. I intended to do the ND/ Classical Chinese Medicine program, and I really love it—but when the research program became accredited, I couldn’t pass it up! I’m planning to graduate in 2013 as an ND, along with the MS in Oriental Medicine and the MS in Integrative Medicine Research. I’m very involved with applied kinesiology—which ties together my Chinese and naturopathic medicine education— and for my master’s research, I’m looking at a whole systems research approach to the field, seeing what’s out there and what’s needed to establish its efficacy. Eventually clinical studies will be needed, but right now we need a game plan. That’s what I hope to provide, and I hope to do some of the research, too!”
Karen Brothers, ND 5 “Being an engineer, as I was for nine years, can be really helpful in explaining a health situation. There’s a lot of physics and mechanics—I see human physiology as the integrated, interdependent system it is. I’ve always had a strong interest in medicine and health, and I recognized that I wanted to understand the disease process to determine the best treatments. I applied to several schools, and NCNM was the one where I found students in the halls, talking and studying together, in an open, inviting community for learning. Now, I’ve completed an internship in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, and after graduation I’ll continue my training in naturopathic oncology. “NCNM provides a wonderful foundation for understanding physiology, pathology, and potential treatments. It’s the kind of complete care I think all patients need and a great model for preventive care in the future.”
Eugene Lee, ND/MSOM 5
Our Students NCNM students are intelligent, motivated high achievers who want to make the world a better place. A diverse bunch, they include dancers, photographers, engineers and hospital lab technicians. They’ve raised children, guided river expeditions, worked in Mexican orphanages and run marathons. Above all, NCNM students are forward thinking.
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Ultimately, NCNM students are healers with a dream for medicine that offers preventive, compassionate care. They have chosen a profession that offers unlimited opportunity for lifelong learning and personal transformation. They want to contribute to the health and well-being of patients seeking health care assistance from knowlegeable, caring practitioners.
“Naturopathic medicine connects with my lifelong interest in harmony and rhythm. I’ve been a musician since childhood, worked as a chemical engineer in a small R&D group, and after experiencing acupuncture had an epiphany: I could combine all the things I care about in naturopathic medicine. I chose NCNM because it offers such an organic process of learning, with every teacher having a unique style and approach. “I saw I could learn about my creative self here when I took calligraphy as an elective in the Classical Chinese Medicine program. My mom paints, and right after I started calligraphy I picked up her brushes at home; now I show and sell my paintings. Everyone here at NCNM is very supportive! My vision is to practice as a naturopathic physician and also use art and music to inform people about health. I’d love to have a clinic that’s also a community space, with a gallery, a performance space, a restaurant—everything we need for a truly healthy life.” NCNM Viewbook
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Our Alumni NCNM’s Alumni Association is here to support and connect you with resources, opportunities and each other after graduation, when networking is vital to your success. Our alumni, 2,000-strong, are spread across the U.S. and several continents. They’re active in their communities and value a continued link to NCNM. We are expanding our alumni outreach to keep graduates updated about the college, the profession and each other through newsletters, email and social media. NCNM also keeps alumni current with state licensure requirements through its growing roster of continuing education courses available online and through webinars and DVDs. If you would like to visit with one of our alumni in your area, please call NCNM’s Office of Admissions for a referral. Your success is our priority!
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Carolyn Nygaard, ND
Elise Wong, ND, LAc
Harry Adelson, ND
“Research is what brought me to NCNM, and research is what I now teach. Here, we’re on the cutting edge of natural medicine research, which follows the naturopathic clinical practice of treating the whole person in every aspect of health. Actually we’re doing whole systems research, rather than examining just one element of health or a single substance. Certainly we can take the conventional approach: right now, for example, I’m working in a fertility study that’s randomized and double-blind. But the research here is in line with naturopathic work.
“I attended The Evergreen State College, studied environmental issues, and stumbled on health and human development. One of my professors was a naturopath, and after graduating I did an internship with a naturopath. I conducted ultrasounds and was able to spend time with patients and talk with them about why they had chosen naturopathy. There’s also my own background: my grandmother would treat us with Chinese medicine when she felt it was warranted. So, when I looked at naturopathy schools, NCNM stood out because of its great program in Chinese medicine. I found it to be a warm, welcoming place— and I met Cora right away in our first year, so we had plenty of time to talk about our dream of starting an integrative clinic. We’ve done that, and since graduating I’ve really come to appreciate how the education at NCNM is phenomenal.
“The father of modern naturopathic medicine, John Bastyr, was once asked, “Of all the treatment modalities available to naturopaths, which is the most powerful?” Without hesitation, he responded simply, “The one that works.” I did not choose naturopathic training because of a philosophical or emotional opposition to convention medicine; I chose it because, of all the medical traditions, its approach to patient care is the most balanced. At the time of my matriculation, NCNM had the most unbiased and truly holistic education, both didactically and clinically, adhering to naturopathic philosophy without dismissing the value of conventional medicine. Those hallmarks hold true today. This genuinely holistic outlook, coupled with NCNM’s rich history of excellent educators, leads me to continue encouraging prospective students to strongly consider NCNM.”
“At NCNM you learn the philosophy behind the medicine; the emphasis on understanding philosophy far exceeds what’s taught elsewhere. On the Chinese side, there is such a huge range and diversity of practice. NCNM lets you learn different styles of medicine and practice, to find out what really resonates for you. It’s a much more comprehensive way to work, and to view people!”
Dr. Harry Adelson attended NCNM from 1995 to 1999, followed by postgraduate medical training at the Yale/Griffin Hospital Integrative Medicine residency program in Derby, Conn., and service on the clinical faculty at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. He opened his private practice, Docere Clinics, in Salt Lake City in 2002. As a leader in the field of adult stem-cell medical treatment for orthopedic pain conditions, Dr. Adelson interfaces primarily with orthopedic surgeons; he credits his ability to stand on even ground with them to his strong education at NCNM. Dr. Adelson presented on platelet-rich plasma at the 2006 and 2007 annual meetings, respectively, of the Chinese and Taiwanese Associations of Anesthesiology/Pain Management, and has lectured worldwide on his work. He currently enjoys a busy practice performing stem-cell procedures in Park City, Utah; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Guayaquil, Ecuador.
“Coming from a very traditional science background, I knew I never wanted to be a doctor who didn’t take the time to understand her patients. I wanted to learn to be a clinician and do research. And I also wanted to be a midwife—a tall order anywhere else! Taking NCNM’s academic midwifery program showed me that I could blend two fields: my interest in women’s health and delivering babies, plus my love for research. As a naturopathic physician and midwife, I can follow up with my patients, instead of the relationship ending with delivery. Naturopathic doctors, as primary care physicians, routinely do pediatric work, and that’s a very satisfying aspect of my practice.” Dr. Carolyn Nygaard, NCNM ’09, is a naturopathic physician and midwife focusing on family medicine, women’s health, fertility and reproductive medicine as a private practitioner in Portland. Dr. Nygaard, a graduate in biochemistry of the University of Dayton, conducted research at NCNM as a student and as a postdoctoral research fellow, leading to publication in the peer-reviewed journal Phytotherapy Research. She also is a Vanguard faculty member of NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute.
Dr. Elise Wong, NCNM ’11, is a board-certified naturopathic physician and acupuncturist with a focus on family medicine. She is in practice with Dr. Cora Forstén, NCNM ‘11, her classmate in NCNM’s concurrent ND/MSOM program. Their Portland clinic, Essential Family Medicine, provides holistic primary care medicine, women’s health care, reiki and clinical therapy.
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“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” ~Aristotle
The City Home to more than two million residents, Portland is Oregon’s largest metropolitan area. The “City of Roses” boasts a growing multicultural population and a thriving urban lifestyle as energizing as it is diverse. Portland offers an array of restaurants ranging from gourmet to bistro, and organic to vegetarian. Coffee houses, music clubs, galleries, and a wide range of event venues support a rich and colorful nightlife. A small city with a big heart, Portland is proud of its reputation for progressive politics and social consciousness. Portland is also known for being forward-thinking. Consistently winning top prizes for sustainability, its innovative urban planning is a model of livability that keeps urban sprawl in check while promoting distinctive, vibrant neighborhoods and luxuriant, tree-filled parks. Its extensive mass transit system is a great complement to the bicycling revolution happening in Portland.
limits. Surrounded by sweeping vistas of natural beauty, Portland is ideally located near the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, and is close to an astonishing array of natural environments that include the Columbia Gorge, old-growth forests, coastal ocean towns, ancient volcanic mountains and high desert. America’s Best Bike City, Bicycling magazine (May 2012) Healthiest Cities in America, Business Insider (May 26, 2011) Best Cities for New College Grads, Bloomberg Businessweek (July 2010) America’s Best Downtowns, Forbes (October 14, 2011) Best Beer Cities, Esquire (2011) Top 10 Literary Cities, National Geographic Traveler (September 2011) Top 10 Cities for Public Transportation, U.S. News & World Report (February 2011) No. 1, America’s Greenest Cities, Travel + Leisure (April 2012) No. 1, World’s Best Street Food, U.S. News Travel (October 17, 2011) No. 1, Pet-Friendly City in U.S., Livability.com (2011) No. 2, Best Farmers’ Markets, Travel + Leisure (July 2011)
The city boasts a number of natural forested areas, including the 5,100 wooded acres of Forest Park, the largest forested area in the U.S. situated within city
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No. 2, Best City to Live in Car Free, 24/7 Wall St. (November 1, 2011)
Learn more about Portland: www.ncnm.edu/portland
Columbia River Gorge, Mitchell Point, Hood River, OR
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Get Acquainted Selecting the right school is a big decision. We invite you to become acquainted with NCNM, our students, faculty, programs and more at an Exploration Day. The day begins with a series of brief presentations from faculty and research staff about their work, natural medicine, and student opportunities at NCNM. You’ll also have a chance to meet current students, tour the campus and teaching clinic, and ask questions of the Admissions counselors about the application and selection process.
If natural medicine is your dream, if you want to change the future of health care—we can’t wait to meet you!
Should an Exploration Day not fit into your schedule, individual visits are welcomed. Please call at least two weeks prior to your visit. This allows us to help you make your time with us as productive and informative as possible. Campus tours are available at set times that vary throughout the year. Our professors and students welcome visitors to class, but to avoid conflicts such as examination periods, please contact the Office of Admissions before visiting classes.
2012:
2013:
Aug. 24, 2012 (Friday)
Jan. 18, 2013 (Friday)
Sep. 22, 2012 (Saturday)
Feb. 15, 2013 (Friday)
October 2012 (No Event)
March 2013 (No Event)
Nov. 16, 2012 (Friday)
Apr. 12, 2013 (Friday)
December 2012 (No Event)
May 10, 2013 (Friday)
To register for an Exploration Day, or arrange a private tour with our Admissions staff, please visit www.ncnm.edu/tour or call 503.552.1660.
Exploration Day Calendar
Facts at a Glance PROGRAMS AND TRACKS
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013
Naturopathic Medicine: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Matriculation: Fall and Winter Quarters Fall Quarter Begins: Sep. 17, 2012 Winter Quarter Begins: Jan. 7, 2013 Spring Quarter Begins: April 8, 2013
Classical Chinese Medicine: Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) Master of Acupuncture (MAc) Research: Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) Concurrent Track: ND/MSOM ND/MAc ND/MSiMR MSOM/MSiMR MAc/MSiMR
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ENROLLMENT:
558
ND: CCM: ND/CCM: ND/MSiMR: CCM/MSiMR:
325 107 89 36 1
Faculty to Student Ratio ND: Faculty to Student Ratio CCM: Faculty to Student Ratio MSiMR:
Clinic: 10:1; Lecture: 14:1 Clinic: 5:1; Lecture: 7:1 Lecture: 6:1
Average GPA: Average Age: Women: Ethnic Diversity:
3.40 28 79% 28%
APPLICATION DEADLINES Fall 2013 Early Decision Deadline: Priority Decision Deadline:
Nov. 1, 2012 Feb. 1, 2013
Winter 2014 Early Decision Deadline: Priority Decision Deadline:
March 1, 2013 July 1, 2013
To apply, or for more information: Online: www.ncnm.edu Phone: 503.552.1660 Toll free: 877.669.8737 Email: admissions@ncnm.edu
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ND
ND Prerequisites
General Chemistry
One course required
General Biology
One course required
Physics
One course required
Social Sciences and Humanities Two courses required
General Chemistry
One course required
General Biology
One course required
Physics
One course required
Social Sciences and Humanities Two courses required
One course required
General Biology with lab Science-major level Must cover cellular biology
Two courses required
General Chemistry with lab Science-major level
Two courses required
Physics Must cover mechanics
One course required
Organic Chemistry Science-major level
Two courses required
One course required; One course required
MSiMR
MAc Prerequisites
Mathematics Algebra, calculus or math-based statistics
OR Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Science-major level
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MAc
MSOM
MSOM Prerequisites
OR Kinesiology Must be approved
One course required
Social Sciences One course must be human psychology
Two courses required
Humanities One course must be English composition
Two courses required
Social Sciences Human psychology
One course required
Humanities English composition
One course required
MSiMR Prerequisites General Chemistry
Two courses required
General Biology with lab
One course required
Math Pre-calculus, calculus 1, or math-based statistics
Two courses required
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Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine Degree Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degrees are earned through an intensive four-year program that prepares candidates for national and state board licensing examinations, and the general practice of naturopathic medicine. In the first two years, classes focus on the structure and function of the human organism. After taking basic courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology and immunology, students move into a deeper exploration of diagnosis and disease, and natural medicine modalities. Coursework includes botanical medicine, therapeutic manipulation, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, minor surgery and pharmacology. Laboratory diagnosis, microbiology, and clinical and physical diagnosis labs follow up on the learning process in the classroom. Clinical training continues throughout the program. About a quarter of our students are involved in projects at NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute, including studies that have been funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. Some students choose to spread their coursework over six years, especially those earning degrees in both naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine.
Dear Prospective Student, The time for naturopathic medicine is now! The past 20 years have shown that consumers are more knowledgeable about alternatives to conventional medicine, more informed about their choices and health options, and more able to see naturopathic physicians due to inclusion in insurance plans. The medicine is proving itself: for patients, in science and in research. A naturopathic physician has many options today. We can practice a range of medicine from general family care to specialties like cancer care, pediatrics and women’s health. We do research, along with colleagues from all different medical disciplines, and practice in integrated clinics. We serve on national policy-making boards and we talk about our medicine. Most importantly, we have the mandate to preserve our heritage as naturopathic physicians, and to grow our knowledge to meet the needs of the 21st century. The mission of NCNM’s naturopathic program is to preserve, nourish and teach naturopathic medicine to the doctors who will take it into the future. It is an exciting time to be a naturopathic physician!
Margot Longenecker, ND Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine
In the mid-20th century, as allopathic medical doctors developed new tools to fight disease, they began relying almost solely on surgery and drugs to treat specific ailments, instead of analyzing the overall health picture of each patient. Naturopathic physicians understood that valuable healing knowledge was being lost. NCNM was founded by a group of those dedicated physicians in 1956. Over the years, growing numbers of patients have sought alternative treatments for conditions that have not been resolved with conventional treatment. There is a greater general understanding that human beings are systems in which the mind, body and spirit interact to affect health. Today, NCNM is at the center of a revitalized profession, preparing students to take their places in our legacy of pioneering excellence in natural medicine. Our 2,000 alumni are among the leading naturopathic physicians, researchers and entrepreneurs in the country.
The roots of naturopathic medicine go back thousands of years, drawing on healing wisdom from many cultures. In the early 1900s, pioneering doctors in Europe and America recognized the common threads running through these time-tested treatments. They wove them into a unique art and science using gentle, natural therapies to restore and maintain health. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is expressed in six basic principles: First, do no harm: Naturopathic physicians use the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. 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.
National College of Natural Medicine Office of Admissions: Toll-free: 877.669.8737 Local: 503.552.1660 NCNM Clinic: 503.552.1551 continued
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Helfgott Research Institute: 503.552.1743
Classical Chinese Medicine
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Master of Acupuncture Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and Master of Acupuncture (MAc) degrees are earned through intensive four-year and three-year programs, respectively. NCNM now also offers a fiveyear Master of Acupuncture for licensed health care practitioners. All of these programs prepare candidates to apply for acupuncture licensure in the state of Oregon and to take exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which most states use as a basis for licensure. Your studies at NCNM will take you beyond the Western approach to medicine as you explore a system that truly integrates mind, body and spirit in diagnosis and treatment. In keeping with the Chinese belief that practitioners must themselves be spiritually balanced in order to effectively help their patients achieve health, the CCM program includes extensive practice in qigong and taiji, classes in cosmology and symbolism, as well as herbology, acupuncture and Asian bodywork. At our NCNM Clinic and its network of community clinics, highly educated, experienced and skilled Chinese medicine practitioners train students to administer treatments for a wide range of ailments.
Chinese Medicine as Explained by the Classics In its truest expression, Chinese medicine is a timeless and universal system rooted in the wisdom and awareness of ancient sages. However, as modern China has sought credibility for its traditional medicine, and Westerners have attempted to understand it within their own scientific context, much of the profound beauty and clinical efficacy of this medicine has been lost. The School of Classical Chinese Medicine at NCNM was created to reconnect with the original nature of Chinese medicine. The Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Master of Acupuncture programs were developed and are taught by scholars and practitioners trained in the classical traditions.
Dear Prospective Student,
Through transmission and other lineage-based teaching methods, the faculty bring alive the rich history and philosophy of this multifaceted medical system. They weave together the art and science of theories and practices developed over millennia, and mentor students on the practical application of this ancient knowledge in today’s world. Students build a strong framework of classical understanding from which to interpret modern phenomena, including the discoveries of Western medical science. They come to appreciate Chinese medicine as a powerful system that integrates scientific and intuitive processes.
Chinese medicine has been practiced by more practitioners and used to treat the physical diseases and spiritual disharmonies of more patients than any other system of medicine in history. Yet much of the deep wisdom and expertise accumulated by medical sages for thousands of years has been replaced by a more “modern” and mechanical approach in Chinese medical training throughout the world.
Through the progressive embodiment of the classical Chinese approach, students gain increasing insight into how to treat even the most complex and recalcitrant conditions. The central aim of the CCM programs is to nurture the development of practitioners having the confidence and ability to benefit everyone seeking their services, including patients for whom Western medicine has run out of answers.
What has been lost is not outdated esoteric knowledge; it is a profound and timeless understanding of how human beings can live in harmony with the cycles of nature. Chinese medicine is a powerful system of diagnostic and therapeutic methods that make it possible to treat all kinds of patients—even those with chronic and complicated diseases.
Above all, the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Master of Acupuncture programs are designed to impart the holistic spirit of classical Chinese medicine.
We welcome your interest in NCNM’s Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) Program, where we are committed to bringing the true spirit of this ancient medicine into the modern age. We use transmission and lineage-based teaching methods to provide a solid foundation in the classical arts and sciences of Chinese medicine. Included in our curriculum are innovative courses that provide a framework for understanding advances in modern medicine from a classical Chinese perspective. The college has a first-rate research institute that supports students wishing to conduct scientific research related to their classical interests. Chinese medicine is popular among consumers and is a rapidly growing field. We invite you to join us in bringing the true power of this ancient medicine to all it can serve!
National College of Natural Medicine Laurie Regan, PhD, ND Dean of the School of Classical Chinese Medicine
Office of Admissions: Toll-free: 877.669.8737 Local: 503.552.1660 NCNM Clinic: 503.552.1551 continued
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Helfgott Research Institute: 503.552.1743
Integrative Medicine Research
Integrative medicine research utilizes the principles of biomedical research, but applies them to studies of nutrition, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, acupuncture and other therapies. What is “Integrative Medicine”? There is much debate and overlap in the terms and definitions used in medicine. Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) usually includes any medical system, therapy or substance that is not considered to be part of “conventional” medicine as currently practiced. Conventional medicine, sometimes called biomedicine, is a common term for the current standard of medical care in the U.S.
Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research
The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) degree is a two-year program designed for students who wish to pursue a career in research or to incorporate research and evidencebased medicine into their clinical practice. Graduates have career options in public health and in integrative medicine research groups at conventional medical schools. This unique program combines elements from Master of Public Health and Master of Clinical Research degrees, with a focus on natural and integrative medicine. It provides a strong foundation in research methodology and study design. The curriculum is rooted in natural medicine research literature and brings in expert faculty from each CAM field to teach their respective disciplines. Required courses include clinical research design, epidemiology, biostatistics and bioethics. Students choose elective courses based on their research interests and gain practical experience by working on an epidemiological or clinical study.
Integrative medicine is the combination of the best treatments and approaches from both CAM and conventional medicine. Ideally, integrative medicine includes the use of rigorous scientific evidence for safe and effective treatment options, and often involves collaboration between medical disciplines.
Dear Prospective Student, More and more people are using integrative medicine to treat disease and achieve optimum health. The growth of this field is exciting because it allows patients to work simultaneously with physicians in many disciplines to achieve health. Yet, integrative medicine research is still in its infancy. Very few studies have been conducted on individual therapies and even fewer have been conducted on the complex combinations of therapies that people use in real life. Research in integrative medicine utilizes the basic principles of biomedical research, but applies them to studies of nutrition, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, acupuncture and other therapies. As a researcher, you gain a deeper understanding of natural medicine disciplines. Projects are varied, ranging from surveys and epidemiological studies, to laboratory research and clinical trials. The knowledge gained from your research will be used to improve clinical practice and provide better medicine for patients. Students pursue a Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research degree for a variety of reasons. Some students pursue a master’s degree as a precursor to a clinical degree or a PhD program. Other students simultaneously pursue the MSiMR with a naturopathic or Chinese medicine degree as they work to become physician-researchers. Established clinicians and researchers enroll in the MSiMR to develop their expertise in integrative medicine. At the very least, all of our students have the strong desire to learn something new while they hone their problem-solving skills. Join us on a fun and interactive research team as we contribute to the evidence base for integrative medicine!
National College of Natural Medicine
Heather Zwickey, PhD Dean of Research Director, Helfgott Research Institute
Office of Admissions: Toll-free: 877.669.8737 Local: 503.552.1660 NCNM Clinic: 503.552.1551 continued
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Helfgott Research Institute: 503.552.1743