Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. –Frank Lloyd Wright Viewbook 2013-2014
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 College Patient Care The Programs Naturopathic Medicine Classical Chinese Medicine Research & Graduate Studies Our Faculty Our Students Our Alumni The City Get Acquainted Facts at a Glance Prerequisites
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In the world of natural medicine, everything is changing fast. Naturopathic doctors, classical Chinese medicine practitioners and natural medicine researchers are increasingly part of the healthcare landscape as patients and other healthcare professionals recognize their considerable contributions of health and well-being. The basics are always with us: how to sustain good health and, when illness does intervene, what treatments and protocols are the most appropriate, the most effective, and the least invasive? At NCNM, we launch careers in natural medicine. We combine 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. Our teachers are amazing. Our clinics are your classroom. Let’s get you ready.
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.
—David J. Schleich, PhD NCNM President NCNM Viewbook
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Patient Care
The Programs
NCNM Teaching Clinic
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. The clinic’s peaceful atmosphere reflects the healing philosophy of natural medicine. The clinic has an extensive medicinary of natural products and more than 300 Chinese herbs, which are blended and formulated onsite. Our state-licensed laboratory offers in-house lab tests for patients, optimizing both patient care and student education.
Community Clinics 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 School of Naturopathic medicine 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 and of nature.
specific conditions, and seeks to diagnose and treat the root causes of illness whenever possible.
Naturopathic Residency Program
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
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.
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
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.
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.
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Research & Graduate Studies the school of research & graduate studies trains students in the design and development of integrative medicine research studies. The research conducted at our Helfgott Research Institute aims to advance the art and science of healing by developing a deeper understanding about natural forms of medicine. Helfgott is the recipient of numerous honors, including grant awards from the National Institutes of Health. NCNM’s acclaimed faculty researchers contribute to the growing body of knowledge found in peer-reviewed journals, and are sought after to share their research findings at conferences throughout the world. Research studies include nutrition, acupuncture, botanicals, mind-body medicine and environmental medicine. 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 is increasing. This program aims to train master’s level researchers, clinician-researchers and evidence-based clinicians by offering courses that cater to multiple career paths.
Classical Chinese Medicine The School of Classical Chinese Medicine 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. 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 Science in Oriental Medicine 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.
Master of Acupuncture The Master of Acupuncture (MAc) three-year program, and the five-year program for licensed healthcare 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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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 ones 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.
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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.
Dr. Kim Tippens, Assistant Professor
Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis, Professor
School of Classical Chinese Medicine
Helfgott Research Institute
School of Naturopathic Medicine
“Before I came to NCNM to teach 15 years ago, I was an associate professor at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During the Cultural Revolution, the past was rejected and the ancient roots were stripped from the medicine in an attempt to bring Western medical standards to the practice of Chinese medicine. Fortunately, the classical texts survived and many of us studied them for years to understand and learn.
“What I’m most passionate about is health equity. I want complementary and alternative medicine to be accessible to all. Right now access is a luxury for many. Things may change slightly with the Affordable Care Act, but barriers include location, licensure, patient costs and insurance coverage. Our professions have something unique to offer in preventive care and we know that prevention is a priority for everyone in the U.S. I want to contribute to the discussion about accessibility through research and education, including training students to provide culturally appropriate care.
“I came to NCNM at the age of 19 and finished my undergrad degree by taking additional year-round 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, to write; 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 the concept of ‘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.
Rihui Long, Professor “I am making a difference in many lives as I help my students lay a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Chinese medicine.” ~Professor Rihui Long
“The CAM research field is fairly new and my work is even newer…At NCNM, we’re really contributing to the evidence base in naturopathic and Chinese medicine.” ~Dr. Kim Tippens
“At NCNM we are here to learn and teach the skills, art and science of an excellent primary care physician…” ~Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis
“NCNM’s Chinese medicine program offers students a diversity of lineages through its faculty, all contributing to a rich student learning experience. I love NCNM—my passion is teaching classical Chinese medicine! Preparing students to become highly qualified Chinese medicine practitioners is important—and rewarding. I know that I am making a difference in many lives as I help my students lay a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Chinese medicine.” Rihui Long earned his Master of Medicine at China’s Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Professor Long is the chief medical officer of classical Chinese medicine at the NCNM Clinic. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, he treats a broad range of conditions and is an expert in digestive disorders, women’s health and cancer. He is an authority on the seminal ancient Chinese text, Huangdi Neijing,—also known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Professor Long believes that in addition to technique and clinical skills, it’s very important for students to learn how to communicate with their patients. “It’s important to show your patients your Golden Heart so they know that you care about them. This helps form the basis of a good practitioner-patient relationship.”
Meet the rest of our esteemed faculty: www.ncnm.edu/faculty
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“The CAM research field is fairly new and my work is even newer. There are very few naturopathic schools and even fewer with research institutes. At NCNM, we’re really contributing to the evidence base in naturopathic and Chinese medicine. Our students are very invested in what they’re doing. It’s great to work with this caliber of students. Most of the research students will work in an evidence-based practice or become a clinicianresearcher. They will bring to their research a level of understanding of clinical practice and philosophy that non-clinician researchers don’t have.” Kimberly Tippens received her ND and MSAOM degrees from Bastyr University in 2003 and her MPH degree from Oregon Health & Science University in 2012. She joined the NCNM faculty as an assistant professor in 2012. While a student at Bastyr, she completed a family practice residency at NCNM with an emphasis on community health. From 2009 to 2011 she was a postdoctoral fellow at Helfgott Research Institute and OHSU. Dr. Tippens teaches public health policy and a health disparities elective course in the MSiMR program, and mentors MSiMR students. She also teaches a public health course in the CCM program. One of her current research interests is investigating low-cost, sustainable models of acupuncture, including group acupuncture.
“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, in which students are more in competition with one another. At NCNM we are here to learn and teach the skills, art and science of an excellent primary care physician who observes, makes a diagnosis, and offers treatment based on all the principles we’ve just outlined.” 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. NCNM Viewbook
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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 worked in the financial industry, managed restaurants, taught language arts, mastered martial arts and lived abroad. Above all, NCNM students are forward thinking. 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 wellbeing of patients seeking healthcare assistance from knowlegeable, caring practitioners.
“The college has a feeling of deep roots, but it’s also very alive and energizing. It’s a wonderful place to develop leadership skills, too.” ~Pedro “Eli” Morales, NCNM Naturopathic Medicine Program
“NCNM’s research program has given me, after years of academic research, the tools to conduct clinical research with human participants.” ~Kirsten Wright, NCNM Naturopathic Medicine Program and Integrative Medicine Research Program
“Classical Chinese medicine is taught by very few colleges and the faculty here is incredible. The program is set up around the ideal of doctors as scholars.” ~Kelly Shaw, NCNM Classical Chinese Medicine Program
Pedro “Eli” Morales, NCNM Naturopathic Medicine Program “I taught fourth grade in New York City for several years and found city life very draining and too removed from nature. I was interested in ways to heal people but didn’t know about natural medicine until I spoke to a friend who was an NCNM graduate. “At NCNM I’m learning about the art of medicine, just as I previously learned about the art of teaching—how to approach people as well as master needed skills. The college has a feeling of deep roots, but it’s also very alive and energizing. It’s a wonderful place to develop leadership skills, too. I traveled to Nicaragua with our local Natural Doctors International group to work in underserved communities. The experience made me realize the importance of promoting global health awareness and led me to become president of our NCNM chapter. I’ve also served as a student liaison to the college’s curriculum and planning committee. “I’m passionate about understanding how the body can heal itself. I hope to return to upstate New York and open a clinic, eventually an integrative facility. I also want to develop an elementary school health curriculum to help kids talk about health and their bodies.”
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Kirsten Wright, NCNM Naturopathic Medicine Program and Integrative Medicine Research Program “I was raised in a family that valued natural medicine and nutrition, and from a young age I knew that I wanted to pursue medicine. I grew up with plants and conducted research in plant evolution during my undergraduate biology studies. I began a postgraduate research program in the Netherlands in plant biomolecular chemistry, but withdrew when I decided to pursue naturopathic medicine. NCNM’s research degree was not established when I was accepted, but there was already a nurturing and challenging research environment. When the program began, I jumped at the opportunity and switched from the dual degree in naturopathy and Oriental medicine to naturopathy and research. Botanical medicine is my strongest interest, but I’ve also become fascinated by physical medicine and nutrition. “NCNM’s research program has given me, after years of academic research, the tools to conduct clinical research with human participants. My thesis research is investigating the effect of botanical medicine on endothelial function in people at risk for cardiovascular disease. When I graduate, I hope to find a post-doc position in botanical medicine and clinical research and later on transition into a combination of clinical work and research.”
Kelly Shaw, NCNM Classical Chinese Medicine Program “I grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where I was around herbs and natural medicine used by local tribes, but it wasn’t until after I finished college and had been working in archeology that I thought about a career in medicine. I wanted to be of service. A chance meeting with a naturopath led me to NCNM and when I read about the CCM program and Heiner Fruehauf, I decided on Chinese medicine. “Classical Chinese medicine is taught by very few colleges and the faculty here is incredible. The program is set up around the ideal of doctors as scholars. It gives students an exceptional grasp of what’s possible with Chinese medicine. It prepares us to learn from our patients and learn more options for using our tools. Students willing to take initiative do best here. I led a research project on Chinese herbal formulas at Helfgott. “I’m passionate about the classical texts in Chinese medicine and about herbal medicine. I hope to have a private practice and use Bazi—medical astrology—there and in consulting work. I’m especially interested in working with veterans and Native Americans, and in men’s health.”
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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, 2,200-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!
“The CCM program is really unique in the world in terms of the quality of the faculty, the depth of the program, and how it connects students with the roots of the medicine.” ~Eric Grey, LAc
“I chose to pursue a medical career with NCNM because I wanted to learn how to use food as medicine and I wanted training in counseling and mind-body techniques.” ~Angela Senders, ND
“I spoke to a lot of grads and NCNM seemed to be where the most experienced doctors were. I had excellent mentors at the college and in the community.” ~Mindy Cash, ND, LAc
Eric Grey, LAc
Angela Senders, ND
Mindy Cash, ND, LAc
“I hadn’t intended to choose classical Chinese medicine as a career after I finished bachelor degrees in philosophy and biology—I didn’t really know it existed—but a postcard I saw led me to attend an NCNM student for a day program. When I met Heiner Fruehauf, who was dean at the time, I felt a deep resonance with this medicine. And when I visited classes, I felt a sense of community. In my years at NCNM, I had the privilege of training with Heiner Fruehauf as well as other noted Chinese medicine scholars, and interacting with international scholars and practitioners at conferences and other events. The CCM program is really unique in the world in terms of the quality of the faculty, the depth of the program, and how it connects students with the roots of the medicine. The community aspect is also remarkable, having a network of professionals to reach out to. I now have several lifelong mentors.
“I’ve always been interested in cultivating health and well-being. I chose to pursue a medical career with NCNM because I wanted to learn how to use food as medicine and I wanted training in counseling and mind-body techniques.
“Growing up, I always wanted to go into medicine. I did pre-med as an undergrad. I’d never worked in a medical setting, so I got a job in a busy clinical practice in Washington, D.C., before applying to med school and the doctors there convinced me not to apply. They felt they were doing sick care, not health care. I discovered naturopathic medicine from a book and I knew a little about acupuncture. I spoke to a lot of grads and NCNM seemed to be where the most experienced doctors were. I had excellent mentors at the college and in the community. I had friends going through conventional MD programs and I felt like I was learning physiology better—how the body works and how it falls out of balance. I felt well-prepared when I graduated.
“As a practitioner, I’m passionate about empowering people to make the best decisions for their health. This medicine is very participatory. I see it as really important for chronic disease, especially when people have been told there is nothing that can be done for them. As a teacher, what’s really important to me is not to fill students’ heads with information, but to excite them and inspire them to do their own learning.” Eric Grey earned his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree from NCNM in 2009. He is an adjunct faculty member at NCNM’s School of Classical Chinese Medicine and teaches the Chinese herbs lab series, the Chinese medicine business seminars and a portion of the first-year course “Bridging Heaven and Earth: Ways of Knowing.” Grey founded Watershed Community Wellness in Portland, where he focuses on the treatment of chronic, unexplained conditions— especially skin and autoimmune conditions. He enjoys connecting with Chinese medicine students and practitioners through his blog, Deepesthealth.com, which he started in his second year at NCNM; and through Chinese Medicine Quarterly, a digital and print magazine he’s been publishing since 2011.
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“When I started at NCNM there was no research department. Heather Zwickey arrived about halfway through my schooling and immediately started opening doors for students to participate in research. She placed me in a work-study position with a naturopath at OHSU who was studying the use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with multiple sclerosis. It was a great experience. After graduating I opened a private practice with a focus on mind-body medicine and psychotherapeutics. Six years later I decided to study these modalities in a larger context and I applied for a postdoctoral research fellowship with the Oregon Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders at OHSU. I’m now studying the effect of psychological stress in MS and how mind-body approaches can support people with chronic neurological conditions. My ultimate goal is to inform integrative care so that patients can access the best of both CAM and conventional medical approaches. I think that solid, well-designed, and rigorously conducted research will make this possible. “I’ve recently returned to NCNM as adjunct faculty and I’m amazed by the transformation of the research department. Dr. Zwickey has built a phenomenal opportunity for students and faculty to study not only how this medicine works, but how it’s used by patients, how it’s applied in practice, and how policies and economics determine its accessibility.” Dr. Angela Senders earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from NCNM in 2005. Prior to NCNM, she received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. Dr. Senders has trained extensively in mindfulness and somatic psychotherapy, and had a private practice in Boston, and later in Portland, before beginning her fellowship at OHSU.
“What I love about natural medicine is that it’s effective—often more effective than conventional medicine. Often a simple change in lifestyle—in nutrition, exercise, sleep or learning to manage stress—can dramatically heal a patient’s whole condition. I like to offer patients every possible choice that best serves their unique case. I treat a lot of chronic pain and injuries with physical medicine, such as myofascial therapy in tandem with therapeutic exercise and acupuncture. I have a passion for botanical medicine, too, and love keeping up with the rapidly growing scientific research validating this ancient modality.” Dr. Mindy Cash did her undergraduate studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. She graduated with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from NCNM in 2001, and completed the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree in 2002. She runs a busy primary care practice in Portland, Health Roots Natural Medicine. Dr. Cash maintains her connection to NCNM through the student preceptor program and work-study students. She enjoys teaching and currently teaches nutrition, Chinese medicine and botanical medicine at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland.
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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. 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 limits. Surrounded by sweeping vistas of natural beauty, Portland is ideally located on 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.
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Best of Portland
Right: City of Portland. Opposite page: fresh produce from the Portland Farmers Market; along the waterfront; outdoor cafe in Northwest Portland; Forest Park. Below: Portland’s International Rose Test Garden.
• America’s Best Bike City Bicycling magazine (May 2012)
• The 10 Best Cities for People Without Cars Living Green Magazine (March 7, 2013)
• No. 1, World’s Best Street Food U.S. News Travel (October 17, 2011)
• The Five Best Places to Live in the World The Guardian (Jan. 20, 2012)
• The 10 Best U.S. Cities for Urban Forests American Forests (February 2013)
• No. 2, Best U.S. Cities For Urban Gardening Care2 (March 20, 2013)
• The World’s Best Cities for Beer Frommer’s (August 2012)
• America’s 50 Best Cities Bloomberg Businessweek (September 2012)
• No. 2, Best Farmers’ Markets Travel + Leisure (July 2011)
• America’s Best Downtowns Forbes (Oct. 14, 2011)
• No. 1, America’s Greenest Cities Travel + Leisure (April 2012)
Learn more about Portland: www.ncnm.edu/portland
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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. 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.
Facts at a Glance PROGRAMS AND TRACKS Naturopathic Medicine: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) 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
ENROLLMENT: 542
If natural medicine is your dream, if you want to change the future of health care—we can’t wait to meet you!
ND: 304 CCM: 97 MSiMR: 4 ND/CCM: 101 ND/MSiMR: 34 CCM/MSiMR: 2
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.
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: 10:1
Exploration Day Calendar
Average GPA: Average Age: Women: Ethnic Diversity:
3.35 31 75% 33%
2013:
2014:
July 12, 2013 (Friday)
Jan. 10, 2014 (Friday)
Aug. 16, 2013 (Friday)
Feb. 8, 2014 (Saturday)
Sep. 21, 2013 (Saturday)
March 2014 (No Event)
October 2013 (No Event)
Apr. 11, 2014 (Friday)
Nov. 15, 2013 (Friday)
May 9, 2014 (Friday)
December 2013 (No Event)
June 2014 (No Event)
ACADEMIC YEAR 2013/2014 Matriculation: Fall and Winter Quarters Fall Quarter Begins: Sep. 16, 2013 Winter Quarter Begins: Jan. 6, 2014 Spring Quarter Begins: April 7, 2014
APPLICATION DEADLINES
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Fall 2014 Scholarship Deadline: Application Deadline:
March 1, 2014 July 1, 2014
Winter 2015 Scholarship Deadline: Application Deadline:
July 1, 2014 Nov. 1, 2014
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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MAc Prerequisites General Chemistry
One course required
General Biology
One course required
One course required
Physics Must cover mechanics
One course required
Social Sciences
One course required
Social Sciences
One course required
Humanities
One course required
Humanities
One course required
Mathematics Algebra, calculus or math-based statistics
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
Organic Chemistry Science-major level Must cover carbonyl compounds
Two courses required
General Chemistry
One course required
General Biology
One course required
Physics Must cover mechanics
ND Prerequisites
OR Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Science-major level
MSiMR
MAc
MSOM ND
MSOM Prerequisites
One course required; One course required
One course required OR
Kinesiology Must be approved
One course required
Social Sciences One course must be human psychology (life span or developmental)
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
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine 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 disease diagnosis and natural medicine modalities. Coursework includes botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, 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 begins in the second year and 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. Students may choose to spread their coursework over five or six years, while concurrently earning degrees in classical Chinese medicine or integrative research.
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:
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.
Dear Prospective Student,
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.
NCNM’s School of Naturopathic Medicine provides the oldest Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree program in North America. Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers with an expertise in natural medicine. Our unique approach to patient care combines the wisdom of nature and integration of conventional modalities, each supported by a balance of research, scientific validation, and clinical expertise. The naturopathic program at NCNM teaches what it means to assess the whole person, not just a disease, and to treat the whole person to achieve balance and optimum health.
Prevention: Naturopathic physicians focus on promoting health to avoid disease.
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.
The time for naturopathic medicine is now! Patients across the country are seeking alternatives to conventional medicine, are more informed about their choices and health options, and are 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 career as a naturopathic physician has many options today, including primary patient care, integrative care with conventional providers, research opportunities, and public policy work. Most importantly, we have the mandate to preserve our heritage as naturopathic physicians, and to cultivate our knowledge to meet the needs of the 21st century.
Over the years, growing numbers of patients have sought alternative treatments for conditions that have not been
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!
National College of Natural Medicine
Melanie Henrikson, ND, LAc, CNM Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine
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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 2,200 alumni are among the leading naturopathic physicians, researchers and entrepreneurs in the country.
Classical Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine as Explained by the Classics
Through the progressive embodiment of the classical Chinese approach, students gain increasing insight into how to treat even the most complex and recalcitrant conditions. 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 also offers a fiveyear Master of Acupuncture for licensed healthcare 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.
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. Through transmission and other lineagebased 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
Dear Prospective Student, 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. 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. 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
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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. 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. 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.
Integrative Medicine Research
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the School of Research & Graduate Studies Director, Helfgott Research Institute
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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.
Nutrition
The MScN program begins with a strong foundation in macronutrient and micronutrient nutrition, pathophysiology and nutritional biochemistry. Master of Science in Nutrition The Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN) degree is a one-year program focused on whole, unprocessed foods and traditional diets. The program integrates nutritional biochemistry and pathophysiology with advanced clinical nutrition knowledge. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in holistic nutrition and food systems complemented by skill-training in cooking, teaching and nutritional counseling. Students may choose to complete the program in nine or twelve months, or to take it concurrently with another degree program at NCNM. Foundational courses in macronutrient, micronutrient and life cycle nutrition provide a broad knowledge base. Courses in community nutrition and public health, epidemiology, and public policy introduce students to the broad application of nutrition concepts. Courses such as medical nutrition therapy, nutritional counseling and health coaching teach practical clinical skills. Elective courses allow students to tailor the program to their specific interests.
Dear Prospective Student,
A Whole Food Approach to Nutrition
As the U.S. population struggles with obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, pain, and other conditions with nutritional components, the demand for expertise in nutrition has increased. It is well recognized that nutrition is a critical part of health and wellness, yet most medical training programs lack the time to devote to nutrition training. Faculty members at NCNM have designed a nutrition program that supports practical use in a clinical setting. When a clinician recommends that a patient adhere to a diet with a low glycemic index, MScN graduates are able to design a nutritional program, help the patient develop appropriate shopping lists and meal plans, teach them to cook using the recommended ingredients, and analyze restaurant menus for appropriate choices.
Current scientific research supports the idea that consuming foods in their most natural form can improve health and prevent disease. Unrefined, whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts contain beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. These important compounds have often been removed from the processed foods that have come to dominate the typical American diet over the past 100 years. The Master of Science in Nutrition degree emphasizes the importance of whole food nutrition for optimizing health.
The Master of Science in Nutrition program at NCNM prepares its graduates for a variety of careers including health coaching, nutritional counseling, or as integrative healthcare team members. As more pre-medical students recognize the value of nutrition in health and medicine, we expect that some will pursue this degree prior to enrolling in medical school. Electives are also offered to support students interested in careers as personal chefs, in professional food service, at health insurance companies and other settings. Recognizing the important role that media plays in health industries, this degree also prepares graduates with written and public speaking skills, as well as the ability to critically analyze research literature in nutrition.
The MScN program begins with a strong foundation in macronutrient and micronutrient nutrition, pathophysiology and nutritional biochemistry. It examines the scientific research supporting the use of whole food-based nutrition to minimize disease risk and support health. Advanced courses discuss current controversies in nutrition such as fad diets, processed foods
We welcome you to explore the possibilities this program offers for furthering your academic, professional and personal goals in the exciting field of whole food nutrition.
National College of Natural Medicine Heather Zwickey, PhD Dean of the School of Research & Graduate Studies Director, Helfgott Research Institute
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and genetically modified organisms. Handson training reinforces the importance of whole food-based nutrition. Students develop food preparation skills in a stateof-the-art teaching kitchen, obtain field experience through connections with the local food system, and gain clinical knowledge through practical experience with coaching and counseling. In addition to nutrition expertise and practical skills, MScN graduates also understand the role that social disparities play in nutrition and are equipped to develop plans to address food politics and policies.
MScN Prerequisites Biology (any discipline)
1 course
Math (algebra or statistics) 1 course General Chemistry
1 course
Psychology
1 course