Advancing the Science of Natural Medicine Research Viewbook 2012-2013
Our mission is to conduct rigorous, high-quality research on the art and science of healing, specifically working to understand natural forms of medicine.
3 The College 4 The Program 6 Our Faculty 8 Our Students 10 Our Alumni 12 The City 14 Join Us 15 Facts at a Glance 15 Get Acquainted 16 Admissions Requirements
Integrative medicine research is a growing field. As Americans face significant health challenges, the need for additional approaches to disease is increasingly evident. Our research in Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, nutrition, mind-body medicine and other natural therapies demonstrates that there are powerful alternatives for people to achieve wellness. With every study, we hope to provide evidence for how natural therapies can decrease obesity, treat pain, prevent cancer, and help people live healthier lives. We stay ever true to our mission to advance the science of natural medicine. Heather Zwickey, PhD Dean of Research Director, Helfgott Research Institute
NCNM Research Viewbook 1
The College NCNM offers four exceptional degree programs: Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR), Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), Master of Acupuncture (MAc), and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). 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 more than a dozen local clinics offering diverse clinical experiences to students. The college supports a tightly knit, inspiring learning environment, and a vital, groundbreaking research community.
Research Education NCNM is one of the only naturopathic schools to receive an R25 research education grant from the National Institutes of Health. This project trains naturopathic physicians and Chinese medicine practitioners to become more savvy in evidencebased medicine—a movement prevalent in biomedical institutions. When physicians and researchers speak the common language of research, they are better able to collaborate with one another. High-quality research training for our faculty and students, enhances their ability to critically evaluate biomedical literature, increases their knowledge of diagnostic techniques and therapies, and equips them to participate in clinical research. As a result of research education, NCNM students and faculty are playing a critical role in the integration of natural and conventional health care delivery.
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The college supports a tightly knit, inspiring learning environment, and a vital, groundbreaking research community.
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The Program Students at the National College of Natural Medicine are deeply interested in research and building the evidence base for natural medicine. The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research program was founded with the mission of training the top clinicians and researchers in naturopathic and Chinese medicine research. The program brings students together with expert investigators in the fields of nutrition, mind-body, botanical and environmental medicine, as well as health disparities and global health.
Clinician Researcher Track The MSiMR four-year track is designed for students who wish to become naturopathic or Chinese medicine clinician researchers. The courses are complementary to the clinical degree programs at NCNM and are offered at times that are convenient for medical students. The program allows students to transfer credit between the research and clinical programs to optimize the learning experience and reduce cost. Graduates of this program often pursue research as part of their clinical practice.
Research Associate Track Students in the two-year research associate track begin with an immersion in the various therapies of integrative medicine. At the same time, they are also provided with a foundation in the basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, immunology, and microbiology. This program allows students to advance quickly through their coursework and focus on their mentored research project. Graduates of this program may work in research intensive institutions, public health settings, or go on to pursue advanced medical or graduate degrees.
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Becoming trained in research requires both classroom and experiential learning. Students in the MSiMR program take courses in research design, conducting research, technical writing, and other research skills. All students embark on their own project in applied, basic or clinical research. During this phase of the training, students are paired with a mentor who helps oversee the student’s project. Students can pursue their specialized interests in elective courses such integrative oncology, psychology and behavior change, women’s health, nutrition, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, environmental health and global health. As the only research program to offer courses that cover the breadth of integrative medicine, while providing an intensive training in research methodology, the MSiMR is truly one of a kind. Integrative medicine research requires innovation and creativity. The modalities of integrative medicine often don’t fit the traditional research model. Furthermore, the research that is most valuable studies the therapies the way that they’re practiced clinically. The MSiMR program is ideal for students who want to meet the challenge of designing rigorous studies that capture the nuances of individualized medical care. Whether your goal is to become expert in a field, or develop a broad understanding of research methodology, you will find courses and design projects that fit your interests.
Sample Course Schedules Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research
Two-Year Program
Four-Year Program
Year 1
Credits Term
Year 1
Credits Term
Intro to Research & Ethics
2
Fall
Intro to Research & Ethics
2
Winter
Anatomy & Physiology
2
Fall
Research Design
2
Winter
Intro to Integrative Medicine
2
Fall
Conducting Research
2
Spring
Research Design
2
Fall
Intro to Lab Methods
2
Winter
Year 2
Credits Term
Biostatistics I
2
Winter
Biostatistics I
2
Summer
1
Summer
Journal Club I*
1
Winter
Journal Club I*
Conducting Research
2
Winter
Intro to Lab Methods
2
W or Sp
Integrative Immunology
3
Spring
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I
1
Spring
Biostatistics II with Lab
3
Spring
Journal Club II*
1
Spring
Integrative Microbiology
2
Spring
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I
1
Spring
Year 3
Credits Term
Principles of Epidemiology
3
Summer
Research Practicum I*
2
Summer
Bioethics
2
Summer
Public Health Policy
2
Fall
Technical Writing
2
Winter
Biostatistics II with Lab
3
Spring
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar II
1
Spring
Year 2
Credits Term
Principles of Epidemiology
3
Summer
Research Practicum I
2
Summer
Bioethics
2
Summer
Public Health Policy
2
Fall
Nutrition
2
Fall
Year 4
Credits
Term
Technical Writing
2
Winter
Research Practicum II
2
Winter
Research Practicum II
2
Winter
Capstone
3
Spring
Journal Club II*
1
Winter
Electives
8
Various
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar II
1
Spring
Transfer Courses
Credits
Capstone
3
Spring
Organ Systems Anatomy & Physiology
2
Electives
8
Various
Microbiology & Public Health
2
Immunology
3
Evidence-Informed Practice
2
Nutrition II
2
Total Required Credits
As the only research program to offer courses that cover the breadth of integrative medicine, while providing an intensive training in research methodology, the MSiMR is truly one of a kind.
Required Course Credits
44
Elective Course Credits
8
Total Credits
52
*May be taken in any term
Total Required Credits Required Course Credits
33
Elective Course Credits
8
Transfer Course Credits
11
Total Credits
52
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Our Faculty NCNM’s Helfgott Research faculty is composed of scientists from the fields of naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, immunology and nutrition. On the forefront of natural medicine research, our faculty members work on projects that include surveys, epidemiological studies, laboratory research and clinical trials. These rigorous studies on natural medicine contribute to the evidence base for integrative medicine. And these rigorous studies can change the world—and you. Our faculty members’ teaching excellence and experience will guide your own research; and the knowledge used to improve clinical practice and provide better medicine for patients. Mentoring the researchers of tomorrow is a vocation our faculty practice with passion and dedication. They are committed not only to advancing the science of natural medicine, but to advancing our graduates into thriving careers in research.
Dr. Douglas Hanes
Corey L. McAuliffe
Assistant Professor, Helfgott Research Institute
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Helfgott Research Institute
“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.
“People want to define “global health,” but it’s difficult. Global health is everything. So, where do we start? For me, it’s being originally from Portland, going to school in California, then spending about three years working in Honduras, Tanzania and Nicaragua. In Eastern Africa, I completed a nutritional assesment on children from birth to age five, examining how growth is stunted at different times in boys versus girls. You begin to see how cultural competence is essential to understanding why we have the situations we have. It’s one of the most important things I want to teach here. You can’t have a [successful] overarching intervention that doesn’t take local culture into account.
“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.
“After returning from Africa, I met Heather Zwickey, NCNM’s dean of research, and when I told her about my research, she said I had to publish it—and then she helped me do it! So, once I’d finished my master’s degree in public health, I came back to Portland and of course saw Heather again. When she told me about the MSiMR program—I didn’t even know there was a master’s program starting—I realized it was my dream job to come here and teach global health. Now I’m creating curricula, lining up speakers, already learning from my students. Just the other day, a student asked me how we’ll integrate cultural competence into coursework. Clearly, I’m in the right place!” Corey McAuliffe, MPH, joined NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute in 2012 as an adjunct assistant professor in the Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research program, where she specializes in global health, epidemiology and nutrition. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and Emory University, where her Master in Public Health work focused on global health and public nutrition; she did additional advanced work at the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica in Cuernavaca, Mexico. McAuliffe has worked with Un Kilo de Ayuda, Mexico’s largest not-for-profit humanitarian organization, and with Africa Bridge, which supports guardians of the most vulnerable children through economic development in Tanzania.
Meet the rest of our esteemed faculty: www.ncnm.edu/faculty 6
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Our Students The students in the research program are a diverse group of individuals who are motivated to hone their problem-solving skills. They are inquisitive, intelligent, and drawn to the unique combination of research and natural medicine. Characterized by their passion to learn, as well as their wide-ranging interests and backgrounds, they include dancers, photographers, engineers and hospital lab technicians. They’ve raised children, run marathons, worked in Mexican orphanages and traveled the world. 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 by advancing the science of natural
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!”
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!” ~Megan Choy, ND/MSOM/MS iMR 6
“I chose NCNM because I knew I would get the proper guidance and a solid grounding. I plan to investigate applications of botanicals, herbs and homeopathics against cancer and autoimmune diseases.” ~Gregory Garoppolo, ND/MSiMR 2
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Gregory Garoppolo, ND/MSiMR 2 “Knowing for a long time that I wanted to do research, I chose Pace University for my undergrad because they place a high value on research. I noticed there that my best professors all did research, and the better researchers were also professors. It seemed to me that the students keep you excited about your field, and research keeps you interested in the material. For myself, wanting to explore alternative medical theory and practice, I decided I needed that doctoral credential—along with the commitment to be true to the theory and applications of the medicine. I chose NCNM because I knew I would get the proper guidance and a solid grounding. I plan to investigate applications of botanicals, herbs and homeopathics against cancer and autoimmune diseases. A lot of the current drugs are pretty nasty; if we can bring in more natural treatments, it’s all to the good. After I finish here, I expect to establish a practice back in New York—as well as teaching and doing research, because I think you need both!”
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Carolyn Nygaard, 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. “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.
Jeremy Mikolai, ND
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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“After earning my undergrad degree, I decided I wanted to go back and attend medical school. While I did four years pre-med, I also was [investigating] botanical medicine and herbalism. This led me to an epiphany: discovering natural medicine, I realized it was exactly what I’d wanted to do all along, if only I’d known it existed! “When I looked at schools, after spending a fantastic day at NCNM, I just could not envision myself anywhere else. It really is the premier school for people trying to embark on a career as an ND. Here, you get to the roots of natural treatments; at NCNM, you can be a researcher studying a substance while also treating patients with it. It’s possible to get a good foundation for research elsewhere, but nowhere else does active research involve students to the extent the Helfgott does. It is just such a hands-on experience. From the very start—fall term of my first year here—I was doing research, including investigating the effect on immunity of the Ayurvedic plant Ashwaganda and launching my own investigation of the coenzyme Q10 for muscle pain. “Now, as an adjunct faculty member at Helfgott, I mentor students in the MSiMR program. I look forward to establishing a practice, but I’ll definitely continue in research. It’s grounded me in keeping current with the literature and—even more— in seeing many points of view, which keeps you thinking creatively.”
Dr. Jeremy Mikolai, NCNM ’10, recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute while finishing his residency; he studied cardiovascular medicine in addition to earning a doctorate in naturopathic medicine at NCNM. His award-winning research projects at Helfgott have resulted in publications in peerreviewed journals and presentations at professional conferences nationwide. NCNM Research Viewbook 11
“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. 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 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.
researchers, makes Portland the ideal place to pursue integrative medicine research. Investigators at NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute have strong collaborations with researchers at many of the other medical schools. While MSiMR students have the opportunity to present their research at conferences nationally and internationally, in our own backyard is SPARC—the Symposium for Portland Area Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. SPARC is a unique environment where researchers, clinicians and students from various backgrounds and disciplines gather to learn about the latest research taking place in our community.
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)
Portland has a unique research climate because it is home to a variety of medical schools including naturopathic, Chinese, chiropractic and conventional medicine. This diversity in approaches to medicine, along with a strong core of devoted
No. 2, Best Farmers’ Markets, Travel + Leisure (July 2011) 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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Facts at a Glance
Get Acquainted
PROGRAMS AND TRACKS
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.
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:
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%
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013 Matriculation: Fall and Winter Quarters Fall Quarter Begins: Sep. 17, 2012 Winter Quarter Begins: Jan. 7, 2013 Spring Quarter Begins: April 8, 2013
Join Us! The supportive environment at NCNM fosters profound academic and philosophical awakening. Our outstanding faculty welcome discussion and investigation during traditional lecture and case-based discussion courses. Competition for admittance in our programs increases every year. We attract and seek out highly motivated,
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APPLICATION DEADLINES resourceful, dedicated, academically strong and wellrounded individuals who have a clear understanding and affinity for naturopathic and Chinese medicine. In addition to fall matriculation, we also accept applications for a January entry in all programs and tracks.
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
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. To apply, or for more information: Online: www.ncnm.edu Phone: 503.552.1660 Toll free: 877.669.8737 Email: admissions@ncnm.edu
If natural medicine is your dream, if you want to change the future of health care—we can’t wait to meet you! 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 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)
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Admissions Requirements GPA: 3.2 or higher Science GPA: 3.0 or higher Course 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
Social Sciences Human psychology
One course required
Humanities English composition
One course required
Strongly Recommended Courses: Statistics, Cell Biology, Ethics Essay: What interests you about integrative medicine research? (800 words or less) Resume: Please include internships, extracurricular activities and publications Personal Statement: Describe your background in research, research-related interests or career goals in 800 words or less. Minimum GRE Scores: Subject test not required. Verbal: 150 (500 prior to 8-1-2011) Quantitative: 160 (650 prior to 8-1-2011) Writing: 4.0 TOEFL: Required for international students. Minimum computer test score: 213, minimum paper test score: 550.
“Research is creating new knowledge.� ~Neil Armstrong
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049 SW Porter Street, Portland, OR 97201 503.552.1555 www.ncnm.edu