Student Voices - News and opinions from naturopathic students

Student Voices

We believe that the issues and concerns facing students today are central to learning and practicing, and giving voice to these topics is critical. With this in mind, we are pleased to introduce you to, “Student Voices”, our student representative area where students talk to students. 
 
Our goal is to provide an online forum to them to circulate news and opinions about current issues and events at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University, as well as general issues and events relevant to the broader professional community. Our student representatives will also serve as a conduit of information for students regarding questions they may have about Bioclinic Naturals products, research and development, and upcoming events.

Student Voices' main objectives are to help promote the civic engagement of students, to provide a platform for discussion and medium of dialogue between students of integrative medicine in various disciplines, and to compel action in support of policies that will benefit many. Student Voices strives to inform people about relevant social and health issues that may concern students, future health care professionals, and those interested in integrative medicine. 
 
Adrian Nasager, Bioclinic Naturals Student Representative at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine: 
 
Adrian Nasager is completing his fourth and final year at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). He received his undergraduate education in medical radiation science from McMaster University. He is an active participant in CCNM life and the 2009-2010 President of the CCNM Naturopathic Students’ Union. His professional interests are in integrative medicine, cardiometabolic syndromes, endocrinology, Aboriginal populations and constitutional homeopathy.  

Wendy Tao, Bioclinic Naturals Student Representative at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine:
 
A University of Alberta Bachelor of Science graduate with studies in food and nutrition, Wendy Tao has a passion for nutrition and health. This has inspired her to continue her education in Naturopathic Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). She is fluent in Chinese including Cantonese and Mandarin and has been active in the vitamin and nutrition field since 1996.
 
Pragati Patel, MA, Bioclinic Naturals Student Representative at the Bastyr University: 

Pragati is in her second year at Bastyr University in Seattle. Her undergraduate background in Anthropology coupled with her graduate work in Communications led her to the realm of Naturopathic Medicine and the unique patient centered approach utilized in this field. Her interests include the politics and policies behind medicine, community healthcare and pediatrics. She is an active member of the Bastyr Chapter of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Naturopaths without Borders.
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Student Voices

  • "There’s no research"

    Tony works to dispel a common myth about alternative medicines

  • 27th Annual AANP Convention and Exposition

    The Annual AANP Convention is upon us, what will this year hold?

  • A Cleansing Experience: First-Hand Experience in Detoxification Programs

    I have begun to get a reputation as someone who recommends a lot of detox programs. Despite my affection for the process until recently I had never done a detox myself. For fear of hypocrisy I thought I had better put my mouth where my money is and try one of them myself. Before beginning I thought I would investigate the various detox programs available.

  • A clinical observational study on PGX® conducted at the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine

    Significant reductions were observed (p<0.05) in weight (-5.79 ± 3.55 kg), waist circumference (-12.07 ± 5.56 cm), and percentage body fat (-2.43 ± 2.39%) compared to baseline values.

  • A powerful story of finding Nirvana

    A neuroanatomist shared her journey of rediscovering the existence of her right hemisphere

  • A review on the use of NAC in the treatment of PCOS

    A review of three different journal articles, exploring different ways NAC is being tested to treat PCOS cover the use of NAC as a singular treatment, or as an adjunct treatment with other medications or supplements. Not only do we find promising uses for NAC in the treatment of PCOS in these articles, but we see some of the theories behind its effectiveness and the potential causes behind some of PCOS’s sequelae.

  • A Sense of Community

    The value Americans place on community differs greatly from other places of the world and this has affected our lives in more ways than we realize.

  • A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

    Research is suggesting that sugar can help eradicate persistent bacteria that lead to chronic and recurrent infections.

  • Abnormal Pap Test

    Have you ever had an abnormal PAP smear? Want to know how naturopathic approach can help to prevent it from happening again?

  • Advice from Practicing NDs

    Questions such as where to practice, how to practice and what are the steps one needs to take after graduation to become a successful naturopathic doctor are all questions to think about every once in a while. Fortunately, a panel of currently practicing NDs was able to shed some light on this and give their advice on some of these questions.

  • An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

    Recently the World Health Organization acknowledged the four major risk factors in non-communicable diseases. The results will not surprise you.

  • An update on my infected tooth

    My right bottom molar is officially out. I feel great about it. The next step is a waiting game.

  • Antibiotic Resistance: From Farm to Plate

    80% of the antibiotics sold in the United States go to chicken, pigs and cows yet producers of meat and dairy are not required to disclose how they use the drugs.

  • As a Community, we Mourn

    Countless shootings have taken place in the United States, as the victim toll rises, there is growing concern over the care provided to the mentally ill.

  • Best Medicine

    Tony comments on the naturopath/allopath rivalry.

  • Education, or lack thereof

    Tony recounts his experience telling medical students about naturopathic medicines

  • EFAs and Infancy

    A look at why EFA levels are important in neonates, and means for supplementing them.

  • Elective Courses in the ND Program?

    What would you do if you could choose some of the courses you took at CCNM?

  • Everyone has a Story

    I had the great privilege of attending the Gathering a few weeks ago at my school, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). It was a weekend filled with many great talks between elders and students alike, regarding the meaning and interpretation of the vis medicatrix naturae or the healing power of nature.

  • Exam jitteriness and anxiety

    How many of you have gotten exam anxiety before, during, or after an exam? Symptoms of anxiety can be classified into emotional, behavioral, physiological and/or cognitive. Here are some of the coping strategies for exam anxiety.

  • Exploring the multi functional uses of Stinging Nettle

    Stinging Nettle is a plant with emerging research that shows it has a wealth of benefits.

  • Fertility and acupuncture

    Tony explores in vitro fertilization and the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy

  • Fever: Our body’s natural defense mechanism

    Fevers are often the cause of great concern amongst parents, but are we doing more harm than good when we ‘treat’ a fever?

  • First wave of NDs in Canada to have the authority to prescribe medications

    174 NDs in British Columbia were able to prescribe staring September 7, 2010

  • Food Addiction – Part 1: The Invisible Prison

    What is a cause of the obesity epidemic that we are seeing in our society? Do overweight or obese people simply like to overeat at every meal? Are they just not concerned about their health? No, rather it is possible that they are addicted to the processed foods that some predominantly consume. And it may not be their fault. There are hidden chemicals and other ingredients, such as sugar, that are helping to cause this addiction.

  • Food Addiction – Part 2: Fat storage, a protection mechanism

    In part one of this series I discussed food addiction and how it is one of the contributing causes to the obesity epidemic that we see in society. In part two, I will explore one successful approach to losing weight and keeping it off. These are simple and basic principles that are very much aligned with one of the naturopathic principles: Treat the root cause.

  • Food Addiction – Part 3: A Truly Natural Weight Loss Solution

    In part one of this series I talked about food addiction and how it contributes to the obesity epidemic. In part two, I discussed how fat storage is a protection mechanism used by the body to surround and sequester harmful toxins and chemicals to prevent damage elsewhere in the body. In this third and final article, I will talk about some of the foods that can be incorporated into your diet to detoxify and eliminate the GI system from accumulated and stored toxins.

  • Glucosamine sulfate, not glucosamine hydrochloride, is effective against osteoarthritis

    Rebuttal of a recent widely publicized finding of the ineffectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin to combat joint pain

  • Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load – Do you know the difference?

    Most of us have heard of the terms glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load (GL) but what do they really mean and what is significant about them? In this article I compare and contrast them and explain how they are calculated and interpreted.

  • Graduation: A Student’s Reflection on the Lessons of Naturopathic Education

    As I approach the completion of my formal training as a naturopathic doctor I reflect on the last 4 years and how the experienced has changed me.

  • Great advancement for CCNM for the treatment of Cancer

    The Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC) is now open and will be providing naturopathic oncology treatments and a wide array of other adjunctive therapies for the treatment and prevention of cancer.

  • Green Allopathy

    Treating symptoms is not the foundation for Naturopathic Medicine but it happens more often than we might imagine.

  • Green tea, a natural wonder

    Green tea and dental health, a healthy connection.

  • Healing from Within – A Mind-Body Approach

    Using mindful healing can be a great way to help you or someone else get to the root issue of what they are experiencing. This is a technique that Paul Epstein, ND teaches and it can allow one to change the way they perceive things in their lives.

  • Healthcare Reform in America

    Healthcare reform is currently underway in the U.S. and this may have a profound affect on the Naturopathic Medical community.

  • Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip

    Wendy explains the potential complications following hemiarthroplasty of the hip.

  • Homeopathy and CBC’s “Marketplace”: Exposé or Propaganda?

    Recently the CBC’s (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) program "Marketplace" aired an exposé on homeopathy publicizing the many arguments that have been levelled against the alternative medical system from the prevailing medical and scientific communities. This article clearly outlines the criticisms of homeopathy and offers some playful rebuttal from a logical standpoint. While it is routinely observed that homeopathy flies in the face of science, I hope the reader will see how scientific argum

  • How Acupuncture Works

    The underlying scientific mechanisms behind acupuncture

  • How do we know what works?

    The problem with un-researched medical treatments

  • How much radiation is safe?

    Many of us in the West Coast are concerned not only for the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedy in Japan, but also about whether the radiation leaked from the Japanese nuclear reactors might reach us. Should one be concerned about the radiation levels in Vancouver?

  • How the Heart Beats

    A new study shows that the rate at which our heart beats can be an indicator of mortality.

  • How to gain more out of your education: The Degree-Focused Mindset vs. Experience-Focused Mindset

    Want to get more out of your education and gain the skills and experiences that truly matter once you start working in your field? Then try this approach.

  • How Unfiltered Coffee Increases Serum LDL Cholesterol levels

    Drinking unfiltered coffee instead of the paper-filtered brews increases blood LDL cholesterol levels. Cafestol is the compound found in coffee that is responsible for this, but it can be filtered out of coffee using a paper filter.

  • How your shopping habits can tell strangers everything about you

    Statisticians have found a way to figure out who you are and what major retailers can sell you - example: pregnancy.

  • Human Biofilm

    This article discusses the concept of biofilms and how the members of these intricate communities interact with each other and with their host to shape their environment.

  • Psoriasis Cured: An Example of the Healing Power of Nature

    This article discusses a remarkable case of a 18 year-old woman who had suffered with psoriasis since birth and was refractory to conventional medical approaches. After applying a standard naturopathic protocol for one month the woman returned in complete remission and has remained so provided she maintains her treatment plan. After hearing this miraculous case the obvious question is: “What was the treatment?”

  • Public vs. Private Health Care: Investing in the Value of Time

    Adrian investigates patient perception of the value of time and money in relation to "alternative" health care practitioners.

  • Questioning the Pelvic Exam

    Clinical evidence does not support the need to do annual bimanual exams, yet many Physicians continue to perform unnecessary exams.

  • Reflections

    A journey three years in the making is finally on its last chapter. What will fourth year bring my way?

  • Relationships and Staying ‘Regular’

    Evidence supports the emotional benefits of having healthy and regular digestion.

  • Remaining Focused: The Power of Setting Goals

    Goals are what allow us to stay focused and they give us something to work towards and look forward to, depending on the goal. In this article I show you how to set goals in a way that guarantees success so that you can achieve some of the things you want in life.

  • Removing obstacles to cure – The first step in Therapeutic Order or Hierarchy of Healing

    In this article I explain how there are certain things which can prevent a person from healing and why it is important to first consider them and remove them in order to better facilitate the healing process.

  • Residence vs. off campus living

    Having trouble deciding whether to live on or off campus? Well having experienced the best of both worlds, I can now list some of the pros and cons for both living in residence and living off campus.

  • Revolutionary “liberation therapy” treatment and the Swank low-fat diet for multiple sclerosis (MS)

    Dr. Paolo Zamboni suggests that vein blockages play a key role in MS and the late Dr. Roy Swank believed MS patients did not digest fat well resulting in micro-clotting.

  • Root Canal Cover-Up

    Having been studying and working in the complementary health industry, I know that a root canal might not be the right way to go. However, I did not know exactly why. So I did my own research and find out why so many naturopathic doctors and biological dentists fight hard to stay away from this treatment.

 

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