Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. BINM was born in the halls of another college, the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). The inception of this program came after more than a decade of discussions among naturopathic doctors in British Columbia about the need for a naturopathic school in Western Canada. In 1998, WCCMT started a for-profit naturopathic medical program. This program was not well supported by the naturopathic community locally, who were skeptical of a naturopathic program initiated by a for-profit massage school despite the significant number of well respected NDs on the board. 
 
In 2000, ownership changed hand and the new owner didn’t want to continue the ND program leading to the creation of a new not-for-profit institute. A group of dedicated board members and students stepped in, took over the school and renamed it in honour of the late Dr. Joseph Boucher who was a well-loved naturopathic physician who lived and practiced for many years in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, a founding father of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), and a much respected pioneer in naturopathic medicine in British Columbia.. 
 
BINM campus is located in a 46,000 square foot building in the heart of New Westminster that also houses a public transit Sky train station. The institute is committed to small class sizes, a mentorship model of education and an innovative academic curriculum. Below are some significant achievements since 2005:

• Successful accreditation in December 2008 with commendations by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, the accrediting body for naturopathic medical education.
• The growth of our naturopathic teaching clinic to 12 treatment rooms and over 600 patient visits per month.
• An alumni of 100 naturopathic doctors.
• We’ve become a sought after naturopathic school with over 100 applications per year for only 36 spots in the first year class.
• Introduction of a 6-year part-time program in January 2009. 

I am very grateful and proud to be a part of the Boucher community. In particular, if it was not for the dedicated students, board members and volunteers who took a chance on a school that would not have survived without their enduring commitment, perseverance, faith and hard work. My sincere gratitude goes out to all of them.  
  
References:
Lloyd I.  The history of Naturopathic Medicine.  McArthur & Company. 2009. www.binm.org

Wendy Tao , B.Sc.

Student Representative

A University of Alberta Bachelor of Science graduate with studies in food and nutrition, Wendy 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.

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