Why Naturopathic medicine? This is a question that, as students, we are asked all too often. Whether introducing ourselves during first year, promoting the profession to the public or simply explaining it to our families, the answer to this question is often fascinating and unique to each individual. Every student’s answer tells you a great deal about them and it is with this in mind that I would like to share my own motivations with you.
 
For me, the joy of naturopathic medicine stems from the creativity, variety and challenge that are found in its modalities. For every disease, disorder and health problem there are a myriad of treatment options being purported. What makes this even more exciting for me is the knowledge that some of these treatments may be sub-optimal and others may not work at all. This leaves me with the challenge, and subsequent joy, of seeking out the best treatment for each patient.  This is a sort of glory when, after pouring over the literature, I find a treatment which was previously unknown to me and yet shows great potential to help a patient. Like many other students, I am also influenced by a desire to help others. This ever-present motivation keeps me going even when things get bleak. Another driving force for me in this profession is my interest in learning. I have a nearly insatiable hunger for new knowledge and have found great joy in the ever-expanding, seemingly endless literature that is the source of today’s medicine. Finally, I love this profession because I find that its principles are very much in line with my own. I would rather see the promotion of health than the treatment of disease. I emphatically believe that doctors should be teachers and I hold very strongly to the opinion that, with diet and lifestyle, great changes can be made to a person’s health. 
 
My motivations are my own, and will differ from all others. It is this diversity that makes naturopathic medicine such a wonderful profession. If any of what I have said here has sparked your interest then I encourage you to look into the profession and consider it for yourself. It’s never too late to learn something new and if you’re lucky, you’ll discover both a passion and a career.