Hi and welcome! I’m so happy you are here. I’ve dedicated this part of my website to future and current naturopathic medical students to provide tips and tools on getting through this crazy program – the things I wish I had known and the things I learned along the way.
I remember starting my application for CCNM (the school in Toronto). I was searching for tips on the application and interview process, but there was nothing. Even now, there are little to no resources for soon-to-be nat med students or even for those currently in the program. As a third-year student, I realized that it would’ve been so helpful to know what I know now, back when I first applied or when I started my first year.
In my first year, I heard about naturopathic graduates who had invested their time and money into this 4-year program, and after graduation decided not to continue with this career choice. I remember being so confused as to why someone would walk away from this after so long. But after being in school long enough, it hit me. I realized how easy it is to burn out physically, mentally and emotionally through this program. I realized that there are many reasons why someone might not continue: family planning, burnout, business challenges, financial struggles etc. I realized, very quickly, that naturopathic doctors have to hustle and grind in order to succeed in their practices.
Now, this is not to scare you in any way. This is to acknowledge the importance of setting your goals and knowing what is expected of you to reach them. You are going to learn things that recent grads and current NDs didn’t really have the opportunity to learn, through lessons from NDs and current students, themselves. My hope is that you will leave better prepared to progress through your schooling and to build your business when you graduate. The stronger we are as a profession, the more lives we will impact.