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Detailed Information

Programs of Study

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) is Canada’s premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary-care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. CCNM offers a rigorous four-year, full-time Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) program. CCNM is also home to the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, a dynamic naturopathic teaching clinic where senior clinicians and N.D. supervisors conduct more than 25,000 patient visits per year. CCNM’s intensive four-year program involves more than 4,200 hours (classroom and clinic) and is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is the North American accrediting agency for naturopathic programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CCNM is a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.

The N.D. curriculum involves three major areas of study: basic sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic disciplines. Students take courses in the basic sciences of anatomy, histopathology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Development of problem-solving skills in applied basic life sciences is achieved through lectures, case discussion, tutorial groups, and clinical simulations. Some of these courses have a laboratory component. Laboratory resources include diagnostic test kits and access to human cadavers for gross anatomy study. A variety of audiovisual resources are also available.

Clinical science disciplines include physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, advanced imaging, physical assessment, health psychology, primary care, and pathology. The principles and philosophy of naturopathic medicine form the bridgework between the academic and clinical parts of the curriculum. Six major disciplines define the areas of naturopathic practice: acupuncture/traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), botanical medicine, physical medicine (massage, hydrotherapy, etc.), clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and lifestyle counseling.

Research Facilities

CCNM has collaborated with many major medical research institutions, including McMaster University, University of Oxford, the Hospital for Sick Children, the University of Toronto, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the Ottawa General Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Mayo Clinic, and the Johns Hopkins University, to advance the state of knowledge in naturopathic medicine. Researchers from CCNM have published numerous systematic reviews and research articles on naturopathic therapies in a wide variety of peer-reviewed journals, including BMJ, JAMA, Lancet Oncology, the Archives of Internal Medicine, and PloS One. CCNM is a leader in the conduct of clinical trials investigating naturopathic medical approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, including recent studies on melatonin for non-small-cell lung cancer, cinnamon for type 2 diabetes, and naturopathic interventions for chronic low-back pain, anxiety, rotator cuff dysfunction, and risk for cardiovascular disease. The Scientific Review Board and Research Ethics Board at CCNM provide expert review on the conduct of research in complementary and alternative medicines.

Results from CCNM research studies help improve treatment options and access to health care and help to influence policy makers on better international health-care policies. This makes CCNM a natural home for the Centre for International Health and Human Rights Studies, the nonprofit research organization dedicated to providing evidence to support equal access to health care for all individuals. For more information on this organization, students should visit http://www.cihhrs.org.

The Learning Resources Centre houses more than 11,000 resources on naturopathic and complementary health care. CCNM’s Department of Research & Clinical Epidemiology is advancing the state of medicine through a better understanding of complementary and alternative medical science. Research department faculty members educate students in their first years in epidemiology, encouraging them to investigate evidence-based medicine throughout their years at the college and to consider a research project of their own. This commitment to evidence-based medicine cultivates research initiatives within the CCNM community, including student and faculty initiatives, through teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship. By fostering this culture of research, CCNM has become a leader in naturopathic and complementary medicine worldwide, investigating topics that not only improve naturopathic treatment practices but also have widespread relevance and international impact.

Financial Aid

Canadian students enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program may be eligible for federal and provincial financial assistance. Students must apply in their province of residence and submit a new loan application each year. Students should apply as early as possible. For more information, students can contact their provincial loan office or Student Services. Students may also be eligible for scholarships and bursaries and should contact Student Services for more information.

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) as well as Stafford loans, available to eligible students who are citizens of the United States. Sallie Mae Signature Student Loans are available for students who are either U.S. citizens/residents or who have a co-borrower who is a U.S. citizen/resident. Students may qualify for up to US$25,000.

Bank loans through the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) are another possibility. Students enrolled in the N.D. program at CCNM can apply for a professional line of credit without the need of a co-signatory. The four-year program limit is Can$140,000. There is no annual limit–students are assessed each academic year on the basis of their need. Interest is the prime rate plus 1 percent; the line of credit is converted to a personal loan twelve months after graduation. (Note: This information was correct at the time of publication. As policies at financial institutions are subject to change, students should contact their institution of choice to confirm details).

Cost of Study

In-state and out-of-state tuition for the 2009–10 academic year is Can$18,355; international tuition is Can$21,990. Books, materials, and miscellaneous expenses cost approximately Can$1500–$3000.

Living and Housing Costs

On-campus residence is $475 per month.

Student Group

Currently, over 500 students are enrolled at CCNM. Students come from every province in Canada, with significant numbers from the United States and abroad. The ratio of women to men at CCNM is approximately 4:1. Student ages range from 20 to 50 years and older.

Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, many naturopathic doctors open their own practice. CCNM graduates are building successful practices throughout North America, including remote areas. Some graduates, however, choose to partner with existing naturopathic practices, multidisciplinary clinics, wellness centres, fitness centres, spas, or corporate wellness programs. Many naturopathic doctors conduct special lectures and workshops, represent natural health product companies as spokespeople, develop natural health products, and perform medical and scientific research.

Location

CCNM’s 4.43-acre, 176,000-square-foot campus is conveniently located in Toronto’s North York region at the Leslie subway station. It is also close to major highways. Toronto is Canada’s largest city, with a population of 4.4 million. Toronto is well maintained, with excellent public transportation and comparatively low living costs. Rated the safest large North American city, Toronto is a welcoming multicultural mosaic. Toronto offers students a wealth of entertainment, leisure, and cultural activities. Whether tastes lead to exotic cuisines, multicultural festivals, sports events, or the theatre district, there is always something to capture interest in Toronto.

The College

Naturopathic medical education began in Canada in 1978 with the founding of the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. In 1992, the college became the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to better reflect its mandate to educate students from across Canada.

Applying

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine evaluates each candidate regarding academic achievement, motivation, character, community service, and life experience. The admission decision is based primarily on the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average, but additional criteria may include the applicant’s academic history, essay, references, autobiographical sketch, and interview. Historically, the average cumulative GPA of accepted students has been 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, encompassing a range of 2.7 to 4.0.

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree. Prerequisite courses include biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, physiology, and humanities, as well as recommended courses in anatomy, environmental science, microbiology, physics, sociology, and statistics. Students should submit the completed application form and nonrefundable Can$150 application fee. Official transcripts should be mailed directly to CCNM’s Student Services Department by the institutions attended. International transcripts of academic records from outside North America must be translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service and mailed directly to CCNM.

Applicants must also provide proof of current course enrolment, if applicable; a copy of government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship; two letters of reference from an academic (postsecondary), professional (previous employer), and/or naturopathic doctor (nonrelative); and a written personal statement explaining the motivation and desire to become a naturopathic doctor.

The Faculty and Their Research

• Nadia Bakir, N.D., FCAH, DHANP; Associate Professor, Clinic Supervisor, and Coordinator, Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC) Homeopathy Shifts. Nadia Bakir designed, developed, and implemented the Homeopathy Specialty Clinic at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, which is now an integral part of the RSNC curriculum. She has committed herself to updating and improving the College’s homeopathic curriculum and coordinates an annual student trip to India to study homeopathy. Bakir believes that maintaining a private practice in addition to her position at CCNM enriches her contribution to students.
• Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor, N.D.; Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Education. Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor oversees the second-, third-, and fourth-year clinical education component of CCNM’s academic program. Blyden-Taylor also supervises fourth-year clinic interns, clinical faculty and staff members, and the RSNC’s homeopathic medicine specialty groups. In addition to working within the RSNC, Blyden-Taylor teaches and facilitates group studies for a number of CCNM’s academic courses. She is also the founder and director of Redhawk Healing Arts in Toronto, where she runs her private practice.
• Jasmine Carino, N.D.; Associate Dean of the Curriculum and Residency Program. Jasmine Carino is a graduate of Laurentian University and CCNM.
• Nick De Groot, N.D.; Dean. Nick De Groot is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the clinic. In addition to monitoring and developing the quality of patient care, De Groot supervises the clinical education of students in every stage of the naturopathic program.
• Shehab El-hashemy, M.B.Ch.B, N.D.; Associate Dean of Academic Delivery. Shehab El-hashemy is a graduate of Cairo University (Egypt), Lakehead University, and CCNM.
• Matthew Gowan, N.D.; Research Resident. Matt Gowan graduated from CCNM in 2003 and completed the college resident program in 2005. Gowan has also completed the contemporary medical acupuncture course from McMaster University. Before studying naturopathic medicine, Gowan completed his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in co-op biochemistry at the University of Waterloo and spent two years performing research for two leading pharmaceutical companies. His interest in natural medicine inspired him to travel throughout Asia, learning about Eastern healing traditions, such as yoga and meditation. Gowan is currently a clinic supervisor and a resident contributor to CCNM’s research department.
• Jennifer Hillier, N.D.; Assistant Professor. An enthusiastic member of the clinic faculty, Jennifer Hillier supervises fourth-year interns in their care of patients at the RSNC and at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, an interdisciplinary satellite clinic dedicated to improving the health and well-being of aboriginal people. She works with second- and third-year students in physical and clinical diagnosis tutorials and primary-care analysis. Hillier has a family practice in Mississauga, with a focus on family medicine and traditional Asian therapies. Inspired by inner-city need, she has also established a free HIV clinic in Vancouver, along with a community-based research project investigating the efficacy of alternative medicine in the treatment of HIV.
• Hal Huff, N.D., Clinic Faculty and Head Supervisor, Sherbourne Health Centre, Naturopathic HIV/AIDS Clinic. Hal Huff directs the College’s HIV/AIDS specialty clinic and frequently lectures on the use of naturopathic medicine for the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. He participates in several Ontario government-funded initiatives to investigate the use of complementary and alternative medicine to treat HIV/AIDS. Huff also participates in CCNM’s institutional review board (IRB), established to set and enforce the ethical standards of CCNM’s research activities.
• Deborah Kennedy, M.B.A., N.D.; Research Fellow. Deborah Kennedy is a resident naturopathic doctor at the RSNC. Kennedy supervises fourth-year interns at the RSNC and Sherbourne Health Centre satellite clinic, as well as the RSNC second-year clinical rotations in hydrotherapy and massage. She also assists second-year students with their skills development. Kennedy operates a general naturopathic practice from the RSNC.
• Afsoun Khalili, N.D.; Clinic Faculty. Afsoun Khalili teaches, observes, and evaluates fourth-year student interns during their clinic shifts, both at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and the Sherbourne Health Centre. Khalili is the creator and coordinator of Be Your Best Self, an RSNC support-group program that helps clinic patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss with healthy lifestyle habits. In addition, Khalili promotes CCNM’s corporate wellness program, delivering presentations explaining the bottom-line benefits of institutionalized health strategies. Khalili maintains a private practice located in the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.
• Carole Ma, N.D.; Clinic Faculty. A clinic faculty member at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, Carole Ma supervises fourth-year interns and oversees the hydrotherapy and botanical departments. Ma also supervises the satellite clinic at the Lakeshore Area Multi-services Project, Inc., a multidisciplinary community health clinic that provides a range of health and social services in Etobicoke. In addition, she provides academic guest lectures on subjects including hydrotherapy and clinical detoxification and assists in instructing physical and clinical diagnosis classes. Her private practice is located in Toronto.
• Nellie Pachkovskaja, M.D., Ph.D., CMS; Professor, Clinical Sciences, and Associate Dean, Academics. Dr. Nellie Pachkovskaja designs, develops, reviews, and delivers academic curriculum content, course structure, and program-related learning materials. In addition, Dr. Pachkovskaja monitors the program’s overall integration and consistency, prepares timetables and exam schedules, and monitors student academic performance. She acts as an academic liaison between students and faculty members.
• Jonathan Prousky, N.D., FRSH; Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer. In addition to ensuring the delivery of safe and effective naturopathic medical care, Jonathan Prousky develops clinical curriculum for the N.D. program and coordinates educational activities and operations within the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic to ensure the competency of all graduates. He coordinates the monthly grand rounds program and supervises the postgraduate residency program in naturopathic medicine. Prousky has also been published in numerous lay publications and peer-reviewed medical journals.
• Paul Saunders, N.D., Ph.D., DHANP, CCH; Adjunct Faculty. After earning a Ph.D. in plant ecology from Duke University, Paul Saunders graduated from the Ontario (now the Canadian) College of Naturopathic Medicine and then earned an additional N.D. diploma at National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon. Dr. Saunders introduced the practice of peer reviewing during his tenure as editor of the Canadian Journal of Herbalism (2000–02). He has participated in numerous conferences, delivered lectures for prominent groups, and been honoured with various awards and distinctions. Dr. Saunders currently teaches botanical medicine, parenteral therapy, venipuncture, and art and practice of naturopathic medicine. He currently runs a private practice in Dundas, Ontario.
• Dugald Seely, N.D.; Assistant Professor and Research Fellow. As a research fellow in CCNM’s Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Dugald Seely is involved in developing clinical trials and research methodology to assess natural health products and therapies used by naturopathic doctors. He also secures funding for conducting and disseminating research projects at CCNM and in collaboration with other institutions. As Assistant Professor, Seely teaches the principles of research and clinical epidemiology and assists student research initiatives.
• Ljubisa Terzic, M.D.; Associate Professor. Ljubisa Terzic practised as a resident neurosurgeon in the University Medical Centre in Sarajevo while completing a postgraduate program in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Zagreb and teaching anatomy and general surgery at the local university. Having relocated to Canada, Dr. Terzic teaches anatomy, embriology, and minor surgical procedures at CCNM. A favourite with students, he has been presented with several teaching awards. Dr. Terzic has authored and coauthored a number of published articles and textbooks.
• Jonathan Wilde, M.B.A.; Senior Academic Administrator. Jonathan Wilde has dedicated the academic administrative team to restructuring processes, including exam marking, grade reporting, and student/faculty evaluation, thereby improving the office’s accessibility and responsiveness to students. In addition, Wilde is committed to continuously evaluating and updating the College’s academic program.
• CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
• Clinical trial to assess the effect of melatonin on lung cancer recurrence and mortality. This study, funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, is expected to be completed by 2012.
• Clinical trial to test the efficacy of cinnamon as an aid in diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels.
• Clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of two naturopathic-based treatments on shoulder pain in workers at Canada Post.
• When time permits and when funding initiatives dictate, the department is also involved in conducting and publishing secondary research in the form of systematic reviews. Current work in this area includes a comparison of trials that have tested Panax ginseng for diabetes from a Western-versus-Eastern medicine perspective, a systematic review of all clinical trials that assess for the effect of melatonin on chemotherapy toxicity, and a systematic review of English and Chinese language studies that assess acupuncture as a treatment aid for poststroke rehabilitation.

Correspondence and Information

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Student Services
1255 Sheppard Avenue East
Toronto, Canada
Telephone: 416-498-1255 Ext. 245
866-241-2266 Ext. 245 (toll-free)
Email: info@ccnm.edu.