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Message from The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Society

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"Living better, not just longer," might very well express the expectations of health care consumers today. In the late 1970s and early 1980s we experienced a resurgence of interest in natural medicine in North America. Technology had certainly improved mortality rates and ensured that we could indeed "live longer," but it was becoming distressingly apparent that simply prolonging life was not enough. For many people afflicted with chronic health problems it was painfully clear that a long life was not necessarily a good life. In spite of the advances, we found ourselves searching for new answers to the ageless question: "How do we restore and maintain optimal health?"

Recent polls and surveys have shown that the number of Canadians using alternative therapies has increased from 23 to 42 percent in the last five years. Present trends clearly indicate that these numbers will continue to grow as responsible Canadians seek out new ways to "live better". As public interest in complementary health care continues to grow, the dye is clearly cast for the future of health care in North America. For many health care consumers in the 21st century, the naturopathic physician will be their choice for primary caregiver.

What kind of person will this naturopathic physician be? The naturopathic physician of tomorrow will have a truly caring nature and genuine desire to serve, will commit to the on-going practice of self-reflection and personal growth, and will have a passionate belief in the efficacy of naturopathic medicine. The ethical ideal of "making a difference" must be supported and enlightened by the realization that, in order to make a difference we must first "live this difference". Living this difference invariably means practicing what we preach both as a career and vocational choice, and also as a lifestyle commitment that we make everyday of our lives.

The naturopathic physician will be a leader and labourer in a cultural revolution that adamantly rejects artificially "living longer", without "living better". He/she will explore medical and natural therapies, modalities and lifestyles that offer us a desirable and achievable quality of life.

The value system of the physician of the future will recognize and validate the precious vulnerability of all patients as persons and cherish the inherent worth and dignity of our common humanity. He/she will be a visionary who knows we sometimes have to go back to our past and to nature, to the belief in the natural healing power of the body, mind and spirit, in order to go forward to optimal health and well-being.

The small class mentorship model of instruction at the Boucher Institute supports and fosters the development of such a physician by providing an intensive but nurturing learning community - one that invites the naturopathic student to face his/her deepest motives, to take full advantage of the learning opportunities in and out of class, and to take responsibility for her/his ongoing education, both at BINM and as a lifetime member of the naturopathic profession.