Dean's Welcome

A Career in Naturopathic Medicine

Are you interested in a career in a field of medicine that works to support the natural healing power of the body, mind, and spirit? In naturopathic medicine we call this Vis Medicatrix Naturae (the Healing Power of Nature), and it is our guiding philosophy. Are you interested in a profession that serves humanity with both ancient tradition and modern science? Naturopathic medical training includes the study of ancient and modern healing principles and technologies.

Naturopathic medicine was established in Europe in the first half of the nineteenth century, and in the United States in 1898, but even then had roots in healing practices that had been in existence for thousands of years. For millennia healers studied the natural world and discovered how to use plants, water, food, exercise, belief systems, and other modalities to treat disease and disharmony. The College of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport continues this tradition by offering a program of professional education to prepare naturopathic physicians to provide compassionate healthcare that addresses the cause of disease. Human beings exist on many levels, and so do our illnesses. Naturopathic physicians are trained to assess the individual and the environment in which s/he lives to determine the best course of treatment for current health problems and to prevent illness in the future.

The course of study is rigorous as is appropriate for the training of physicians. Students study modern biomedical science and diagnosis as well as philosophies and healing modalities that have proven themselves for centuries. It is a challenge to realize this blend of old and new and make it practical for serving humanity in this constantly changing era. But this is exactly the medicine required to meet the challenge of the twenty-first century. We embrace the old and the new to discover continuity and increase our knowledge and understanding.

At the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine we are committed to providing our students with the best possible program of study to prepare them to succeed as naturopathic physicians. We also conduct research, both individually and in collaboration with other institutions, to advance knowledge of the therapeutic modalities that we use and how they interact with the body. The presence of colleges of chiropractic, nutrition, and acupuncture at the University provides an opportunity, unequalled elsewhere, to collaborate and study with students and practitioners of these disciplines.

Naturopathic medicine is a challenging and rewarding profession for those who wish to serve as physicians, educators, and researchers. You will have the training and the knowledge to help those in need and to create a healthier and happier world. If such a career sounds interesting to you, I hope that you will consider joining us. I look forward to meeting you in the future.

G.S.S. Khalsa, ND
Dean