What is NUNM’s Integrative Health Center?
The National University of Naturopathic Medicine Health Center is NUNM’s primary academic clinic. It offers advanced Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine students and residents hand-on clinical experiences that bring classroom concepts to life.
It’s conveniently open six days a week for scheduled appointments and offers an on-call provider for after-hours emergency clinical support.
In this setting, ND students hone their approach to delivering whole-person care through supervised, team-based clinical instruction from licensed physicians across a variety of integrative disciplines and treatment modalities, including:
- Naturopathic Primary Care and Preventive Medicine
- Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Nutrition and dietary counseling
- Lifestyle Counseling
- Botanical Medicines and Nutritional Supplements
- Family Wellness
- Telehealth Services
Additional services at NUNM’s health clinics include:
- Pediatric and Adolescent Care
- Aesthetics
- Cancer Support
- Hydrotherapy
- Immunization Services
- IV Nutritional Therapy
- Non-drug Pain Management
- Prolotherapy
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Women and Men’s Health
What makes NUNM’s Integrative Health Centers Different?
Unlike traditional medical and healthcare settings, NUNM’s whole-person approach to care is designed to create connections between the practitioner and patient, delving into variables beyond symptoms — things like environmental factors, sleep habits, diet, stress, exercise, as well as personal and family medical histories.
The initial appointments with patients, typically ranging from 1–2 hours depending on individual need, are designed to create a richer understanding of a person’s lifestyle, their health, and the unique plan they deserve in order to optimize their health.
Appointments at NUNM’s academic clinics are a team effort, where patients are typically supported by a licensed naturopathic doctor (some with as many as 35 years of experience), a resident, and a small cohort of students.
Unlike many institutions, NUNM connects ND students with clinical exposure as early into their education as possible. First-year ND students enter into the clinical environment to observe in parallel to their ongoing classroom instruction.
Over the course of their four years of study, these students will accrue more responsibilities under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Upon completion of their ND degree, students will have earned over 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Not every hour of supervised clinical instruction is held at NUNM’s Lair Hill location. In order to provide students with a richer clinical experience, students earn clinical hours at a variety of affiliated clinical locations as well as private clinics, exposing them to a greater diversity of patients, including those facing issues related to addiction, mental health, and homelessness.
Every Program Year Offers New Learning Opportunities
Every patient has needs that differ. Every case has its own complexities.
This iterative, structured exposure to the clinical experience helps students grow in confidence and skill, and the guided nature of this educational experience prepares them with the ability to work in a variety of different settings, post-graduation.
NUNM has carefully configured its clinical training to align with each phase of the ND program:
Year One — Clinical Observation
An ND student will spend the year of their clinical experience in observation, where a minimum of 40 hours will be spent observing patient appointments led by licensed NDs.
The students observe how to relate to and connect with a variety of different patient populations, engage with real-life medical ethics, and inform future decision making about medical specialization.
Year Two — Hydrotherapy Treatment and Administrative Skills
Year two of clinical skills is largely spent learning how to administer supervised hydrotherapy treatments to real patients.
Hydrotherapy is an ideal low-risk therapy for students to learn patient interaction skills, capture chart notes, and administer treatment under the guidance of a licensed ND.
Year Three — Weekly Patient Care Within the Medical System
Third-year clinical competencies as a Secondary Intern center on assisting fourth-year students in providing patients with direct care, including taking vital signs, documentation, and other crucial administrative tasks.
Year three also increases an ND student’s responsibility in patient communication, clinical logistics, and other tasks crucial to their fourth year.
Year Four — Patient Management as the Primary Intern
Year four is a culmination of all skills earned in prior years, but with the added responsibility of being the clinic’s primary interns.
Primary Interns interview patients to learn their history, perform physical exams, conduct assessments, diagnose illnesses, and present treatment recommendations.
All of these responsibilities are overseen by a licensed ND, and also include a deeper emphasis on building strong relationships with patients, diagnosis, time management, and administrative skills.
Ready to Learn More About an Education in Integrative Health?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your education and career in becoming a naturopathic doctor and learning critical skills at NUNM’s integrative health centers, then contact us today.