The past two weeks have been extremely busy for our twenty-six newest ND students; many have moved to the Phoenix area days before class began and could very well still be unpacking!

New Student Orientation activities commenced on February 8th and continued through the 10th; activities included introductions to SCNM staff and faculty, presentations on topics such as career planning, financial aid, and clinical education at the Southwest College Medical Center. Students favored the many interactive activities such as the Student Mentor lunch, an opportunity for current students to take the neophytes under their wings; the Sharing Circle, where the Spring 2007 students shared their journey to medical school and created a Talking Stick; and the Water Ceremony where each student had the opportunity to pay homage to friends and family who have inspired and support their decision to becoming a Naturopathic physician.

There is little rest for the weary; the students’ first week (Intensives Week) was chocked full of information and their first medical school homework assignments. The History and Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine, taught by ND pioneer Dr. Jim Sensinig, touched on topics that form the basis of the ND student education -– the roots of Naturopathic Medicine through the current state and future of the professions.

Noses are already to the grindstone, and nothing could be more deserved than the first of many class parties, held at the home of SCNM alumni and local ND Dr. Decker Weiss.

The Spring quarter officially began on Monday, February 19th when students returned from winter break and welcomed the Spring 2007 students into the community. “I am hopeful that from my experience at SCNM I will not only learn but will truly embrace the laws of nature and how to graciously apply them to my patients,” said Elana Gelman, first quarter student. “I am confident that SCNM and my fellow peers will help me to nourish the seeds that will ultimately mature the healer/artist within me.”