On Saturday, July 10, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (SCNM) graduated 41 naturopathic doctors (NDs). Held at the Chandler Center for the Arts, the 26th Commencement Ceremony honored these men and women for their hard work and dedication over the past four years and transitioned them from students to colleagues.
The ceremony opened with graduate, Kai Parker, singing The National Anthem and 2005 alumni and Board of Trustees member, Dr. Tracy Wooten, leading the graduates in the invocation. Dr. Nick Buratovich, SCNM Department Chair of Physical Medicine, was Master of Ceremony. In his opening remarks, Dr. Buratovich asked all in attendance to take a moment and focus their intentions for success towards the graduating class to make their success a reality. As Dr. Buratovich stated, “Intention sets consciousness and consciousness affects reality.”
Dr. Christine Girard, SCNM Executive Vice-President of Academic and Clinical Affairs, presented the academic and outstanding awards to the graduating class. Gemie Kohler received the Daphne Blayden Award in recognition of academic excellence, compassion, perseverance, a loving sense of humor, and a positive, supportive outlook. The Outstanding Leadership Award was presented to Sean Hesler for his demonstrated ability to lead, willingness to listen to others, his true humanitarian character, support to the college community, and commitment to advancing the naturopathic profession as a whole. Katie Stage was recognized with the High Academic Achievement Award for carrying the second highest grade point average within the class and Margaret Steele received the Highest Academic Achievement Award with the top GPA of the graduating class.
The Summer 2010 graduates recognized Dr. Yong Deng, Department Chair of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, with the Faculty Award and Randy Truman, Maintenance, with the Staff Award at an awards ceremony held at the College earlier in the week.
In his Presidential Address, Dr. Paul Mittman, SCNM President and CEO, expressed to the class, “Remember these last four years as your past. Honor it and grow from it. Success with your patients will guide and inspire you far into the future.”
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Lynn Getz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, congratulated the graduates on their “journey of a hero”. Getz stated, “The decision to go to medical school illustrates your desire to go beyond yourself in the helping of others. It is to put aside your own wants and needs for the moment and then look into another’s eyes to ease their discomfort. This desire is noble and courage is required.”
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The graduates were honored to have Dr. Soram Khalsa as their Commencement Speaker. Dr. Khalsa, a well-respected physician, integrates phytotherapeutics, homeopathy, acupuncture and environmental medicine with traditional internal medicine in his private practice. Dr. Khalsa is a member of the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Council for the State of California and serves as Medical Director for the East-West Medical Research Institute. Dr. Khalsa expressed that these men and women could not be graduating at a better, more exciting time.
“You are the leaders of our medical future. Why? Because doctors today all need to be medically multilingual, and that’s what you are. I do not refer to holistic, alternative, naturopathic, or integrative medicine as separate divisions of medicine. I regard it as what is best medically for our country…… Only seven percent of graduating medical doctors goes into primary care. In 2020, it is projected that there will be 40,000 too few primary care doctors. This is where NDs are needed…… Three things to remember, however, when it comes to seeing your patients is kindness, compassion, and caring. If you show these three things to them they will enrich your lives and you will love your patients. Be positive and let your presence begin their healing process.”
Dr. Khalsa was honored with a standing ovation from the graduates and those in attendance.
Dr. Mittman presented Al Czap with an Honorary Doctor of Naturopathic Sciences (Hon.) degree. Al Czap, along with his wife Kelly, founded Thorne Research in 1984 with the goal of establishing the industry’s highest quality natural products company. In 2003, the Czap’s generosity helped to create SCNM’s Environmental Medicine program, the first and only one of its kind in North America headed by Dr. Walter Crinnion. Czap’s words of wisdom for the Class of 2010, “Stand for your principles. It’s worth it!”
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After the congratulatory speeches and thoughts for the future from esteemed peers, the graduates were hooded by Dr. Joni Olehausen, SCNM Dean of Medical Education, and Dr. Becky Clark, SCNM Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Development. Dr. Mittman then presented each graduate with his/her diploma and, upon reciting the Naturopathic Oath, the graduates were officially conferred as naturopathic doctors.
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