I’m enjoying all of my classes so far this trimester. I have a blend of 8th and 9th tri classes because of my customized flex schedule to finish most of the ND classes before the baby arrives. Here is a brief overview: 

Botanical Medicine IV

This is the final botanical medicine class in the series! We are reviewing botanicals that we already learned about in previous trimesters, and learning new botanicals. This class is pretty intense because our final exam will cover all of the botanicals we’re expected to know for Part II NPLEX board exams.

Pediatrics

So far, we’ve talked about proper latch with breastfeeding, newborn and toddler well-child check-ups, and things to keep in mind to have a kid-friendly office space.

Emergency Medicine / Internal Medicine

These 4.5 credit hours are packed with relevant and useful information. A lot of what we’re talking about is a review from many other classes, but we’re discussing more naturopathic treatment options.

Special Populations

This is a “catch-all” for information we may have missed along the way when it comes to working with specific populations. We will primarily learn about obstetrics and geriatrics, and there will be some presentations on LGBTQ, ethnic/racial disparities, adults with physical/mental/emotional/neurological disabilities, and veterans.

Environmental Medicine / Toxicology / Detoxification

This is a vital topic in naturopathic medicine, as many patients suffering from chronic illness are affected by chronic exposure to environmental toxins. Some topics from the syllabus include the clinical detection, evaluation, and laboratory confirmation of toxicity, nutritional and botanical support for detoxification, and treatment methods.

Intravenous Therapeutics

We will learn about the fundamental principles and procedures of naturopathic intravenous therapeutics. Some states that have naturopathic licensure allow naturopathic doctors to do IVs with a special certification. I’ve considered taking the seminar and certification course, so I’m excited to learn more. 

ND Practice Management III / Jurisprudence

This class will discuss the obligations of managing a medical practice like having a dispensary, employees, accounting, marketing, and budgeting, and it will help establish awareness of codes and rules for practice. Last week, we also discussed practicing naturopathic medicine in a pre-licensed state.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine looks at organs and systems in regards to biochemical and physiological reactions and addresses the body on that level. We are assigned three required journal article readings weekly and then discuss them in class.