Preceptor
Program
The Preceptor Program is the clinical field observation
program at NCNM. It provides students with the ability to
broaden and strengthen their clinical skills while observing
physicians in practice. During this portion of students' clinical
training, opportunities are provided for them to observe licensed
naturopathic, allopathic, chiropractic, and osteopathic physicians.
Students refine their therapeutic and doctor-patient communication
skills while integrating their didactic and clinical course
work.
Preceptoring is limited to student observation. Physicians participating in this program serve as mentors while simultaneously treating patients. We look for physicians who are strong clinicians, have demonstrated business acumen, and will be good role models for our students. The Preceptor Program provides students with opportunities to broaden and strengthen their clinical skills under the mentorship of licensed physicians in practice. 264 hours of clinical field observation are required for graduation. A minimum of 145 hours are completed with a naturopathic physician, and the remaining 119 hours may be done with a variety of licensed physicians, most commonly NDs, MDs, DOs, and DCs.
Through preceptorship, students develop an awareness of varied clinical pathologies and learn such skills as doctor-patient communications, applications of therapeutic modalities, and the routine operation of a doctor's office or clinic.
Doctors on the Active List of the Preceptor Program can enjoy several benefits, including free CE (on-campus courses and/or videos). Physicians who are not on the Active List, will have to pay the regular CE fees of $25 per clock hour.
To sign up on the Active List, physicians can contact Kathleen Howlett, Assistant to the Dean of the Naturopathic Program, at (503)-552-1696. Prior to each academic term, physicians will need to provide the Preceptor Office with their available weekdays/times for taking preceptor students.
Physicians on the Active List have access to the following benefits:
• Free Continuing Medical Education - Updated Continuing Education opportunities will be mailed to you quarterly. Tapes are available from the CE department upon request--e-mail.
• Library Privileges - As Adjunct Clinical Faculty, precepting doctors have library privileges. Library materials include over 8000 books on natural medicine as well as educational tapes, some of which are CE approved. Many materials are available by mail.
• Room Access - You may reserve rooms at NCNM for civic associations with which you are affiliated.
• Ancillary Services - Your patients can access services such as hydrotherapy, colonic therapy, biofeedback and allergy testing at Natural Health Centers East, the college's primary teaching clinic.
NCNM encourages physicians to join the Preceptor Program.
To find out more, please contact Kathleen Howlett, Assistant to the Dean of the Naturopathic Program, at (503)-552-1696.