My experience with the 2011 AANP Convention at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel
Posted Aug 01 2011 12:00am
This past week/weekend was the 26th Annual American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Conference at the Arizona Biltmore hotel. It was my very first AANP convention, and I hope to say that it will not be my last. Not only was it informative through lectures on various topics from secondary hypothyroidism, the 12 most prescribed pharmaceuticals, or Homeopathic treatment of Children with Autism (to name a few), but it was also amazing to see famous naturopaths that have founded the accredited colleges, written our Natural Medicine textbooks, and are famous international speakers and advocates for Naturopathic Medicine.
The convention was both a humbling, as well as a proud, experience for myself. Humbling in the fact that so many Naturopaths have come before me, each contributing a small part to what our community has become today. Many times during the course of the lectures and through the Gala and Award ceremony, I got chills running up and down my spine. Chills from the perseverance and determination of the elders in the profession, constantly working to keep Naturopathic medicine alive in the face of the American Medical Association (AMA )trying to shut it down. Chills from the grand achievements and natural research efforts of Naturopaths across the country and in Canada, constantly contributing to our education and knowledge base. Chills from envisioning someday, I will make an impact on the profession like my elders have before me. I am so proud to be part of such a supportive community, especially when faced in the “real world”, outside my Bastyr/Naturopathic community bubble. I know I will be able to call on a colleague for help and guidance in a time of need.
This weekend I met so many amazing doctors and physicians alike, that it truly was an inspiration. I am not the most political activist there is, but from attending the convention this past weekend, I realize and respect the importance of voicing opinions and working towards a goal. Licensure of additional states (from the already 16 states licensed), is an important part of Docere – teaching the general public about Naturopathic medicine. I hope to put forth more effort in working towards bringing awareness, appreciation, and respect for Naturopathic Medicine across the States and Internationally. We are a young and growing profession, and now more, than any other time, is the importance of incorporating Naturopathic Medicine into policies and laws stressed. If you care about integrative health care (both allopathic and naturopathic treatments), please help to vote Naturopathic Medicine into your home state licensure. Take a stand for what is important to you and your family, as well as future generations.
This past week/weekend was the 26th Annual American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Conference at the Arizona Biltmore hotel. It was my very first AANP convention, and I hope to say that it will not be my last. Not only was it informative through lectures on various topics from secondary hypothyroidism, the 12 most prescribed pharmaceuticals, or Homeopathic treatment of Children with Autism (to name a few), but it was also amazing to see famous naturopaths that have founded the accredited colleges, written our Natural Medicine textbooks, and are famous international speakers and advocates for Naturopathic Medicine.
The convention was both a humbling, as well as a proud, experience for myself. Humbling in the fact that so many Naturopaths have come before me, each contributing a small part to what our community has become today. Many times during the course of the lectures and through the Gala and Award ceremony, I got chills running up and down my spine. Chills from the perseverance and determination of the elders in the profession, constantly working to keep Naturopathic medicine alive in the face of the American Medical Association (AMA )trying to shut it down. Chills from the grand achievements and natural research efforts of Naturopaths across the country and in Canada, constantly contributing to our education and knowledge base. Chills from envisioning someday, I will make an impact on the profession like my elders have before me. I am so proud to be part of such a supportive community, especially when faced in the “real world”, outside my Bastyr/Naturopathic community bubble. I know I will be able to call on a colleague for help and guidance in a time of need.
This weekend I met so many amazing doctors and physicians alike, that it truly was an inspiration. I am not the most political activist there is, but from attending the convention this past weekend, I realize and respect the importance of voicing opinions and working towards a goal. Licensure of additional states (from the already 16 states licensed), is an important part of Docere – teaching the general public about Naturopathic medicine. I hope to put forth more effort in working towards bringing awareness, appreciation, and respect for Naturopathic Medicine across the States and Internationally. We are a young and growing profession, and now more, than any other time, is the importance of incorporating Naturopathic Medicine into policies and laws stressed. If you care about integrative health care (both allopathic and naturopathic treatments), please help to vote Naturopathic Medicine into your home state licensure. Take a stand for what is important to you and your family, as well as future generations.