KULSHAN Kaur Gill of Edmonton was one of 18 international medical graduates (IMGs)who were recognized as the first-ever foreign-educated doctors to receive a degree in naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) at its 35th convocation on Thursday in Toronto.
Kulshan is originally from Jammu, India, and has been in Edmonton since 2002. Prior to coming to Canada, Kulshan trained and practised as a family physician in Bangalore, India. She is also an active community member through her volunteer work with the Edmonton Police Service (Southeast Division) and the Punjabi Cultural Association of Alberta.
“We congratulate our inaugural IMG graduates and believe that naturopathic medicine provides an excellent option for IMGs seeking to define careers for themselves in Canada,” said Bob Bernhardt, President and CEO, CCNM. “Their patients and Canada’s healthcare system will benefit from the knowledge and skills these graduates have acquired through their combined studies in Canada and abroad.”
The graduates were the first IMGs to access CCNM’s ‘Bridge Delivery’ stream, which offers graduates of medical schools outside of Canada an opportunity to secure a successful healthcare career in Canada by using their skills, training and experience as future naturopathic doctors.
CCNM’s first ever class of IMG graduates represent a range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
Naturopathic medicine is a system of healthcare that promotes wellness and the prevention of illness. Treatment is used on its own or together with conventional medicine. Addressing the root causes of illness, naturopathic doctors support the body’s own healing ability using naturopathic modalities and prevention techniques.
Launched in 2013 in recognition of the skills and knowledge that IMGs bring to Canada, Bridge Delivery allows students to complete the naturopathy program at CCNM in two years (six full terms). Eligible candidates must have graduated from a recognized medical program (as per the Medical Council of Canada) and have successfully completed the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE). Visit http://www.ccnm.edu/prospective_students/bridge/bridge for more information.
For almost 40 years, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) has been Canada’s premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine. CCNM educates and trains naturopathic doctors through its rigorous full-time program, culminating in the only naturopathic degree in Canada. Visit www.ccnm.edu for more information.