On May 29, 1999, ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal presented the ceremonial address at the convocation of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. During the ceremony, Blumenthal was awarded an honorary diploma from the college in recognition of his leadership in the herbal community. The honorary diploma was only the third ever given by the college.

CCNM offers Canada's only four-year, full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine. Graduates receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) diploma. Upon completion of the program, graduates must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations before beginning a practice.

Founded in 1978, CCNM offered its first full-time program in 1983. In the past three years, under the leadership of president David Schleich, the college has grown to more than 400 students, with plans to double the enrollment over the next four years. In September 1999, the college moved to a new location, a 180,000 square-foot building that formerly housed the School of Nursing.

CCNM has a cooperative educational agreement with the new naturopathic school at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT, and the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR.

Article copyright American Botanical Council.

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By Rachael Jones