Naturaopathic Education and Research Consortium



The Institute of Complementary Medicine Integrative Residency Program Clinic Description and History The Institute of Complementary Medicine (ICM) was created by Dr. Eileen Stretch and Dr. Cindy Phillips in 1994. Located in a medical corridor of Seattle, WA, the clinic has taken advantage of the opportunity to help bridge the gap between allopathic and naturopathic medicine. ICM has been a preceptor site for at least 10 years offering naturopathic medicine students the opportunity to experience a busy, successful clinic in a real world setting. Dr. Phillips graduated from Bastyr University in 1992 and served a two-year residency at the Natural Health Clinic affiliated with Bastyr. Dr. Stretch graduated from NCNM in 1993 and did a one-year residency at the Natural Health Clinic at Bastyr. Both doctors have been involved in their state and national associations with Dr. Phillips serving as president of the WANP and as Speaker of the House of the AANP. Dr. Stretch has served on many state association committees and been the Treasurer of the AANP for several years. Dr. Stretch was also involved in the integration of naturopathic medicine into the insurance reimbursement system in the state of Washington. ICM is comprised of 6 physicians who are primary care providers. We understand the power of naturopathic philosophy in the healing process and employ the principles of that philosophy in a primary care setting. In this time when boundaries seem a little blurry between different types of health care providers, we believe it is important to provide a setting where the resident understands, observes, uses and feels the power of the principles of naturopathic medicine. CNME Approved Remote Residency Site The Institute of Complementary Medicine is an official, accredited affiliated residency site of Bastyr University and a Naturopathic Education and Research Consortium (NERC) - residency clinic. We will be accepting one resident every two years. Each residency is a two-year commitment. Resident Development Residents have the opportunity to develop in many different areas. The primary focus will be on patient care and development of clinical skills and experience via clinical rotations. In addition, they will also learn how to order, price, stock and maintain inventory in a busy in-house dispensary, seek public speaking opportunities in the community and maintain a booth at selected health fairs and have opportunities to hone their writing skills. Residents will learn how to use an electronic medical record system and understand the business end of a successful clinic. Program Structure The residency program is structured as follows: • Direct patient care in a primary care general practice • Weekly conferencing and mentoring with Dr. Cindy Phillips • Clinical grand rounds • Maintenance of the dispensary and other medical supplies • Public lectures, newsletters, web site content, research • Weekly meeting of all doctors and staff • Assisting Dr. Stretch and Phillips in patient care • Special Projects as assigned by Drs. Stretch or Phillips • Clinical rotations with selected specialty practitioners Program Goals The Institute of Complementary Medicine is vested in providing opportunities to enhance the success of naturopathic medical students and the success of recent graduates. Naturopathic medicine offers people the opportunity to improve their health, happiness and longevity. It gives hope to the chronically ill. It provides relief to the acutely ill. It is a way of life. ICM wants to provide residents the tools they need to go out into the world and successfully offer the gifts of naturopathic medicine to their patients, friends, family and the medical community at large. For More Information For more information on the Institute of Complementary Medicine visit the website at http://instituteofcomplementarymedicine.com