DR. TODD FARNSWORTH, NWNPC CHAIR

The Heart of Naturopathic Medicine was celebrated at the 55^th annual Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention (NWNPC) held May 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency in beautiful downtown Vancouver, BC. True to this theme the conference featured a cardiovascular emphasis with lectures on Naturopathic Treatment Protocols for Cardiovascular Disease by Dr. Martin Milner, a Pharmacology Update on Cardiology and Diabetes by Dr. Jean Jacques Dugoua and Iron Metabolism by Dr. Russell Marz. These central topics were complimented by keynote addresses from Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, Dr. Brian Goldman, Dr. Alan Gaby and Dr. Alex Vasquez. The conference also featured an endocrine focus including lectures by Dr. Pamela Jeanne on the Hormonal Milieu in the Aging Process, Dr. Henri Knafo on BHRT Therapy and Dr. Clara Cohen on TCM Treatments for Gynaecological Issues. Timely topics such as HCG Therapy in Weight Loss by Dr. Les Griffith, Primary Care for Pregnant Patients by Dr. Cathy Carlson Rink, Biomedical Interventions for Autism by Dr. Anita Bratt and Therapeutic Exercise for Low Back Pain by Dr. Ryan Oughtred were balanced by a timeless lecture on the Classic Principals of Naturopathic Medicine by Dr. James Sensenig.

Saturday closing speaker Dr. Alan Gaby at left, delegate Dr. Rick Marinelli, speaker Dr. Russell Marz, and friend.

The 2011 NWNPC was hosted by the BCNA with the generous support and sponsorship of Dr. Chris Turner, NDNR and Biotics. Meridian Valley Laboratories and Can Prev Premium Natural Health Products sponsored luncheons. The convention served as the site for the second annual Bob’s Red Mill Cup, a student competition providing $14,000 in scholarship money. Congratulations to the three finalists, Harmonie Eleveld of CCNM, Jessica Kooima of SCNM and Erin Sharman of NCNM. Each student gave a ten minute speech on Food as Medicine. Thanks go out to Bob’s Red Mill, National College of Natural Medicine, the Naturopathic Medical Student Association and Dr. Chris Turner for their support of the BRM Cup.

The Hyatt served as host site of the convention for the second time in BC. Meals were delicious, staff was fabulous, accommodations were modern and the central location allowed for downtown excursions.

The convention attracted delegates from all over North America: Alberta 3; Alaska 4; Arizona 2; BC 267; California 2, Colorado 1; Connecticut 1; Illinois 1; Manitoba 2; New Hampshire 1; Nova Scotia 1; Ontario 7; Oregon 19; Saskatchewan 3; Quebec 1; Washington 33. Plus, of course, many student volunteers.

The Northwest could not proceed without the generous support of our exhibitors. Seventy eight booths were ably filled by knowledgeable, friendly suppliers who also donated over $20,000 worth of gifts for raffles and draws. Some notable prizes included Aspire netbooks, android tablets, Invicta watches, a 2012 Northwest free registration, a Hyatt Hotel Weekend Package and numerous gift baskets.

Friday BINM volunteers, l to r: Kira Cai, Veronika Botova, Anna Arsenault and Amy Rolfson. Thanks to all the BINM volunteers for their support prior to and during the Northwest and AGM.

The banquet dinner was a huge success with 200 winners in the balloon contest and a fantastic dance with renowned cover group, the Famous Players Band of Vancouver. Dr. Marz gave us another command performance on the dance floor as fun was had by all. The evening was punctuated by presentation of the first annual Dr. Gerald Farnsworth Award, given to Dr. Chris Turner for his dedication and commitment to the naturopathic medical profession.

To all delegates, students, exhibitors and volunteers—a huge thank you for your support. We strive to produce a conference that delivers excellence in continuing education while promoting camaraderie in the naturopathic profession. The volunteer board of directors welcomes input into the convention. Please refer to the syllabus for our feedback form.

You can purchase the convention lectures from Tree Farm Tapes.

Please mark your calendars for the 56th NWNPC to be held at nearby Semiahmoo Resort, in Blaine Washington, May 18-20, 2012. Also, set aside April 12-14, 2013 for the 57th NWNPC in Portland, Oregon.

Group Shot with Judges Charlee Moore, Bob Moore, Erika Kubanek, Nicole Papineau, Derek Andre with Dr. Pamela Snider (judge), Dr. Jim Massey (judge) and David Schleich

Group Shot with Trophy Charlee Moore, Bob Moore, Derek Andre, Nicole Papineau, Emily Kubanek, and David Schleich

You can purchase the convention lectures from Tree Farm Tapes.

Send check or money order only to:
NWNPC 2009
2703 Jahn Ave #C4
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Friday the event kicked off with a well known lecturer Dr. Michael Murray, and breakout lectures during the day.  Lunch was provided by Apex Energetics and after the long day an exhibitor reception with live music performed by the Seattle Symphony String Quartet.  From there the receptions went to the Bastyr and NCNM alumni receptions for the last 2 hrs of the day.  Dr. Karl Peterson, chair 2009, presented to Bastyr University a quilt of the history of the naturopathic profession.  Dr. Gannady Raskin was honored for his years of service to Bastyr as he moves on to take another position elsewhere.

Breakfasts were graciously donated by BioGenesis on Saturday morning and on Sunday Q Laser had breakfast for all in attendance with speakers from their companies.

The Saturday lunch was hosted by Innate Response and the speaker Bev Maya was well received.   Dr. Doris Rapp received a standing ovation with her expert videos of allergic children in her practice in the early lecture while in the afternoon Dr. Deitrich Klinghardt MD Ph D was well received as his expertise in treating without antibiotics fit right in with naturopathic philosophy.

At 6 PM the OANP celebrating their 100th Anniversary and the WANP celebrating their 75th Anniversary shared a reception time where numerous awards were given to including  Dr. Ralph Weiss from Medford, OR .

The banquet once again found the times we spend together having gone by too fast.  An award for years of service was given to Jay and Bridget Johnson of Tree Farm Tapes, who were once again there to record the convention.

You can purchase the convention lectures online from Tree Farm Tapes.

The 50-50 draw won Neta Peterson a split of over $1300 who was escorted by Dr. Gerald Farnsworth of Kamloops, BC to the banquet.  Dr. Jerry Martinez and wife Vela joined us for the banquet and was honored for his many years of service to the profession.  A picture below can be seen with Dr. Farnsworth.  Dr. Chris Turner from Winnipeg, donated his time to talk to the students in a booth and then bought all the extra t-shirts and donated them to NCNM students.  Thank you Dr. Turner!

The highlight for some was over 4 hrs. of continuous Beatle music performed by the Dung Beatles of Portland, OR., as the dance rocked on.  Almost everyone stayed for the first 2 hrs. remembering where they were in the late 1960’s.  But the handful of late who closed the entertainment at 12:30 AM got a rendition of Here Comes the Sun and Back in the USSR while the end went into Sgt. Peppers Thank you.

Our delegates came from across the continent: Alberta, Alaska, Arizona, BC, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nova Scotia, Nevada, Ontario, Oregon, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Washington, and Wisconsin. In addition, we welcomed exhibitors from those states and provinces as well as from Texas, Virginia, Illinois and Florida.

Overall the speaker line-up was very well received. Tree Farm Tapes was on hand to record lectures (as CD or MP3). Contact them directly (www.treefarmtapes.com) for information on ordering. If you would like an additional copy of the syllabus, or a CD with all the speaker notes in PDF format, contact the BCNA (www.bcna.ca). For information on Dr. Abramson’s book contact the BCNA. Our opening plenary speaker, Dr. James Duke, celebrated his 79th birthday at the Northwest. Thank you James for providing us with your wealth of insight and expertise.

Some thanks are in order for all the organizational work involved in hosting the event too. The NW committee includes doctors from across the Canadian and US Pacific Northwest. I would like to thank all directors for accepting various tasks and roles that helped move the convention along smoothly. We were ably supported by Dr. David Bayley as MC. Also, Dr. Scott Tyler helped organize entertainment on both Friday and Saturday evening. The arcade, DJ, live music and magic were a wonderful accompaniment to the seminars. The Healing Hands seminar Saturday morning provided a wonderful opportunity to share technique. Thanks to Dr. Hal Brown for facilitating this event. And I’d like to thank the BCNA staff, Glenn Cassie and Pascale Rootham, for managing registration.

Our balloon raffle was a lot of fun. Thanks to all the doctors who participated. Our big Hills Health Ranch spa getaway was won by BC’s Dr. Jonas LaForge. In turn, Hills Health Ranch staffers, Juanita Corbett and Regula Wittmer, won the LCD TV and DVD player.  Generosity truly does have it’s rewards! There were many other prizes awarded of course. Our thanks to Dr. Lisa Connoly for the Keirestell B&B Weekend, won by Dr. Erik Gilbertson of Washington; Drs. Kelly Farnsworth and Mark Percival, Patricia Hutchison and Cheri Percival for the Apex Ski vacation, won by Victoria’s Dr. Jane Rohon O’Halloran; accommodation at the Hilton for the 2009 NW, won by BINM grad Jese Wiens; registration at the 2009 NW, won by Dr. Bruce Milliman of Seattle, a long-time NW supporter; and of course, we had many other contributions, including Ferlow Brothers Botanicals (also on the exhibit floor), Hyatt, Lifespa, and local merchants.

At the Saturday banquet we honoured Dr. Chris Turner of Manitoba for his many years of support and especially his generosity. An 80th birthday card, signed by doctors and staff at NCNM as well as alumnae, was presented to my father Dr. Gerald Farnsworth. Other elders in attendance included Drs. Allan Tyler and Betty Radelet.

I feel the Hyatt provided exceptional opportunities for colleague and supplier interaction. There were some drawbacks in terms of overall space, particularly the size of our breakout room, but as the profession grows, and demands for space increase, we are limited in the venues available to us. The Hyatt is one of three Vancouver hotels that allows us to host a convention on one level in adjacent rooms—a priority for the committee as we plan ahead.

For those of you who attended and haven’t sent in a feedback form, please take the time to do so. Our committee reviews all feedback and uses your suggestions and preferences as a means to develop future conventions.

Don’t forget to bookmark our website, http://www.nwnpc.com/, and pencil in the 2009 NW in Seattle, April 24- 26.

NCNM was the recipient of a ’50′ year quilt made by Lillie M. Kizer and Nancy Fraser.  It contained silkscreened pictures of the past schools, past founders of Naturopathic History and watercure photos provided by Friedhelm Kirchfeld.  The 16 gold sponsors were honored for their involvement with honorary doctor bags including stool samples and doctor kits made from Joe Boxer underwear along with a more serious laser engraved statue.  Comic Swami Beyondananda performed a standup routine for 20 minutes to end the reception on a fun note.

Friday morning Dr. Russ Kolbo and his wife Cherie from Maui, Hawaii, presented all those delegates who entered the 8 o’clock session with a fresh flower lei as Friday kicked off Hawaiian Daze.  Christine Gregoire, Governor of the State of Washington, welcomed the delegates via dvd to the 50th annual convention.  Friday night had those in absolute stitches as ‘the Amazing Kreskin’ wowed the audience at the Pantages theatre.  He did his whole 2 and 1/2 hour show which included hypnosis at the end.  Unfortunately he found his check so we had to pay him for his services, but it was well worth the fun.  As he read peoples minds in the audience and performed card tricks if he picked you for a stunt you knew he truly is ‘Amazing’ as only you could have known the answer.

Saturday was Earth Day and Denis Hayes from Seattle, organizer of the orginal Earth Day in 1970 welcomed the delegates to the convention.  The lectures each and every day were first class and had to be held in the large room to accomodate the attendees. Each presenter was a key note speaker and tops in their field.  By Saturday more rows of chairs had to be brought in as the delegates lined the large double-screened room to see and hear the lectures.  Saturday night the convention headed down the street to the Museum of Glass where the banquet was to be held.  The grand hall housed 5 different stations to pick and choose your favorite food from until 11PM.  Jane’s Hot Shop had glass blowing going on for 3 hours and the main gallery had many items in its museum to view along with the store.   The theatre played the founders of Bastyr history tape and dancing went on until the place had to close down.

Breakfasts were provided by Terra Medica, Allergy Research Group and Biotics, and those who got up in time, leant their ears to exciting speakers as well.  Sunday closed the day off with the annual raffle and free registration for next year, something the convention has now offered for over 24 years.  Vendors filled the exhibition hall and lined the hallways displaying their wares and without them none of this would have been possible.  We want to thank all the exhibitors, the gold sponsors, and all the vendors whose contributions to meals, breaks and receptions made the 50th Annual Convention a huge success.  To all the delegates who attended, thank you; I hope you had as much fun and learned as much from the lectures as we did.  See you next year April 20-22 in Portland, Oregon for 51!

Your Feedback
The 2005 NWNPC was a tremendous success thanks to the support of you, the delegates and our faithful exhibitors. Each year we strive to improve on the convention. We take your feedback seriously and we know that your recommendations help us conduct a more appealing conference.

This year we had a lot of interesting responses regarding our choice of hotels, food selections, speakers and lecture topics. I felt it would be helpful to list some of the suggestions we received and offer responses where appropriate.

Hotel Feedback
We received a lot of positive feedback about our hotel choice this year. Delegates and exhibitors repeatedly expressed their approval of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Quite simply, the NWNPC had outgrown our previous venues. Although costs were higher for this four star heritage property the larger meeting spaces, high quality sound system and physical layout of the meeting and exhibitor spaces were welcomed by both exhibitors and delegates.

Food and Beverage Feedback
Food and beverage feedback is a topic we often get many comments on, often contrary. As you can imagine selecting menus for our diverse group is in and of itself a tremendous challenge. We strive to provide variety and selection and routinely consider individual preferences and requirements such as protein sources for vegetarian delegates and alternatives for those who have wheat or dairy sensitivities.

We operate under pretty significant restrictions, however. Hotels won’t allow us to supply our own food items and prohibit us from securing our own caterer; this is standard practice and part of our contractual agreement. Hotels generate much of their conference revenues from their food and beverage sales and costs can be extremely prohibitive. Understanding the dietary requests for a group of NDs can also be a learning curve for hotel staff, one some chefs take to without enthusiasm.

We work with rather limited menus developed by the hotel’s chef and while substitutions can be made, the costs skyrocket. This year we had requests for more fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, and juices and less coffee, tea, muffins, and pastries. For edification purposes: An apple or banana costs $3.70 each! A pitcher of juice is $46.75! A muffin or bagel is $6.75! A cup of tea is $5.85! These are the standard menu prices. Hotels also charge 15% service on top of catering costs. When we start making specific requests the costs can become entirely prohibitive. We also cannot police or control consumption. We supplied a fair amount of fruit and juice at each break, but unfortunately these items were consumed quickly, disproportionate to the number of delegates and exhibitors at the snack table.

We sincerely strive to make the meals and break items as appealing as possible, but as you can see, costs alone can be an unmanageable obstacle. One possible solution to this dilemma is to bring a small cache of items such as juice, fruit and nuts with you.

Speaker Feedback
Speaker feedback was largely positive. Our keynote speakers were very well received and Dr. David Suzuki’s lecture was roundly applauded. Most delegates appreciated the diversity in subjects and speakers offered this year.

Requests were made for more in-depth clinical pearl discussions as well as increased emphasis on naturopathic principals and philosophy. We are planning a series on naturopathic principals starting with hydrotherapy by Dr. Letitia Watrous, next year. We also plan to develop more round-table and interactive lectures in future conventions.

Some delegates requested more naturopathic doctors and fewer medical doctors. Fourteen of sixteen speakers this year were naturopathic physicians. We also had two PhDs and two MDs. We feel it is important to keep our horizons open. It is valuable to know what is happening in other disciplines and, in fact, our colleagues from Oregon and Washington require Pharmacy CE that necessitates we go outside of naturopathic medical experts. That said, we can employ the suggestions of many who asked that debate-style presentations be made whereby an allopathic position could be countered by naturopathic response. We think this is an excellent idea.

We also had requests for more lectures on clinically relevant materials and more complete notes. We agree. This convention should allow you to leave with tools that you can use in your practice. We direct speakers on lecture themes and topics and consistently request clinical relevance and advance copies of their lecture notes. Despite many, many efforts to secure notes our program publishing requirements are sometimes not met. In these instances we advise speakers to provide lecture notes to the delegates. This remains a work in progress and one of our biggest challenges.

We’re Listening
Our plan is to abide by our mission and be receptive to your input. Conventions are planned up to three years in advance. Speakers are engaged and contracted eighteen months in advance. Venues are selected three to five years in advance. You can see that it may take time for your requests to filter through. Still, your suggestions make this convention better and better every year.

If you would like to offer additional input please contact one of the committee members listed in your convention program.

The ”49th Convention on the 49th Parallel” was held at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, April 19-22, 2005. The venue was an unqualified hit. This four-diamond hotel first opened in 1939 and exudes elegance and history. Situated in the very heart of Vancouver this spacious property provided an ideal site for our rapidly growing convention.

The three-day convention drew over 300 delegates, 70 naturopathic medical students, and 60 exhibitors. The NWNPC committee kept our mission front and centre: Excellence in continuing education, camaraderie within the naturopathic community and financial support to the naturopathic profession.

Seventeen hours of continuing education were offered this year. We selected the ageless theme of family medicine and lectures ranged from pediatrics and women’s health to men’s health to geriatrics. Naturopathic standards such as nutrition, botanical medicine and pharmacology were complimented by concurrent lectures and demonstrations in physical medicine, prolotherapy, TCM, homeopathy and mind/body medicine.

Fifteen speakers from four different disciplines came to share their expertise and expand our interdisciplinary knowledge. The convention kicked off with a gut-check lecture by world-renowned geneticist and environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki.

Eleven different naturopathic physicians shared their knowledge and talents:

• Dr. Ian Nesbit spoke on The Coming New Plagues and Men’s Health Issues,
• Dr. G.S. Khalsa moderated Clinical Pearls,
• Dr. Rita Bettenburg lectured on Autism,
• Dr. Lise Alschuler spoke on the Safety and Efficacy of Long-term Vitamin Supplementation,
• Dr. Jill Stansbury updated us on Botanical Medicine, and
• Dr. Crystal Tack spoke on Changing Beliefs.

Local B.C. doctors shared their talents:

• Dr. Christoph Kind lectured on Prolotherapy,
• Dr. Martin Kwok spoke on TCM Protocols for Acute Conditions, and
• Dr. Craig Wagstaff lectured on Complex Homeopathy.

Hands on demonstrations in Extremity Evaluation by Dr. Michael Reierson and Manipulative Techniques by Dr. Robert Van Horlick highlighted physical medicine lectures. Two respected medical doctors, Dr. Rose Blackwell and Dr. Michael McClung spoke on Post-menopausal Sexuality and Osteoporosis, respectively. Dr. Clyde Jensen lectured on the Ten Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs helping the convention provide essential pharmacy hours for Oregon and Washington doctors.

Of note is that many speakers either waived their honorariums or dramatically reduced their fees. Our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Van Horlick, Dr. Reierson, Dr. Kind, Dr. Kwok, Dr. Wagstaff, Dr. Bettenburg, Dr. Tack, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Nesbit and Dr. McClung.

Camaraderie was the next focus of this year’s convention. Friday evening was left open so that colleagues and friends could dine and visit according to their own preferences.

Saturday’s banquet dinner featured a brief awards ceremony as Dr. John Cosgrove was recognized for his long-standing service to the naturopathic profession. Earlier during the convention Dr. Clyde Jensen was honoured for his contributions to naturopathic medicine and Dr. Les Griffith was given an Honorary Lifetime Membership on the NWNPC Committee. Ceremonies were kept short and sweet and the dancing kicked off with a live tribute to Neil Diamond.

A silent auction was conducted during the banquet dinner with over $5000 worth of donation up for grabs. Contributors included The Hills Health Ranch, Zefferelli’s Restaurant, Natren, Tacoma Courtyard Marriott, Standard Process, Tree Farm, Salus Lodge (compliments of Doctors Kelly Farnsworth and Mark Percival), Attogram, Can-Lab Services, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Integrative Healing Arts, Romano’s Restaurant, Keirestell Spa Retreat, Very Berry and NWNPC 2006 Golden Jubilee Registration. The big winners were Dr. Chris Turner and Dr. John Cosgrove. Our thanks to all that participated.

No convention can succeed without the generous support of our exhibitors. The Hotel Vancouver offered a layout that was conducive to considerable interaction between the delegates and the suppliers. We ensured one-hour exhibitor breaks and encouraged delegates to visit the booths. Your support of these vendors was very much appreciated. In turn, the exhibitors contributed more than forty gifts valued at over $5000 for the Passport Draw.

At the end of the day the NWNPC also endeavours to support the naturopathic profession financially. As the hosting association, the BCNA receives a cheque to further our efforts at promoting naturopathic medicine.

The NWNPC Committee is comprised of a group of volunteers that donate their time and efforts to ensure our mission is met. No group can prosper and expand without the support of its delegates. We genuinely appreciate your feedback and strive to make your experience at the convention the best that it can be. Please check out the website (www.nwnpc.com) for specific responses to your feedback. We also challenge you to invite a colleague that hasn’t experienced the convention before or someone who hasn’t attended recently.

Nest year the Golden Jubilee of the NWNPC will be held in Tacoma, April 20-24. Dr. Karl Peterson will be chairing the convention as it reaches the half-century mark! The longest running naturopathic medical convention in the world continues to grow offering a four day convention with many surprises and highlights in store. Mark the dates on your calendar and plan on attending the 50 th NWNPC.

Dr. Todd Farnsworth, NWNPC Committee Chair, with wife Janet.

Dr. Larry Brkich with wife Gaetana Deni

Nearly Neil, lead for the Neil Diamond tribute band Saturday evening.

Dr. John Cosgrove, left, receiving an honourary award from Dr. Kelly Farnsworth at the Saturday evening banquet.

Dr. Stella Kondilis, NWNPC Committee member, with husband Chris.

Dr. David Suzuki, at the book signing table, following his keynote address on Friday.

The banquet hall on Saturday evening.

NWNPC Honorary Inductees
The following three individuals have contributed to the success of the NWC by working diligently, usually behind the scenes. Please welcome Pat Hutchinson, Dawn Peterson and Glenn Cassie in the category of Honorary Supporters of the NWC.

Pat Hutchinson has participated in three of the last four NWC in British Columbia. She has arranged speakers, organized registrations, helped with accounting needs and performed countless other duties to ensure the success of the conference.

Dawn Peterson’s efforts have contributed to the endurance of the NWC at a time when Washington played host every second year to the conference. Her countless hours, direct and indirect support and finishing touches played an integral role in the growing success of the convention.

Glenn Cassie has been instrumental to the development of the NWC. He has undertaken numerous tasks necassary to coordinate a conference of this magnitude. He has been innovative in organizing events such as the Medical Equipment Swap Meet. Through all of this expertise and enthusiam Glenn remains the consumate profesional.

NWNPC Builders
Organizing this conference requires hundreds of hours of dedication. Meeting the standards established by conventions-past requires imagination, innovation and diligence. Doing so every two years requires stamina and commitment. These are the qualities demonstrated by our first inductee in the category of NWC builder; Dr. Karl Peterson.

At the conclusion of each of the last three Seattle conventions, Dr. Peterson has given us notice that he doesn’t want to organize the next Washington convention. Then, a few months go by and without being asked he and Dawn are thinking about who would be great keynote speakers (remember Dr. Heimlich) and what social events would draw us closer (remember casino nights and the 50′s dinner). Karl is an amazing man. Karl delivers.

One of the reasons the NWC is so successful is because of its continuity. You can count on it. The convention is held each spring and consistently delivers quality and entertainment. This is no accident. Stability starts at the top. We have had the luxury of having a group of experienced leaders on the NWC committee. In particular we have had the stalwart direction of a man of boundless energy, unique wisdom and most importantly, experience.

Please join me in honouring Dr. Gerald R. Farnsworth as a Hall of Fame NWNPC Builder. Dr. Gerry has been at the helm of our ship for 47 years! He has served as the chair of the committee and still gives us direction and input that ensures success. He has organized conventions, lectured at conventions, been the M.C. of conventions, spearheaded hospitality rooms and promoted the convention, as he has the profession, with all of his heart. Congratulations Dr. Gerry.

NWNPC In Memorium (presented by Dr. G.R. Farnsworth)
I am in the unique position of having had strong friendships with all four of the inductees in the next category. The NWC owes much of it’s success and durability to the involvement of the following four individuals: Anne Fleming, Dr. Evelyn McConnel, Dr. Doug Kirkbride and Dr. Joe Boucher. In one way or another these generous souls gave parts of themselves for a profession they loved and a cause they believed in. They would be proud to look upon tonight’s gathering and know that their work has been rewarded. I am pleased to unveil a memorial display on their behalf. Feel free to visit the display as the evening goes on. Please join me in a moment of silence for Dr. Joe, Dr. Doug, Dr. Evelen and Anne.

Dr. Doug Kirkbride

• Native son of Naniamo, B.C.. Apprentice pharmacist prior to entering National College of Drugless Physicians in Chicago where he received Doctorates in Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine.
• Charter Member of the Canadian Naturopathic Association (1955). Served many years on the executive of the CNA and was a Past President. Served on the board of the ANPBC for many years as well as Past President.
• Was one of the committee members who organized the first NWNPC, held in Naniamo in 1957. At this inaugural convention he took every attendee and their spouse for a magnificent supper on opening night, all at his own expense. He was a constant attendee at every convention until his passing. He was a contributor as well, lecturing many times on botanical medicines.
• A staunch supporter of the Gideon movement, he was invited to sing over the NBC radio network at one of their conventions.
• His passing was a great loss to his family, his community (indeed, all of Vancouver Island), and to his beloved profession.

Angeline Fleming

• Beloved wife of Dr. Robert Fleming and devoted sister of Dr. Joseph Boucher. While not a physician, she supported the Naturopathic profession in many ways.
• Anne served many years as an Assistant Secretary of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association and assisted in many facets of the Canadian Naturopathic Association.
• Anne was constant helper and attendee of the NWNPC, having attended every convention since it’s inception, until illness made attendance impossible.

Dr. Evelyn McConnel

• Dr. Evelyn McConnel attended Western States College in Portland, Oregon when she was the only lady in the class, graduating in 1939. While in Portland she met Fred Loffler who was studying at Western States. They married in 1940. Upon his graduation they formed the team of Dr. Evelyn McConnel Lofffler and Dr. Fred W. Loffler until 1964.
• Dr. McConnel was a constant supporter of the profession. She was a Charter Member of the Canadian Naturopathic Association. She served many years on the Board of the ANPBC and also served as Secretary of the ANPBC.
• Dr. McConnel attended every NWNPC from 1957 until her untimely passing in an automobile accident on May 15, 1964.

Dr. Joseph Boucher

• Dr. Boucher received his Chiropractic and Naturopathic degrees from Western States College. No member has given more to his profession!
• Dr. Boucher formed a committee of three (With Dr. Kirkbride and Dr. Gerald Farnsworth), to organize the inaugural NWNPC. He continued to serve the NWNPC committee for more than 25 years. He lectured at many of the conventions and attended every convention until his passing.
• Dr. Boucher has served as Secretary and President of the ANPBC and probably every committee. He served as President and Secretary and most any committee of the CNA. He is one of the founding members of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine where he served as President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees and was a Professor at NCNM for many years. Dr. Boucher has given extensive time to the profession and has contributed finances generously.
• The newest Naturopathic Medical College, Boucher Institute, is named after Dr. Boucher and the naturopathic research society CNERS (now INERS), was founded in his honour, after his passing.

NWNPC Attendees
A convention that has endured for 47 years is bound to have enjoyed the long time support of it’s membership Tonight we are pleased to award two long-time attendees of the NWNPC.

As far as we can tell Dr. Radalet has attended every convention held, quietly gracing the front rows of the lecture hall. Dr. Radalet graduated from NCNM and practiced in both Washington and Oregon. She joins us from Beaverton, Oregon.

Dr. Irv Miller has also been a longtime attendee of the NWC. He has supported the profession generously, both financially and innovatively. Dr. Miller joins us from Graham, Washington.

NWNPC Professional Achievement
The following category was developed to honour individuals not directly linked to the NWC. That criteria wasn’t exactly followed with our choice tonight. The recipient of this award has been involved in the Northwest Convention in both an organizational role and as that of a speaker. But his achievements go beyond the NWC. This gentleman epitomizes naturopathic philosophy and indeed it is our philosophy that distinguishes us as naturopathic physicians. You had a glimpse into his insight this weekend but his role in clarifying naturopathic philosophy was honed at NCNM as an instructor and solidified in the body of work that he helped to create to define naturopathic medicine. Please join me in honouring Dr. Jared Zeff in the category of Professional achievement.

NWNPC Contributor
The Contributor category in the NWC Hall of Fame provides us the opportunity to extend our appreciation to an individual who has attended many Northwest conventions, lectured at the Northwest and has particpated in each of the last three BC conventions. In addition, this gentleman gives genourously of his time to support the Naturopathic profession, having served on Board postitions and working diligently on commitees. Please join me in honouring our British Columbia Master of Ceremonies, Dr. David Bayley.

NWNPC Corporate Supporters
We are delighted tonight to pay special tribute to two Corporate supporters that have consistently supported both the NWC and the Naturopathic profession at large. The success of the NWC is dependent upon the particpation of our exhibitors. These companies have risen above this challenge to sponsor addditional functions to ensure the success of the naturopathic profession. To limit our acknowledgement to “Corporate” would be an injustice to the people who make the difference at two of our greatest supporters. Please join me in extending our appreciation to Julie Spencer from Thorne Research and Dr. Scott Tyler, accepting on behalf of Ecotrend Ecologics.