Cathie Jones is Energized by Bastyr's Dual Program

Before enrolling at Bastyr University, Cathie Jones had been out of school for 10 years, lived by herself in a house that she owned, earned a decent income and enjoyed her job and volunteer work. But even though things were going well, she knew greater things awaited her. "I knew there was something else I was meant to do, and I was fairly sure it involved health care," says Cathie. "In the fall of 1996, I realized that naturopathic medicine was that 'something else.'"

How did she realize that? Not through long-term familiarity with the profession. "Until the mid-nineties, I had never even heard of Bastyr or naturopathic physicians," confesses the South Carolina native, "but I had always been intrigued by natural remedies and general health and wellness. I had worked with conventional medications and therapies for years. Although pharmaceutical drugs and allopathic treatments can be wonderful and life-saving, I realized they do not meet the needs of many people."

This perspective is what eventually drew her to a natural health conference in Seattle in 1996. "I had heard about the conference in Natural Health magazine and spontaneously decided to buy a plane ticket out to Seattle," Cathie explains. "Dr. Joseph Pizzorno (cofounder and president emeritus of Bastyr University) spoke at the conference, and what he said resonated deeply with me. His enthusiasm and his devotion to naturopathic medicine were so refreshing and compelling that I applied to Bastyr University a month later."

So in 1998, Cathie moved to the West coast and began Bastyr University's naturopathic medicine program. Within the next few years, she enrolled in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) program as well. "I never imagined I would want to become an acupuncturist until I got here," Cathie says. "Then I received acupuncture myself, and it really helped me. I also heard what students in the program said, and I became very interested in it."

This inclination to immerse herself in the natural healing arts has allowed Cathie to find new levels of passion and excitement in her life. She admits that a certain family member may have had a lot to do with her tendency to embrace this lifestyle. "I had this aunt who ate organic whole foods, made wonderful and delicious granola and other healthful treats and was into yoga and energy medicine," she explains. "She introduced me to those dimensions of health care and wellness."

As a person who obviously wants to "do it all," Cathie does not seem to struggle with balancing both programs, a work-study job and clinical shifts for both programs at the university's teaching clinic. Being in the earlier years of the AOM program makes it easier, because she only observes AOM patient appointments, whereas she is the lead clinician for naturopathic medicine shifts. "It's definitely work to be the lead clinician, but being involved with other clinicians and patients gives me energy," says Cathie. "Being at the clinic sparks my interest and gives me the drive to learn more. I find it energizing and mentally stimulating. Helping other people to feel good also makes me forget about my own worries."

So, could it be assumed she is glad she chose to pursue the AOM track in addition to her naturopathic medicine coursework? "Yes. I love the AOM program," Cathie says. "Acupuncture has opened up my interest in natural medicine even more. It allows for a very different type of communication with patients and they directly experience the healing going on in their bodies. Also, Chinese herbs are very personalized to the individual's constitution, which I find interesting. I am also really impressed by the teachers-their knowledge and their wisdom. They are very supportive and gracious but also expect students to think and learn."

In addition, she says, "I am glad that the public is becoming more and more interested in acupuncture. Acupuncturists are licensed in many states including South Carolina, where I am likely to live when I graduate. So I will have more choices in my work if I move back there."

But she is enjoying Bastyr so much that she probably won't be moving back soon. "There are so many great areas of study at Bastyr that it's going to be hard to leave," says Cathie. "I would love to take some classes in craniosacral therapy. I also want to complete the Chinese Herbal Medicine certificate program." But when she does finally leave Bastyr, Cathie hopes to work in an integrative clinic where she can collaborate with other practitioners on a daily basis.

Interviewed fall 2002.
Jones graduated with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Science in Acupuncture in June 2003.