Why I’m studying Nutrition. GP Dr Laura Quinton believes that food is the key to many health issues that she sees daily in her surgery. She is studying Nutrition Naturopathic at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).
At the moment I juggle my time between my NHS GP practice and studying at the College of Naturopathic Medicine where I’m in my final year of Naturopathic Nutrition. I also have children so that adds to the juggling. CNM is good in that you can swap lectures days around in advance and they give you a few options to catch up. The lecture days at CNM are incredibly interesting.
Most of the lecturers are practicing nutritionists with years of experience so they will provide practical support and information, and the classes are very lively and full of questions.
We have had amazing lectures from nutritionists, practitioners of functional medicine and herbal medicine too. I have learnt so much about these disciplines.
“You get to open your mind to new ideas.”
My classmates are an eclectic mix of people. We have other doctors, pharmacists, people from the world of business and HR in the city, yoga gurus, nutrition bloggers, chefs, fitness specialists, chiropractors, therapists, and others who are changing career paths or combining this new interest with a busy family life.
This provides you with fresh perspectives on health that you can discuss over lunch. It is this aspect of studying at CNM that I really enjoy. You get to hear different per-sonal stories and viewpoints and open your mind to new ideas. Everyone on the course is very motivated and passionate so the environment is very positive and upbeat.
In terms of bringing my nutritional skills into my role as an NHS GP, the biggest constraint at work is pressure of time. We have to see so many patients in one day who have just 10 minutes of time allocated to them.
I think medicine has changed so much since the NHS was designed in 1948. The general way we are exposed to food choices is huge, and sadly some of these choices are not nutritionally balanced and put our health at more risk.
Often, just bringing the idea of looking at food choices for health into the consultation for a patient to think about, is a first and positive step. Information about nutrition can be conflicting, and more and more cutting edge evidence confirms individual differences in responses to diet and lifestyle. Being able to get an individualised plan is so important, but delivering it takes time.
Often, just bringing the idea of looking at food choices for health into the consultation for a patient to think about, is a first and positive step.
Most GPs I know would like to learn more about nutrition but are overwhelmed with work and don’t have enough time to do so. Having holistic lifestyle coaches who under-stand nutrition and health and who can work in family GP practices would be a fantastic way of supporting them.
“I believe that the future of medicine is nutrition.”
Studying nutrition at CNM has been fascinating and given me a fresh new insight into my patients’ problems. I have learnt so much that no medical textbook has ever taught me, improved my own health and well-being, and re-ignited my passion for being a doctor.
I believe that the future of medicine is nutrition.Studying nutrition at CNM has been fascinating and given me a fresh new insight into my patients’ problems.
CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) is the UK’s leading training provider in a range of natural therapies, including Diploma Courses in Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, CNM Natural Chef, and a range of Short Courses, all based on the naturopathic approach. Colleges across the UK, Ireland, and the USA.
