Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 3/18/2008

Question
Dr. Kristina Conner, I am a high school student who is required to interview a professional on their career for an upcoming project. Would you mind answering the questions I have for you?

1. How much education did you go through to become a doctor in your field?


2.On average how much do you make per year?


3. Can you please describe a day at work.


4. What kind of people do you think should work in this field?


5. What are the downfalls of your job?


6. What are the good things?


7. How long did it take you to get where you are now after you completed
high school?


8. How many people do you work with?


9. How many hours do you work per week?

10. What do you recommend would help someone who wanted to have the same career or a related career?

Thankyou!

Answer
Hello Christina
I can answer most of your questions.  
1.  I have a bachelor's degree, then completed 5 years of naturopathic medical school.  Then I completed a 18 month residency.  
2.  I do not know the average pay rate for my profession.  
3.  I teach & prepare for classes about half of my time, see patients on average 1-2 hours per day, and do various administrative duties about 2-3 hours a day.  
4.  People are drawn to naturopathic medicine because it is challenging, rewarding, and they have a personal belief in the medicine.  
5.  The challenge of our profession is becoming fully recognized and accepted as a necessary part of the healthcare system.  
6.  It is rewarding to help patients and teach future practitioners.  It is also exciting to be a part of a rapidly growing profession full of wonderful people.  
7.  see #1
8.  I don't have a straight answer for that.  I work with students, patients, fellow faculty & staff, it's different every day.  
9.  35-40 in office, another 5-10 hours outside of office on work-related matters.  
10.  For anyone interested in naturopathic medicine, they need a solid undergraduate education emphasizing critical thinking skills, an interest in sciences and health, a desire to serve others, a commitment to lifelong learning, and most importantly, an open mind.  
Thanks for your interest and good luck in your studies.  
Dr Conner