National University of Health Sciences’ (NUHS) research resident and instructor, Jocelyn Faydenko, ND, DC, was a team presenter at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 2024 convention, Architects of Wellness: Leading the Way to Whole Health. The event took place July 11 – 13, 2024 in Chicago.

Left to Right: Presentation team Kieran Cooley, ND, MSC, Director of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM); Monique Aucoin, ND, MSC, Senior Research Fellow, CCNM and Adjunct Professor, University of Guelph; Jocelyn Faydenko, ND, DC and Research Resident, National University of Health Sciences and Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH and Director of Research, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM).

Dr. Faydenko, who also teaches the introductory evidence-based practice (EBP) course for NUHS doctor of naturopathic medicine and doctor of chiropractic medicine students, co-presented with three naturopathic medicine colleagues. Their presentation, Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP) for Naturopathic Doctors: A Skills Refresher Workshop, served to assist naturopathic physicians in earning continuing education (CE) units to expand their professional credentials. The NUHS course she teaches, EBP – Critical Appraisal of the Biomedical Literature, instructs students in scientific study designs and the critical appraisal of biomedical literature.

“Participating in a learning opportunity for naturopathic physicians at the AANP National Convention was a fantastic experience!” said Dr. Faydenko. “I enjoyed collaborating with colleagues from other naturopathic institutions.”

One of the areas covered by the presentation was the 5 “A”s of EIP, with additional topics integral to practicing naturopathic physicians.

The 5 “A”s of Evidence-Informed Practice

• Ask: Formulate an answerable research question
• Acquire: Find the best available evidence
• Appraise: Critically appraise/evaluate the evidence
• Apply: Apply the evidence by integrating with clinical expertise and the patient’s values
• Assess: Evaluate performance

Some of the topics covered in the Chicago presentation included: What is EIP and How Do We Do It?; Asking a Question and Finding Evidence; Experimental Studies and Observational Studies; Correlation vs. Causation; Applying Research to Naturopathic Medicine; AI in Naturopathic Medicine Research, and more.

“We wanted to present relevant material about how naturopathic doctors can improve their evidence-informed practice skills — to better inform their clinical practice — and to provide the most safe and effective health care services,” Dr. Faydenko said.

“This was my first time presenting at a national event, and I hope to do more in the future,” she concluded.

National University is excited about the future as we expand our research into a wider variety of topics in integrative medicine. We’re working to create new projects where experts from different medical specialties can collaborate together. Because of this, our students and faculty have the chance to be pioneers in research that could very well change modern medicine as we know it.

Research is another way National University is a leader in academic excellence, and broadening the knowledge needed to improve patient care in all medical professions.