Dr. Aaron Wong, ND
Class of 2012, CCNM - Boucher
“I believe that life is a journey and health challenges give us the opportunity to grow as human beings. My enduring purpose as a physician is to be an active facilitator in the lives of my patients, teaching them that healthy choices come from remembering our innate worthiness.”
Laying the groundwork to become an ND
Aaron Wong, ND, RTC, BASc started his path to naturopathic medicine with an undergraduate degree in chemical and biological engineering. He spent the early years of his career working in mining, oil and gas, while also operating his own biofeedback practice. After suffering a debilitating back injury that resulted in years of recovery, and experimentation with numerous conventional and alternative treatments, Dr. Wong found healing in naturopathic medicine. Experiencing the power of natural medicine was the driving force in his career change to naturopathic medicine.
Aaron Wong, ND, RTC, BASc started his path to naturopathic medicine with an undergraduate degree in chemical and biological engineering. He spent the early years of his career working in mining, oil and gas, while also operating his own biofeedback practice. After suffering a debilitating back injury that resulted in years of recovery, and experimentation with numerous conventional and alternative treatments, Dr. Wong found healing in naturopathic medicine. Experiencing the power of natural medicine was the driving force in his career change to naturopathic medicine.
BINM as a springboard
Dr. Wong pursued his calling at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. The strong curriculum, small class sizes, close-knit community, and one-on-one instructor interaction was important to him. Further, the integration of basic sciences and exposure to multiple approaches to care were paramount to his education. Dr. Wong graduated with confidence from a wide variety of patient care experiences.
Dr. Wong pursued his calling at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. The strong curriculum, small class sizes, close-knit community, and one-on-one instructor interaction was important to him. Further, the integration of basic sciences and exposure to multiple approaches to care were paramount to his education. Dr. Wong graduated with confidence from a wide variety of patient care experiences.
On a personal level, the rigorous curriculum and a challenge of balancing naturopathic medical school and daily life taught him perseverance, and helped define what he wanted in his career.
Immediately following graduation, Dr. Wong launched his own practice, began teaching courses in holistic nutrition, and continued his education by completing certifications in teaching, chelation, oxidative therapies, and prolotherapy.
Finding fulfillment as an ND
“I love that there is always so much to learn, and so many different directions that you can go with patient care. Naturopathic doctors fill needs in so many areas where other methods aren’t able to. NDs offer hope to patients who think they are out of options.”
“I love that there is always so much to learn, and so many different directions that you can go with patient care. Naturopathic doctors fill needs in so many areas where other methods aren’t able to. NDs offer hope to patients who think they are out of options.”
“I believe that life is a journey and health challenges give us the opportunity to grow as human beings. My enduring purpose as a physician is to be an active facilitator in the lives of my patients, teaching them that healthy choices come from remembering our innate worthiness.”
Dr. Wong is the clinical director at Butterfly Naturopathic in North Vancouver where he works three days a week. The other two days are spent supervising third- and fourth-year clinicians at BINM.
“I believe that to teach is to learn, so I give back to the naturopathic profession as part of the clinic faculty.”
On the weekends, Dr. Wong reconnects with nature by spending time in his garden. He also enjoys walking through the forest with his dogs – especially during the summer months for cold hydrotherapy.
Food as Medicine
With fond memories of picking fresh produce from his grandmother’s garden, Dr. Wong is a big proponent of growing your own food as a means to healthy living and giving back to the earth. There is a great sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that the food you grow is fresh, organic, and sustainable.
With fond memories of picking fresh produce from his grandmother’s garden, Dr. Wong is a big proponent of growing your own food as a means to healthy living and giving back to the earth. There is a great sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that the food you grow is fresh, organic, and sustainable.
While working in Nicaragua with Natural Doctors International, Dr. Wong saw firsthand the power of food as medicine. With limited income and resources, food was often the only medicine for some especially when supplements and further treatments were not affordable.
Dr. Wong shares his knowledge on food as medicine at local venues.
Click here to watch Dr. Wong’s AANMC webinar – Food as Medicine
Advice for aspiring NDs
Dr. Wong offers the following advice for prospective students: “Be open minded and willing to see different perspectives. Be humble. Be inquisitive and curious. Be prepared to work on yourself. Be prepared to lead by example.”
Dr. Wong offers the following advice for prospective students: “Be open minded and willing to see different perspectives. Be humble. Be inquisitive and curious. Be prepared to work on yourself. Be prepared to lead by example.”
Learn more about Dr. Aaron Wong:
butterflynaturopathic.com
butterflynaturopathic.com
This article was originally posted on the AANMC blog