There could not be a more passionate advocate for the value of natural medicine than Robyn Carruthers.
As the chief executive of the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM), a position she has held for three years, Robyn clearly takes great pride in the college whose focus is on providing high-quality, NZQA-registered educational opportunities to train the next generation of natural medicine practitioners.
Based in the heart of Ellerslie, the college’s qualified professionals produce highly trained graduates, giving them practical skills to advance health and wellness in the community.
Robyn enjoys showing visitors around the purpose-built facility. It has a warm, welcoming ambience. Modern classrooms wrap around a beautiful sunny garden courtyard brimming with plants and flowers which students use to practise creating natural remedies.
What Robyn loves most, she says is that natural medicine is such a nice balance between art and science: “The art of natural medicine is reinforced by the science.”
She initially came across naturopathy – a system that uses natural remedies to help heal the body itself – when she was aged just 17.
“We seek to know, why did this happen? Why is the immune system susceptible? And how can we build a person’s system so that they don’t succumb to an illness?”
“I was introduced to someone who had trained at the college (which has been in existence since 1967). I loved the idea of doing something positive for your health; that instead of waiting until you’re sick, you can take action to prevent illness.”
Being so young, entry to the course wasn’t allowed. Instead, she opted for training college to become a teacher. Then, in 1995, when she was in her 30s and had her family, she finally made it to the college. After graduating, she went into private practice for several years, but returned as a teacher in 2006. It wasn’t her goal to become the chief executive, but when the position became available, she jumped at it.
“It’s powerful to have a chief executive and executive staff who are naturopaths,” she explains, “because it’s important to have a good understanding of what it’s all about.”
Robyn’s background in education gave her the perfect background for the role.
The courses available offer a serious level of learning, she says.
“It’s a shame that naturopathy and herbal medicine practitioners don’t have a recognised place within our health system. So many things that we advise can work alongside pharmaceutical medicine in terms of treatments, especially for people suffering chronic illnesses. That’s where naturopathy can be very effective. Both naturopathy and herbal medicines seek to find a cause rather than taking a pill just to make you feel better.
By looking deeper, they aim to gently improve health. In this way, the healing process is strengthened, and the organs and tissues of the body are supported with care to minimise side effects.
Two programmes are available at the college.
The Bachelor of Natural Medicine integrates traditional wisdom with scientific knowledge. Students gain critical knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of natural medicine, herbal
medicine, nutrition, research, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical examination, massage
and more. They also gain sound clinical experience and practice, to help motivate people to achieve optimum health and wellness.
A second course, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, is a level 4 course designed as a pathway into the degree course that helps students understand what study involves.
“It’s a tough clinical programme with a high level of science, anatomy and physiology. It uses the same textbook as the nursing degree.”
Some study full-time, which involves around 16 hours in class and at least that in preparation, assessments, research, and revision at home. Others prefer a part-time approach as the work is very intense, involving a high level of engagement.
Student practitioners are also involved in the Paua Clinic which is dedicated to natural health and wellness. Supervised by experienced practitioners, students see members of the public as their clients, integrating their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. They follow through with each new client and evaluate their progress to assess the effectiveness of their treatment. They have access to their own full dispensary service and can mix up formulas for individual treatments.
Students graduate as medical herbalists, naturopaths, or both. There are many career avenues. Lots of graduates set themselves up in private practice. They might work for a manufacturer or even make their own products. Some work for pharmacies, aligning pharmaceutical with natural medicine. Robyn has heard of graduates who open yoga studios or gyms that offer naturopathy as a complementary practice.
All over the world, Māori, Pacific, Asian, and Arabic people share the same philosophy towards healing that the college promotes.
“As Pākehā, many of us have forgotten our traditional medicine. But we now have around 600 naturopaths and herbalists in the country with so much potential to change the health of New Zealanders.”
The courses are a great way to make a difference. Alongside the skills to find a job, graduates gain huge benefits in managing their own health in a holistic way.
SPCNM also runs community education and awareness programmes to attract new students and to build the profile and credibility of natural medicine in New Zealand. The pandemic temporarily stalled these classes, but soon, those who are interested will find them a great introduction to a fantastic facility.
Once your eyes open to this fascinating, time-proven discipline, just like Robyn, you too may be motivated to make it a career that extends into many rewarding options.
