DOI: N/A

Pages: Page: 21-23

Background: In Ghana, Naturopathy education and practice is relatively new with the Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine currently being the leader and crusader of promoting modern Naturopathic medicine. This study explored the perception about Naturopathic Medicine on the part of Naturopathic Medical Students prior to enrolling to study modern Naturopathy at the Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine as well as their recent perception as advanced students. Methods: A qualitative descriptive drafted questionnaire was sent to ten (10) Second Year Diploma in Naturopathic Medical Students through WhatsApp. The students were on their clinical Clerkship at the Tema General Hospital. Their feedbacks were abstracted and analyzed thematically. Findings: The significant statements extracted from their feedbacks produced two main themes relating to Naturopathy prior to enrolling to study Naturopathy; i. They thought Naturopathy was just about herbal medicine as pertains to the Ghanaian jurisdiction; ii. Naturopathy has a narrow scope of practice with no science. Post enrolling; they opined that; i. Naturopathy is more than using herbal medicine, ii. Naturopathy is jurisdictional. Conclusion: They have come to the realization that; modern Naturopathy is not what they perceived it to be before enrolling to study at Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine. They further understand that, Naturopathy is the general practice of evidence based natural medicines. Those who thought they knew Naturopathy before enrolling, have practically realized that, they were in the dark then.