After an intense 5 years of medical training at Bastyr University, my day arrived in the summer of 2007.

"Dr Benjamin Lynch."

That was the first time I was called doctor. It felt incredible. Little did I know that it was nothing compared to what I'd feel in another 30 minutes.

After all my classmates were called up on stage as doctor for the first time, there was one last thing to do before we were truly declared Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine.

We had to state the .

I should rephrase that. We were honored to state the in chorus with some of the great leaders of naturopathic medicine.

Les Griffith, ND, one of the founders of Bastyr University, led the saying of the .

The goes like this:

"I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic Medicine.
By precept, education and example,
I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health,
reduce risks for disease,
and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves
and future generations.
I will continually Endeavour to improve my abilities.
I will conduct my life and practice of Naturopathic Medicine
with integrity and freedom from prejudice.
I will keep confident what should not be divulged.
I will honor the principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
First, to do no harm
To cooperate with the healing powers of nature
To address the fundamental causes of disease
To heal the whole person through individualized treatment
To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine
With my whole heart, before these witnesses,
as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,
I pledge to remain true to this oath."

Those were the most powerful words I had to repeat in my life after my wedding vows.

I read the from time to time to remind myself in order to remain true to it.

Dr Ben