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...

• Bastyr University.
• National College of Naturopathic Medicine.
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
• University of Bridgeport's Connecticut College of Naturopathic Medicine.
• Boucher Institute in Canada.
• Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

I've just started a new blog which will broaden the information for all my readers.

I've invited numerous ND's to join me in authoring posts, providing case studies and research.

I highly recommend you keep tabs of this new blog, Naturopathic Doctor, as it is going to explode in information which may positively affect your life in many ways.

In health,
Dr Ben, ND

Scholarships are great to receive. This year I was fortunate to be a recipient of the Bastyr Student Scholarship Award.

Even more fortunate, was to hear Dr Littleton's speech to the award recipients. It was outstanding. I have it here for you to enjoy as well.

Be inspired.

Kent Littleton, MS, ND, is a Bastyr University alumnus and an associate professor in the basic sciences department, where he teaches biochemistry. Due to his creativity and generosity in raising funds to support scholarships at Bastyr, Dr. Littleton was invited to be the keynote speaker at this fall's Scholarship Dinner, an annual event that celebrates both scholarship donors and the student scholars who proved themselves worthy of support. Kent's very funny and insightful speech brought everyone to their feet.

Keynote Address by Dr. Kent Littleton
Bastyr University Scholarship Dinner
October 25, 2006

"When I'm meeting a new class at the beginning of an academic year, I always feel some butterflies in my stoma...