The Gerson Institute’s Gerson Practitioner Training: Module I & II is a core program that over the last several years has received strong focus in order to achieve our goal that every Gerson patient, no matter where they are in the world, can work with a trusted and competent Certified Gerson Practitioner. As a result of our intense focus, the program has been improved, enhanced, and more doctors than ever before are on track to becoming certified! The Gerson Practitioner Training program is a two-plus year commitment to learning the scientific basis of Dr. Gerson’s work and how to implement the Gerson Therapy to activate the healer within.
We recently held Module I at the Gerson Institute in San Diego and welcomed 17 medical professionals with various designations from all over the world for our week-long intensive training on the Gerson Therapy. MDs, naturopaths, chiropractors and oriental medicine doctors came from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Florida, Toronto and multiple other countries and cities to learn what makes the Gerson Therapy unique.
Module I
Module I covers the biological and physiological basis of the Gerson Therapy and gives a great introduction to the core elements of the Gerson Therapy: juicing, supplements, coffee enemas and a vegetarian, plant-based diet. They spent many attentive hours on the subjects that lie within the Gerson Therapy, such as lab testing, modifications, consistent case management and protocol adjustments. Practitioners received classes taught by Gerson Therapy experts that have decades of combined experience in the Gerson Therapy: Dr. Miven Donato, GPC, DC, DPT, MT, Head Clinical Instructor for Module II and Certified Gerson Practitioner; Dr. Kayla Smith, Gerson Institute’s Director of Medical Education; and Dr. Melania Nagy, Head Clinic Doctor at the Gerson Health Centre in Budapest, Hungary. We also had Dr. Pedro Cervantes as a guest speaker from the licensed Gerson clinic in Mexico, and Dr. Nagy’s colleague from Hungary, Dr. Erika Borbenyi.
Each of the medical professionals that joined us for Module I went through an application process and studied Dr. Gerson’s work prior to arriving. We receive many questions regarding the application process to this program. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) that will provide more information on the requirements for this program.
1. Does my background qualify me to take this training?
The Gerson Therapy is much more than juicing and coffee enemas. It is a complex medical model that needs astute medical skills and an advanced clinical background with the ability to interpret lab work, as well as academic study in pathophysiology. Because most of the people that contact us have a cancer diagnosis, a license permitting treatment of such cases is required, and certification as a Gerson practitioner will require working with late stage illness.
The designations we accept are: Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician Assistant (PA), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Licensed Acupunturist/Oriental Medicine Doctor (Li.Ac./OMD).
2. When is the next Module I? Can I do this training online?
This week-long training is held annually each Spring at the Gerson Institute in San Diego, California. The next Module I will be scheduled for Spring 2018, and specific dates will be announced in the coming months. Module I is not offered online and must be attended in-person. Join our email list to be notified when dates are set!
Module II is conducted online and work is completed in the home country.
3. Do I have to take Module II to become certified?
Yes, in order to become certified you must successfully complete Modules I and II. Module I alone does not prepare you to take on patients and you have must have the clinical experience gained through Module II in order to become certified by the Gerson Institute. As a Gerson intern/resident in Module II training, you will be referred clients through the Head Clinical Instructor, Dr. Miven Donato.
In Module II you will learn patient management along with technical skills to work with clients remotely, under the supervision of the Head Clinical Instructor. With this model, patients who cannot attend a licensed Gerson clinic can still receive high-quality medical guidance for the Gerson Therapy while allowing Gerson interns/residents to learn from hands-on clinical experience.
Currently there is a group of over 25 Gerson interns/residents in the Module II program. They meet online every week to present cases and work together to offer resources and knowledge.
4. Will I be referred clients when I become certified?
Yes. Your name will be listed on our website as a Certified Gerson Practitioner and prospective patients will be able to contact you directly. The Gerson Institute may also facilitate referrals to you. You are also able to seek your own clients, but each client’s case is first evaluated with Dr. Donato to determine if the case is appropriate for the Gerson Therapy.
5. Can I open a Gerson clinic?
There are many aspects to consider when opening a Gerson clinic – location, licensing, access to organic produce, clean water supply, etc. Even if you have a facility or location, you must have the years if clinical experience to head such an operation. The first steps are successful completion of Modules I and II, followed by independent practice for some time before a clinic can be opened.
6. How do I apply?
Visit the Gerson Practitioner Training page of our website and thoroughly read the page, as it explains in detail what is covered in Modules I and II, eligibility for the program, accredited Naturopathic schools in the U.S. and Canada, required reading, program fees and instructions on how to apply.
Application submissions from qualified applicants will be screened by the program’s Admissions Committee. Additional information such as course curriculum and scope of practice within your current license may be requested.
If accepted, an official invitation for Module I will be sent. Invitations are typically sent at the beginning of the year, several months prior to Module I. A copy of your current license to practice will be required.
The Gerson Institute is excited to have a new group of Module II interns this fall and we hope to have a few more certified Gerson practitioners on our list by the end of 2017.
Join our diverse community of Gerson practitioners – it’s never been a better time to be a practitioner in natural health!
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Written by: Amanda Onken
Post by: Nicole Ferrer