University of Western States (UWS) is pleased to announce the hiring of Elizabeth (Liza) Goldblatt, PhD, MPA/HA, as the university’s vice president for academic affairs (VPAA). Dr. Goldblatt will begin her tenure in early October 2018 and will serve for two years.
Well-known in the integrated health care world, Dr. Goldblatt brings extensive experience to the university. She is a founding member of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health (ACIH) and representative to the National Academy of Medicine Division of Health and Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) Global Forum on Innovations for Health Professional Education. Dr. Goldblatt was a co-facilitator representing ACIH on the development of a national academic course with the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health that supports the advancement of interprofessional, collaborative, team-based and patient-centered care.
“I am honored and delighted to be part of the UWS team,” said Dr. Goldblatt. I am sure we will all learn from one another as we create harmony and progress in this time of significant change for the university. I am both humbled and excited at the prospects of working together.”
Dr. Goldblatt also served as the education committee co-chair of the North American Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Council from 1993 to 2003, and was the president of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) from 1988 to 2003.
Dr. Daniel Redwood, director of the human nutrition and functional medicine program at UWS, who has worked with Dr. Goldblatt believes her past professional experiences will ensure her success at UWS.
“Dr. Liza Goldblatt has long been one of the most accomplished and widely-respected leaders of the integrative health care movement,” said Dr. Redwood. “I was a member of two working groups at the Academic Consortium for Integrative Health, when she served on its executive board, and I witnessed her insightful and unifying leadership. It was appreciated by one and all. I have no doubt that she will bring these qualities to her work at UWS and that our university will be the better for it.”
In her role, Dr. Goldblatt will focus her time on supporting faculty, overseeing all academic programs, and helping to ensure a seamless transition to a new campus location.“Dr. Goldblatt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to UWS. She is highly respected in the integrative medicine world, nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Joseph Brimhall, UWS president. “We are fortunate to include her on the UWS team.”
