Event marked significant milestone for growing Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program
University of Western States (UWS) held its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program on Friday, April 11, at 3 p.m. PT on the UWS campus.
The White Coat Ceremony serves as a powerful rite of passage in health care education, marking the students’ transition from the classroom to clinical settings. The donning of white coats symbolizes professional readiness to begin working with patients and take on the responsibilities of a healthcare provider.
The inaugural class of students will now enter the next phase of their clinical training, working with patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians. This ceremony celebrates both the accomplishments of UWS’s first naturopathic medicine cohort and the program’s role in preparing health care providers in integrative, whole-person care.
“The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program represents a bold step forward for UWS as a leader in whole-person health,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of University of Western States. “This inaugural ceremony celebrates the students who chose to lead the way and reinforces our shared mission to transform lives through a human-centered approach to health care.”
Launched in fall 2023, the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program was designed in response to the growing demand for clinicians trained to treat the root causes of illness through personalized, prevention-focused care. As chronic illness and mental health challenges continue to rise nationwide, there is an urgent need for practitioners who can integrate nutrition, functional medicine, and evidence-informed approaches – all central elements of the UWS curriculum.
“This cohort has demonstrated admirable dedication and a strong work ethic as they embraced the responsibility and the honor of being our first class of naturopathic medicine students,” said Dr. Marcia Prenguber, Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine. “That hard work has prepared them for the next phase of their clinical training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel as practitioners.”
The naturopathic program reinforces UWS’s impact in the Portland community, where students receive hands-on training, which provides low-cost care to the public Connected Whole Health Clinic. By expanding access to affordable health care while offering real-world experience to its students, UWS continues to demonstrate how higher education institutions can drive both community wellness and student success.
The ceremony featured remarks from university leadership and faculty, a keynote address by Portland-based naturopathic physician Georgiana Cullen-Kerney, the ceremonial white coat presentation, and a reception that followed.