UWS Named a Top School for Online Education in Nutrition

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Best Online Degree Programs

UWS has been ranked one of the nation’s best schools for online degrees and certificates in the nutrition field for 2023. Six percent of regionally accredited colleges and universities earned a ranking position. 

University of Western States has been named one of today’s best schools for online higher education in health care by EduMed.org. UWS’s online programs in the nutrition field earned top honors for their overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success. 

Take a look at the full rankings to see where UWS placed: Best Online Nutrition Master’s Degrees

“Our rankings showcase the schools giving future integrated health care professionals the best chance to succeed from day one in the classroom to day one on the job,” said Wes Harris, outreach coordinator for EduMed.org. “This starts with low-cost tuition, but also includes academic counseling, career placement and other key resources that students need to graduate and get hired.”

EduMed.org’s rankings come at a time when the demand for trained health care professionals is on the rise. According to Mercer, a global consulting leader in health care, the U.S. will see millions of vacancies in critical health care positions by 2025.

“One key to solving the health care shortage is making higher education more accessible,” said Harris. “Online programs open the door to students who may not be able to commit to a campus-based program while working, or to commute to a classroom at all. Each school in our rankings has made online learning a priority.”

EduMed.org researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the schools themselves. The website’s data science team then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each healthcare discipline. Primary data points include: 

  • Academic counseling services
  • Career placement services
  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Tuition
  • Percent of students receiving school-based financial aid
  • Amount of school-based aid per student

To be eligible, a school must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online program in the ranking subject. Just 8% of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position. 

About EduMed.org

EduMed.org set out in 2018 to support higher education in health care. Our complimentary resource materials are expert-driven guidebooks help students find scholarships, financial aid and top degree programs in nursing, healthcare administration, public health, and dozens of other key medical and health disciplines. Since the site’s official launch in 2019, EduMed.org has been featured by more than 100 premier colleges and universities across the U.S. 

About the UWS Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Program

The HNFM department at UWS houses the following programs:

These nutrition programs integrate cutting-edge functional medicine clinical tools and resources developed by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization that founded and developed many functional medicine concepts in use today. Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered approach to achieving and maintaining excellent health through natural methods, with diet and nutrition at the forefront. Founded on a holistic view of health, our functional medicine programs leverage the biochemical and genetic individuality of each patient so that practitioners can treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Our HNFM programs are 100% online. Available to international students, transfers, and veterans. 

Want to learn more about the UWS human nutrition and functional medicine degree programs? Visit the program webpage for more information or contact the admissions department virtually, by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-641-5641.

Obtaining the CMPC® Credential Through the AASP

Posted on by Dana Schatz

University of Western States alumna, Dr. Neva Barno, obtained the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) credential through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) after completing the doctorate of education in sport and performance psychology, clinical mental health counseling specialization (EdD-SPP, CMHC) degree program.

CMPC Badges

Dr. Barno’s passion for clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology started after experiencing an injury in high school. It left a significant impact on her physical performance and mental health. Dr. Barno currently works as a cognitive enhancement specialist with Thrive Proactive Health, O2X Human Performance, and Blue / Green Training. Her specialties include injury rehabilitation and working with tactical athletes. Obtaining the CMPC® took her injury to a new level.

According to the AASP, “Certification as a CMPC® demonstrates to clients, employers, colleagues, and the public at large that an individual has met the highest standards of professional practice, including completing a combination of educational and work requirements, successfully passing a certification exam, agreeing to adhere to ethical principles and standards, and committing to ongoing professional development.”

Curious how an education through UWS can prepare you to pursue the CMPC® credential? Connect with the UWS admissions department online or by email at [email protected] or call 800-641-5641.

Dr. Christine Girard Elected to UWS Board

Posted on by Dana Schatz

The University of Western States (UWS) Board of Trustees has announced the addition of Christine L. Girard, ND, MPH, to the board. Dr. Girard brings an extensive background and knowledge of integrative medicine.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Christine Girard as a member of the UWS Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Joseph Brimhall, UWS president and CEO. “Dr. Girard’s exceptional background and experience in the naturopathic medicine community, in higher education administration, and in clinical practice, uniquely qualifies her to deliver valuable perspectives for the board governance of University of Western States.” 

Christine Girard, ND

Dr. Girard has devoted her career to hospital-based integrative medicine and the education of health care professionals across specialties for more than 25 years. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses for the online programs at the University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Dr. Girard also served as past president/CEO of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, executive vice president of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and past director of naturopathic medicine at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Girard is the co-founder and past co-director of the Integrative Medicine at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut. While at Griffin Hospital, Dr. Girard served as a clinical research specialist at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.

“What a great honor to join the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Girard. “I am delighted to serve alongside such a forward-thinking team of professionals. I have been impressed with the leadership of UWS as it navigates the changing landscape of higher education and health care while remaining constant in keeping the ‘good of the patient’ at the center of care.”

Dr. Girard received her naturopathic degree from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and her MPH from the University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Awards include the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s Piper Fellows Program (2013), American Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ Physician of the Year Award (2010), and National College of Naturopathic Medicine’s Pioneer Award (2008).

Marshall Named UWS Sports Medicine Program Director

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Marshall

Brent Marshall, EdD, LAT, ATC, CES, PES has been named the program director for the UWS sports medicine degree program.

“Dr. Marshall brings a deep commitment to the quality of the student learning experience – both in the classroom and in the clinical site – to his new role as program director,” said College of Graduate Studies Dean, Dr. Alisa Bates. “As UWS works to redesign the sports medicine program for the future, Dr. Marshall’s expertise in higher education coupled with his knowledge of hands-on sports medicine will prepare the students for long-term success as providers. I am excited to see the future of the program come to life under his leadership!”

Dr. Marshall is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and holds a Doctorate of Education from Concordia University (Portland, OR/Wisconsin) with an emphasis in higher education leadership, continuous improvement and innovation. His dissertation focused on non-contact sport coaches’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of sport-related concussion. He also holds a Masters of Science degree from Weber State University (Ogden, Utah) in athletic training and Bachelors of Arts degree in kinesiology from Whitworth University (Spokane, Washington).

“I am beyond excited and extremely grateful to be named director of the sports medicine program,” said Dr. Marshall. “Together with the help of our faculty, staff and university, we will strive to create a standard of excellence to teach and train our sports medicine students. This will allow program graduates to become highly-skilled, confident and compassionate health care providers to their patients and greater communities in which they serve.”

Clinically, Dr. Marshall has worked with all levels of athletes including high school, collegiate, amateur, semi-professional and professional. Within the sports medicine program at UWS, in addition to clinical instruction he teaches evaluation, rehabilitation, taping, and emergency care content and courses throughout the program. His research interests include student-learning, student learning outcomes from online and hybrid classrooms, sport-related concussion and educational degree standards for allied health professions. He also has additional certifications for corrective exercise, athletic performance enhancement and others.

Kaeser Named Dean of UWS College of Chiropractic

Posted on by Dana Schatz
UWS dean college of chiropractic

Upon Dr. Kathleen Galligan’s retirement, dean of the UWS chiropractic program from 2018-22, an extensive search and interview process was held to fulfill the role. In spring 2022, Dr. Martha (Marty) Kaeser was named the new dean.

“Dr. Kaeser has a strong background in health care education and is known and appreciated by our community,” said Dr. Dana Sims, UWS provost. “With her understanding of the university mission and vision as well as her collaborative style, we look forward to continued excellence in chiropractic education under her leadership.”

Dr. Kaeser previously served as UWS associate dean since 2018. Dr. Kaeser is a collaborator, a listener and a contributor with a strong record of research, publication and presentation. She holds a chiropractic degree, a master’s degree in adult education and bachelor’s degrees in life science, special education and anthropology.

“I am greatly honored to be entrusted with the Dean position in the College of Chiropractic,” said Dr. Kaeser. “I am in awe of how hard the faculty and staff work to ensure that there is a deliberate focus on students and the core values. Additionally, I am excited to continue the good work of being student focused, innovative and creative. I could not ask for a better job or work with a better group of people.”

Prior to her work at UWS, Dr. Kaeser served Logan University in a variety of roles including assistant dean, director of academic assessment and clinical assessment skills center director.

UWS Release New inTouch Magazine

Posted on by Dana Schatz

Check out the Winter/Spring 2022 edition of inTouch alumni and friends magazine!

Intouch magazine cover winter spring 2022

inTouch news includes:

  • News about the newly launched doctor of naturopathic medicine degree program. 
  • Updates from Bola Majekobaje, director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), on the university’s DEI efforts.
  • Information on a revamp of the UWS business partner program. 
  • News about the relaunch of the UWS associated student body.
  • A profile highlighting Dr. Stephen Salaz and Dr. Jacob Salaz and their shared practice, Mt Hood Chiropractic in Troutdale, Oregon. 
  • A call for nominations for the 2022 UWS Alumni Recognition Award.
  • and much more!

Read past editions of the inTouch alumni and friends magazine.

IAMSE 2022 Conference Student Experience

Posted on by Dana Schatz

In June 2022, University of Western States (UWS) doctor of chiropractic (DC) students and faculty had the opportunity to present at the annual International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) conference in Denver, Colorado.

Hear from two DC students and Dr. Cortny Williams, basic sciences associate professor, regarding their experience and how it influenced their educational and professional growth.

IAMSE1

“As a student training to be a chiropractic physician, a tutor, and a volunteer in both urban and rural medical communities, I have always wanted to help and improve education internationally.

I have previously done research during my undergrad degree, so when I was presented the opportunity of research by Dr. Cortny Williams, it opened the doors to explore and gain understandings of new philosophies and teaching strategies.

I initially began on a project about metacognition over a year ago, and later was introduced into a team-based learning project focused on in-campus and online experiences. This research was accepted as a poster presentation at the IAMSE conference. In addition, I was the recipient of a UWS Seed Funding Grant, making it possible for me to attend the conference.

There were specific dates and times for presentations and I had the fortunate opportunity to present twice. This opportunity allowed me to network with other health care professionals who center their work with an educational approach. Diversity in health professions was a key aspect of the conference this year and I appreciated the opportunity to understand education from various different perspectives.

Focus sessions and plenaries at the conference centered on the topics of leadership skills and knowledge in curriculum development, inspiring me to creatively communicate with patients and other providers.

The experience at the IAMSE conference allowed me to serve as an international voice that can be used to enhance health profession education for current and future students at UWS. I am very thankful for the opportunities provided by Dr. Williams and UWS. This was an unforgettable experience!”

– Ravneet Gill, UWS DC student

IAMSE2

“I have always had a passion for helping others, not only as a future DC but as a medical science educator as well. My passion, and the incredible support of Dr. Cortny Williams is what brought me to become involved in a UWS research project last year and ignited my interest to become involved with IAMSE.

I was a recipient of a UWS Seed Funding Grant which supported my attendance to the annual IAMSE conference. This provided an exciting opportunity to disseminate my research regarding metacognition in students as well as attend valuable focus sessions that furthered my leadership skills, knowledge in curriculum development and served as a growth factor in my role as a future educator.

IAMSE accepted my research as a poster presentation that was available for view during the entire conference. Additionally, there was a set time where I presented our research to fellow educators and professionals answering any questions they had. I was able to gather information and work alongside a geographically and professionally diverse group of individuals which broadened my scope and instilled hope to induce change in some areas of UWS curricula to better the student experience.

UWS exemplified their mission, vision and position by encouraging and supporting my success and growth as a student. It was an enriching, exciting experience I will not soon forget, and I feel remarkably lucky to be supported by UWS for both my research and career endeavors.”

– Audrey Thacker, UWS DC student

IAMSE students and faculty

“I have the honor of engaging in the mission and vision of UWS by mentoring students in education research for the first time in my career.

Ms. Gill and Ms. Thacker inspire and direct me toward becoming a better educator and research scientist. They show me how to better serve the students at UWS. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with these scholars, and to further inspire research endeavors with more students, staff and faculty at UWS.

In 2017, I attended my first IAMSE meeting and received my first true sense of how to hone my skills as an educator and how to perform education research. Five years later, I serve as the faculty development chair at UWS,  serve on the IAMSE marketing committee,  hold three education related certifications, one certification in education research skills, and have created the community of research practice at UWS. I think you might agree that I fell head-over-heels into a sea of opportunity! I’m thriving, because the UWS community supports these opportunities. ” – Dr. Cortny Williams, basic sciences associate professor

University of Western States Launches Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program 

Posted on by Dana Schatz

The new graduate program of professional study features a whole-person, individualized approach to health and well-being, integrating principles of naturopathic medicine and functional medicine. 

University of Western States (UWS), an independent, non-profit health sciences university serving Portland since 1904, is expanding its robust academic offerings with a new Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degree program.

The UWS NMD program champions a whole-person and individualized approach to health and well-being. The integration of functional medicine principles distinguishes this curriculum from other naturopathic medicine programs.

marcia-prenguber
Dr. Marcia Prenguber, dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS

“Our new naturopathic medicine program is extremely exciting for the university, the Portland-area, and our healthcare community,” said Dr. Marcia Prenguber, naturopathic physician, fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, and dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS. “Offering a whole-person approach to medicine, our NMD program is designed to train future physicians in evidence-informed natural health care while addressing the body, mind and spirit, integrating the principles of functional medicine.”

An evidence-informed, patient-centered approach

Naturopathic medicine and functional medicine are evidence-informed, patient-centered approaches to achieving and maintaining health by optimizing function and addressing root causes of dysfunction, not just suppressing symptoms. Functional medicine’s focus on biochemical and genetic individuality, and the diet, lifestyle, and nutrition of each patient, integrates well with the full range of assessments and treatment modalities of naturopathic medicine.

Increased demand and shortage of primary care physicians predicted

“Doctors of naturopathic medicine are trained as primary care physicians and have established the primary care designation in a number of jurisdictions,” said Prenguber. “The need for whole-person primary care services will continue to rise. University of Western States is uniquely positioned for integration and collaboration with our new and established programs.”

Learn more about naturopathic medicine and career pathways here. 

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 21,100 and 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of persons over age 65 will increase by 48% by that same year, driving the demand for primary care. In addition, census data indicate that one-third of all currently active doctors will at retirement stage as the population ages. 

exterior-open-house

A community of learning

The UWS NMD program is a 14-quarter doctoral curriculum, taught year-round. Students can complete the program in three and a half calendar years. UWS will deliver the NMD program at its vibrant, state-of-the-art campus in Northeast Portland. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and pharmacology to provide graduates with a broad array of modalities and procedures for the clinical care of patients. The course of study is offered in hybrid format that embodies a community of learning through synchronous online delivery and in-person teaching, with clinical competencies reinforced through in-person laboratory experiences.

Visit the UWS naturopathic medicine website to learn more.

UWS Faculty Insights from the American Counseling Association Conference

Posted on by Dana Schatz

By: Dr. Amy O’Hana, UWS clinical mental health counseling professor  

Professional organizations are pivotal to any profession, but they are especially important in the counseling profession. The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the professional organization for counselors, providing many resources for continuing education, one big resource being the annual conference. After two years of the ACA conference being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it was in person April 6-9 in Atlanta, Georgia.

One of the things I love about being a faculty member at University of Western States (UWS) is how the university supports professional development. Attending a conference is not just useful for learning – it’s dynamic for networking with fellow counselors and educators, professional connections and resting while simultaneously becoming re-inspired and re-energized for our work. Dr. Michelle Rose, program director of the UWS clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program and I went, and wow, did we have the Best. Time. Ever!

What did I learn? Well, I learned not to be culturally competent.

I learned the term “cultural competence” more than 20 years ago when I was a graduate student in counseling. It’s a standard that I’ve strived for, researched and taught students to practice. But with recent world events, especially racial tension and cultural genocide, at the ACA conference I learned a new standard of care: cultural humility.

Cultural competence implies a standard to be mastered – a way of doing. As someone that identifies with the dominant and privileged class, there is danger in this mindset. In an egoic (yes, big egos are rampant in academia) and a potentially unaware state, I have the propensity to cause harm—and not take responsibility for it—if I’m basing my actions on a theory I learned in graduate school.

In contrast, cultural humility is a way of being. It’s a humble, curious and open mindset, wherein I quietly join my clients and students, and I affirm their lived experiences without imposing my own. It’s an ability to admit that I don’t know everything, especially what it’s like to be the other. It’s a desire to learn what it’s like to be the other. I don’t have to solve or fix; I simply join and allow them to be my teacher.

Cultural humility is a quality of all great counselors. I suspect it also makes great sport and performance psychology (SPP) consultants, educators, coaches, parents, friends, citizens and world-sharing humans. I wouldn’t have learned that, had I not gone to my professional conference. I would have been stuck thinking and teaching something I learned in graduate school 20 years ago.

This is exactly why it’s important to go to your professional conferences, counselors and SPP consultants!

In addition, I learned some other cool things:

  • New skills for facilitating difficult conversations, especially around social justice themes.
  • Inspiration for qualitative research, in which I’m currently engaging in with UWS students.
  • What a great sense of humor Gerald Corey has (Dr. Corey is an icon in the counseling profession – actually snapped a photo of him presenting!).
  • How transcendent chicken and waffles are (as a born and raised West-coaster, it was the first time tasting that amazing-ness).
  • How UWS students are great golfers (exemplified at our student reception at Top Golf Atlanta). 
  • The construct of “Black Joy” (unique to peoples of African descent) as it relates to core personhood and counseling of Black-identifying students and clients.

I really want to encourage students, faculty, and professionals new and seasoned to go to your conferences. The next big one is the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) conference, October 26-29 in Ft. Worth, Texas, and there are rumors that ACA will be in Toronto in spring 2023. I’ll see you there…and in the meantime, I’ll be practicing my cultural humility and my golf swing!

The UWS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee provides the following definition and some readings below on cultural humility in literature:

  • Cultural humility is a lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique whereby the individual not only learns about another’s culture, but one starts with an examination of their own beliefs and cultural identities. (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998)

Reference:

Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural Humility Versus Cultural Competence: A Critical Distinction in Defining Physician Training Outcomes in Multicultural Education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 9(2), 117-125. doi:10.1353/hpu.2010.0233.

Cultural Humility in the literature: