Career Paths in Naturopathic Medicine

Posted on by pciampanelli
A person wearing a lab coat and holding a stethascope crosses their arms in a close-up photo.

There are various naturopathic careers to choose from including a naturopathic doctor, researcher, nutritionist, or herbalist.

Naturopathy is about helping patients find successful and natural complementary medicine, focusing on not just stopping the symptoms of an illness but going to the root of the problem. By focusing on the entire body, someone with a career in naturopathic medicine can focus on the individual needs of the patient.

The UWS Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will provide the knowledge and understanding to succeed in this field of work.

These careers employ natural therapies such as nutrition-based or lifestyle counseling, to help ground the mind and body. By embracing a more holistic approach to health care, naturopathic careers in medicine promote good health. The goal of any job in naturopathic medicine is to create long-lasting change in a patient’s life, such as helping them to create healthy habits that promote a strong immune system, reject foods that have a higher chance of giving someone cancer, and have an active lifestyle that supports heart health.

Naturopathic Doctor

The American health care system faces significant challenges, with the National Academies of Science (NAS) giving it a failing grade. The criticism comes from the system’s focus on treating diseases rather than promoting overall health and well-being, which highlights a pressing need for a shift toward more holistic health practices. Naturopathic doctors are stepping forward to meet this need. By diagnosing and treating patients using natural therapies, including herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and physical modalities, naturopathic practitioners are instrumental in promoting holistic health care.

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degree is specifically designed to train students to become licensed naturopathic doctors, focusing on whole-person medicine. Students learn to evaluate and address a wide range of essential factors that influence a patient’s inherent healing capacity. The program covers all essential aspects of naturopathic medicine, including diagnosis, treatment modalities, patient care, and practice management.

If you are interested in naturopathic medicine, you will have to go to medical school and receive your Naturopathic Medicine Doctorate (NMD). Naturopathic doctors can work in a variety of settings, from running a private practice to working in a hospital, after passing the two-part Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).

Naturopathic Researcher

Naturopathic researchers conduct scientific studies and clinical trials to explore the efficacy and safety of natural remedies and treatment modalities. Those who pursue this career in naturopathic medicine will design research studies, conduct experiments and data collection, collaborate with other researchers, and gather data documentation. Naturopathic research has received legitimacy over the years, strengthening health research.

If this job in naturopathy sounds interesting to you, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field such as chemistry or biology. A naturopathic researcher can work in a laboratory or conduct independent research. However, a bachelor’s degree is only a minimum requirement to enter this career path. An NMD may provide opportunities to expand your career and achieve greater success in this field.

Naturopathic Nutritionist

These jobs in naturopathic medicine specialize in using food as medicine, providing nutritional assessments, developing customized dietary plans, and offering guidance on nutrients that support optimal health. Naturopathic nutritionists cross-reference their patients and their diets. For specific groups such as nursing mothers, pregnant women, and athletes, naturopathic nutritionists can create a major impact in their patient’s lives by tailoring nutrition plans to meet their unique needs for physical performance and overall well-being.

Nutrition is a core component of naturopathic medicine. Individuals wanting to pursue a career in naturopathic nutrition should learn about the therapeutic uses of food and develop expertise in nutritional assessments, dietary planning, and personalized recommendations.

A naturopathic nutritionist requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but a more advanced degree such as an NMD is highly encouraged if you want to further your career as a nutritionist and achieve more success. Like other naturopathic medicine jobs, a nutritionist can work in a variety of settings, such as a clinic, as an independent consultant, or even in a nursing home.

Looking to Pursue a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree?

The demand for naturopathic professionals will continue to rise as long as more people recognize the benefits of holistic and integrative health approaches. Earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree puts you at the forefront of a shift toward patient-centered care that values prevention, personalized treatment plans, and collaborative health strategies. At UWS, we craft our program to arm you with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to excel in this important and growing field.

Visit our website to learn more about making a real difference in people’s lives.

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University of Western States’ Dr. Christopher Stanley Featured in Forbes Article

Posted on by pciampanelli
Dr. Christopher Stanley smiles for the camera in an official portrait photo inset on a banner bearing text.

Forbes spoke with Dr. Christopher Stanley about his upcoming role as lead sport and performance psychology consultant at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

University of Western States Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology Christopher Stanley, Ph.D., CMPC, was featured in a recent Forbes article as part of the magazine’s coverage of the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. Dr. Stanley spoke with sportswriter Manasi Pathak about his role at the Summer Games as lead sport and performance psychology consultant for USA Track & Field (USATF).

The Forbes article notes that Dr. Stanley previously served as USATF’s lead consultant at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo where the team earned seven gold, 12 silver and seven bronze medals. He has been involved with USATF since 2014 and was also their lead consultant at the Outdoor World Championships in Oregon (2022) and Budapest (2023).

In his Q&A with Pathak, Dr. Stanley discusses topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 Summer Games, athletes’ mental health challenges, his history with USATF, and what his role will be at the Olympic Games in Paris this year.

“We have a ‘athlete-first’ perspective,” Dr. Stanley says. “Once on the ground, I am there as a resource to support athletes with their mental skill and mental performance needs.”

UWS is proud to see Dr. Stanley’s work receive the spotlight it deserves and for the value of sport performance psychology to be on international display at the Olympic Games.

Read the full Forbes article: “Paris Olympics 2024: Interview With U.S. Track & Field Sports Psychologist Chris Stanley”

Learn more about UWS’ sport and performance psychology program.

University of Western States Celebrates 120 Years of Excellence in Chiropractic and Whole-Person Health Care Education

Posted on by gregmacek
UWS 120th anniversary logo

This year University of Western States (UWS) celebrates the 120th anniversary of its founding, marking over a century of advancing chiropractic medicine and whole-person health education.

“As we commemorate this important milestone in our university’s history, we reflect on our lasting commitment to the advancement of whole health education focused on caring for the whole person rather than merely treating symptoms,” said Joseph Brimhall, DC, president of University of Western States. “Our institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the professions we serve and advancing careers for thousands of healthcare professionals. This legacy of academic excellence continues to evolve as UWS shapes the future of whole-person health care and education.”

Since its founding in 1904, University of Western States has been at the forefront of innovation and leadership in chiropractic care and hosts the longest-established Doctor of Chiropractic degree program in the Western United States. The university has expanded its academic programs to include naturopathic medicine, functional medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. This academic expansion exemplifies the university’s commitment to whole-person health care, recognizing how multiple factors converge to impact the health and wellbeing of individuals, and facilitating the partnership between healthcare professionals and their patients.

UWS has earned an international reputation for high-quality academic programs that prepare students to flourish in their professional endeavors. Student outcome data from 2019-2022 demonstrates that 92% of UWS Doctor of Chiropractic graduates attain licensure within six months of graduation, exceeding the 80% benchmark established by the Council on Chiropractic Education. The university sees similarly high rates of licensure (91%) for graduates of the Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine programs.

Located in Portland, Oregon, the university has cultivated a strong bond with its community, forming reliable partnerships with organizations, universities, and schools to provide whole-person health care for veterans, homeless persons, athletes, students, and the community at large. The university is committed to fostering collaborations that promote the health and well-being of Portland-area residents. From its inception, UWS has offered clinical care to community members through clinics staffed by university faculty and students. Today the UWS Connected Whole Health Clinic, serves more than 15,000 patients per year.

UWS’s more than 7,000 alumni include professionals positively impacting their local communities and individuals, from Olympic-level athletes to technical laborers. This powerful alumni network spans the globe and serves as a testament to the university’s influence and reputation.

In response to disruptive changes in the higher education landscape, in 2023 UWS joined The Community Solution Education System, a national nonprofit system of six universities working collaboratively to advance academic goals, improve infrastructure and support systems, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. The System’s culture of radical cooperation aligns with UWS core values, supports the advancement of interdisciplinary health education, and enhances learning experiences for students.

To celebrate its enduring legacy, UWS is hosting a festive gala at Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland on September 28, 2024. Alumni, students, trustees, donors, business supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries will be invited to attend.

As University of Western States commemorates its 120th anniversary, the university community looks forward to preparing the next generation of whole-person health care professionals to serve the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic world.

Visit UWS.edu to learn more about University of Western States and stay up-to-date on its plans to celebrate the milestone anniversary with the community or to explore degree programs in whole-person health care.

University of Western States Earns 2023 Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and Success from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 

Posted on by gregmacek

University’s Lead Role in Innovative Benchmarking Consortium Expected to Yield Greater Student Retention and Graduation Rates 

University of Western States (UWS) has received the 2023 Beacon Award for Excellence in student achievement and success from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The award was given in recognition of the lead role Rachael Pandzik, D.C., and Susan Donoff, Ph.D., of UWS took to create a regional benchmarking program that uses comparative data from a consortium of NWCCU accredited institutions to identify gaps in institutional outcomes and inform student success initiatives. 

“Graduate programs do not have ready access to comparative data from like institutions, so this effort greatly helps UWS and our peer institutions implement changes to more effectively champion student success,” said UWS President Joseph Brimhall, D.C. “The academic and professional success of our students is the foundational goal of our university, and I’m tremendously proud of the faculty and staff members who have been involved in this effort.” 

Today, the consortium consists of six graduate-level health science institutions that track and share retention and graduation rates. The data gleaned from the first year of the project is publicly available on the UWS website and will continue to grow in value as subsequent years of data are collected and shared. 

At UWS, the peer benchmark data is utilized as part of the annual university appraisal process. A dedicated committee analyzes the data to identify opportunities to improve institutional outcomes and develop strategies to address student needs. 

“The Beacon Award recognizes institutional and programmatic accomplishments in student achievement and success. Winners must demonstrate distinctive, measurable and replicable innovations with clear results,” said Sonny Ramaswamy, President of NWCCU. “The regional benchmarking program and work of UWS is a living embodiment of what the award is meant to celebrate.” 

The Beacon Award was announced at the NWCCU Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on November 9, 2023. In addition to the award, UWS will receive $2,500 from NWCCU to support the university’s continued efforts to foster student success. 

About University of Western States 

University of Western States (UWS) is an independent nonprofit university accredited both institutionally and programmatically and known for its renowned programs in the areas of chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, functional medicine, nutrition, sports medicine, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. Founded in 1904 in Portland, Oregon, the university hosts the second-oldest chiropractic program in the world. UWS is part of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated, nonprofit system of colleges and universities working collaboratively to increase student success and enhance community impact. To learn more, visit www.uws.edu and www.tcsedsystem.edu. 

 

Memorial Scholarship Created to Honor the Late Dr. Steve Oliver

Posted on by Dana Schatz

In fall 2023, the Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship will be established by his partner of 49 years, Ray Matlock Smythe, BA, MAT, to help ease the financial burden of future chiropractic physicians. This annual $5,000 scholarship will be awarded fall term to one returning student enrolled in the University of Western States doctor of chiropractic program.

Dr. Steve Edward Oliver and partner, Ray Matlock Smythe
Dr. Steve Edward Oliver and partner, Ray Matlock Smythe

“When Steve was a senior at UWS, he spent an entire summer painting all the buildings on campus,” said Smythe. “While he enjoyed it and he made a positive difference, that on top of studying and all the reading he had to do, it really tired him out. The Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship was created not only to honor Steve and his legacy, but to help alleviate stress for a student, so they can focus more on their studies and rest mentally, physically and emotionally during their studies.”

Dr. Oliver, UWS professor emeritus and alumnus (Class of 1975), passed on February 23, 2022. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended Jefferson High School, Portland State University, and University of Western States (then Western States Chiropractic College).

Dr. Oliver maintained a private practice in Portland and served as the academic dean of the UWS college of chiropractic, vice president of the university and chiropractic technique instructor. In 1978, at the age of 29, Dr. Oliver was named Chiropractor of the Year for the state of Oregon. He earned professor emeritus status in June 2012. One of Dr. Oliver’s proudest achievements was establishing the Student Health Center at UWS, where students had more opportunities to practice their techniques.

“Steve loved being a chiropractic physician,” said Smythe. “It was the supreme joy and passion of his life and it was truly amazing to witness. He contributed so much to his patients, students, colleagues and everyone around him. It’s an honor to recognize him in this way and I know he would be proud.”

Students can find this and other scholarship opportunities here.

For information on how you can support UWS, visit uws.edu/donate or contact [email protected].

UWS provides sports medicine treatment at Portland’s first-ever Juneteenth Rodeo

Posted on by Dana Schatz
Cowboys at Juneteenth rodeo

On June 17, students and faculty from the University of Western States (UWS) sports medicine program had the opportunity to provide treatments for rodeo athletes in town for the 8 Seconds Rodeo, an event whose aim is to highlight Black rodeo culture.

Cowperson on horse with flag

Cowgirls and cowboys from Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Illinois and California converged in Portland to participate in the city’s first-ever event. The sold-out show took place at the Portland Expo Center and featured bull riders, barrel racers, bare-back riders, steer riders, kids riding goats, vendors and other family-friendly activities.

According to Dr. Tim Williams, UWS practicum supervisor, athletes who participate in full-body sports like these are more prone to injury. At the event, the UWS care team treated more than 20 athletes who experienced care ranging from adjustments, assessments, soft-tissue manipulation, taping and more. Besides emergency responders, the UWS delegation were the primary health care providers on site. 

“I think our presence at this event was significant because it is not often that sports such as this have regular access to sports medicine, let alone chiropractic care. Our holistic approach takes into consideration not just what the athlete’s symptoms are but the psychosocial factors that impact it which are important,” said Dr. Williams. 

Special thanks to Tim Williams, DC, MS, CSSP, Jesse Shaw, DO, USAW, and Jon Juker, UWS student and intern, for representing the university at this important community event. 

(Photos by Dr. Tim Williams)