Return to flip book view
NUNMImpactNational University of Natural Medicine 2024 Impact Report Message
IMPACTING THE FUTURE2024 BY THE NUMBERS84new alumni graduated156new students entered NUNM3,801total alumni since 1956
I am proud to celebrate the profound impact the National University of Natural Medicine community made in 2024—advancing education, patient care, research, advocacy, and our professions. In the classroom, we remain at the forefront of natural medicine education. The launch of our First-Year Online Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program has expanded opportunities for new students, breaking down barriers to rewarding careers. As we mourned the loss of OCOM’s closure, we opened our doors to students and faculty to help preserve the future of Chinese medicine education and the profession. Led by the Helfgott Research Institute, NUNM continues to set new standards in evidence-based integrative medicine research by bringing in NIH funding, leading research studies and collaborating with institutions across the country. We proudly hosted our rst Research Week, showcasing groundbreaking work across campus, including student-led projects that push the boundaries of healing. As a leader in natural medicine, NUNM’s campus serves as a hub for engagement through dynamic events such as Discovery Day and the Food as Medicine Symposium, which bring together professionals and the public for transformative discussions, immersive experiences, and meaningful connections. Not only do our Health Centers provide integrative, patient-centered care to thousands of individuals from throughout the region, but our practitioners also meet the community where they are as demonstrated by our longstanding partnership with Rose Haven among others. These impressive accomplishments along with many others from across the university exemplify the outstanding efforts of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the support from our alumni, partners and donors. In the pages ahead, we are proud to highlight many achievements at NUNM, as well as ongoing work, which serves as a foundation for an even greater impact in the year to come. From the PresidentMelanie Henriksen, ND, LAc, CNMNUNM LEADERSHIPPRESIDENT & CEOMelanie Henriksen, ND, LAc, CNM ‘05EXECUTIVE STAFFCarrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND ‘04Gerald Bores*Sally Kalstrom, FAACAnthony Sabia, MBADee Saunders, ND, MS ‘15Iris Sobottke, MA, NCCKathy Stanford*Heather Zwickey, PhD* retired in 2024BOARD OF DIRECTORSNoel Snodgrass, DC - c h a i rLeah Hollon, ND ‘08 - vice chairRon Brey - treasurerMichael Cronin, ND ‘80 - secretaryDaniel Assisi, EdDWinston Cardwell, ND, LAc ‘05John Faubion, MBASonja Fung, ND ‘08Molly Huffman, JDNational University of Natural Medicine49 South Porter StreetPortland, OR 97201 503.552.1555NUNM Impact is a production of the Ofce of Advancement and the Marketing and Communications department at the National University of Natural Medicine.
INNOVATING IN RESEARCHDR. JOSHUA GOLDENBERG SAYS HE IS DRIVEN by a singular purpose: promoting evidence-based integrative medicine. The naturopathic doctor and researcher is doing exactly that as the new associate director of the Helfgott Research Institute at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). “Taking on this leadership position is a unique opportunity for which I am extremely grateful,” said Goldenberg, who earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University in 2013. “It will allow me to help support and promote the excellent work being done at Helfgott and help take NUNM to the next level as the standard-bearers of high-quality, evidence-informed complementary and integrative health research.” Goldenberg works alongside Dr. Heather Zwickey, Vice President of Research and Academic Excellence. Having joined Helfgott as a researcher in 2019, he teaches critical evaluation of medical literature and advanced evidence synthesis. Goldenberg earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Maastricht University, studying forensic epidemiology under Dr. Michael Freeman, founder of the eld.Driven to Promote ResearchNUNM names Dr. Joshua Goldenberg as head of the Helfgott Research Institute.
From April 29 to May 3, NUNM hosted its inaugural Research Week to foster community within the eld of research, provide networking opportunities, highlight current innovative studies, and support the work of students.More than 125 attendees from NUNM and across Portland attended events throughout the week including research team presentations, a career discussion panel, poster symposium, awards ceremony, and more.Research WeekSTUDENT POSTER SYMPOSIUM WINNERS First Place | Payton Follestad “Ayahuasca Effects on Physical and Mental Health: An Observational Study” Second Place | Lydia Norby-Adam s “Altered Tryptophan Metabolism Following Micronutrients Intervention in Attention-Decit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)” Third Place | Patricia Filbin “Feasibility of Using a Meditation App in Adults with Anxiety Disorder”7RESEARCH BY THE NUMBERS, 202427 8Academic collaborationsOregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Oregon State University (OSU) University of Washington (UW) University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Birmingham VA Health Care System University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG) Sonoran University of Health Sciences ResearchstudiesResearch publications$792,000National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding
ADVANCING EDUCATIONTHE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL MEDICINE played a crucial role supporting the future of the acupuncture profession and the education of Chinese medicine students in the region.In May 2024, the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland announced its closure after 41 years. To support affected students, OCOM established a teach-out agreement with the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). This partnership allowed third-year OCOM students to complete their nal year at NUNM, offered rst- and second-year students comprehensive credit transfer options, and grants automatic acceptance to incoming OCOM students. This agreement aimed to ensure that students could continue their education seamlessly despite the institution's closure. The collaboration between NUNM and OCOM is particularly meaningful, as OCOM was founded by NUNM alumna Satya Ambrose, MSOM, ND, who joined forces with Eric Stephens, DAOM. In the early years, the pair rented ofces from NUNM and taught NUNM students in the evenings as they got OCOM off the ground. OCOM graduated its rst class in 1986. In September, 17 former OCOM faculty members joined NUNM, bringing decades of academic and clinical experience expertise in Chinese medicine. The group assists in teaching the nearly 50 former OCOM students who opted for the teach-out/transfer with NUNM. NUNM teach-out, transfer agreement helps shape the future of Chinese medicine education and profession“As we mourn the tremendous loss of OCOM’s closure to our profession, I stand with unwavering commitment to welcoming their students and faculty and pledging to do everything in my power to sustain their mission and legacy. Continuing OCOM’s tradition of excellence is the right thing to do for the profession of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. We will open our doors not only to OCOM students, but to the college’s faculty, staff, and patient community.” — Dr. Melanie Henriksen,president and CEO of NUNMLearn more about the seventeen new faculty members who joined NUNM from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine:
Addressing complex global health challengesTurner, a fourth-year dual degree student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Global Health programs, completed her six-week eldwork placement in rural Kenya. She collaborated with a local nonprot organization to conduct workshops and educational sessions for adolescent girls and boys at local schools with the aim of increasing menstrual health literacy, reducing stigma, promoting hygienic practices, and fostering a better understanding of puberty, sex education and pregnancy. Akoto, a fourth-year student in the ND and Master of Science in Global Health programs, completed her eldwork in Ghana, where she created herbal poultices to help heal broken bones and manage other conditions. She also organized community outreach programs focused on child protection and led workshops on creating reusable sanitary pads and basic life skills training for children, such as CPR. LaDaisy Turner reects on conducting workshops, interviews aimed at improving women’s health access in KenyaFrom creating herbal poultices to teaching CPR to children, Lydia Akoto reects on experience in homeland GhanaExplore all the academic programs at NUNM at nunm.edu/academicsIn 2024, NUNM reached a new milestone as 50% of its incoming ND class joined the innovative First-Year Online Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program, the only one of its kind in the world. This program, launched in 2021 to expand access to naturopathic medical education, allows students to complete their rst year of foundational coursework online before transitioning to in-person clinical training. By removing geographic and logistical barriers, NUNM is making naturopathic medicine more accessible to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue this path due to family, work, or nancial constraints. This cutting-edge model upholds the same rigorous academic standards as our traditional ND program while integrating state-of-the-art virtual learning tools, interactive case-based studies, and faculty mentorship. Students benet from high-touch engagement, blending exibility with hands-on learning opportunities through virtual labs and periodic in-person intensives. As the eld of medical education evolves, NUNM remains at the forefront, setting a new standard for how naturopathic medicine is taught. With growing interest and enrollment, the First-Year Online ND program exemplies our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and excellence in naturopathic medical education. Pioneering the future of naturopathic medical education
HEALING OUR COMMUNITIESNUNM Discovery Day: Highlighting how climate medicine can treat growing illnessesNATURAL MEDICINE EXPERTS SHOWCASED how climate medicine can address health challenges from environmental changes at NUNM Discovery Day: Climate Change Health Risks Revealed on October 29.More than 60 students and community members visited campus to hear TED-style talks from faculty and medical students, as well as view clinical demonstrations and tour the campus. Faculty speakers included Brandt Stickley, associate professor of classical Chinese medicine, Dr. Kimberly Queen, a board licensed dietitian and associate professor of nutrition, and Dr. Marianne Marchese, associate professor and attending physician at NUNM.They were accompanied by Dr. Nozomi Gonzalez, a third-year chief medical resident, and fourth-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine students Maggi Weiseman and Eden Jeffries. Topics ranged from health effects caused by wildres to the environmental impact of fast fashion.“Climate medicine is what every physician is going to need to know how to practice because climate change isn’t going away,” said Marchese. “We see it clinically—our patients are coming in sicker and have more than one health complaint—they have multiple complaints and some of them are chronic.”Speakers highlighted the unique role natural medicine can play in screening, testing, and treating environmental toxin burdens, sharing that there are additional health interventions available at NUNM such as IV therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture.Sponsored by Priority One.
NUNM HEALTH CENTERSBY THE NUMBERS, 202412,724patient visits2,078patients served46providersThe 10th annual Food as Medicine Symposium, which took place February 10-11, 2024 at NUNM, signied a decade of dedication to promoting health and wellness through the transformative power of food. With an overarching theme of “Nutrition for Mental Health,” the symposium delved into the profound impact of dietary choices on mental well-being, emphasizing the pivotal role of nutrition in fostering a comprehensive approach to healthcare. More than 120 people attended this year’s symposium, which featured an impressive lineup of renowned speakers with expertise in the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health. NUNM’s Food as Medicine Symposium turns 10The National University of Natural Medicine is proud to partner with Rose Haven, a day shelter and community center, to provide naturopathic care to women in need. Following 10 years of collaboration, the partnership was paused in 2020 during COVID, but resumed in June 2022 at Rose Haven’s new location in Northwest Portland.Every Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m., NUNM attending physician Dr. Kate Patterson, along with students and a resident, offers primary and adjunctive care at the on-site clinic, as well as free care items courtesy of donations from the supplement companies that supply NUNM’s medicinary.On Friday mornings, Dr. Patterson and student volunteers run a medical station during Rose Haven’s business hours, offering wound care, blood pressure and glucose checks, assistance with medical appointments and prescriptions, harm reduction services, and donated medical and hygiene supplies. This presence on Fridays is how many patients learn about naturopathic clinical services, and allows the NUNM providers to build trust with future patients.NUNM, Rose Haven clinic partner to provide naturopathic care to women in needCONTINUING EDUCATION BY THE NUMBERS, 20247Continuing Educationevents48CE speakers43 U.S. states382attendees from:8community clinic sites11 countries
NUNM awards $360,000 in student scholarships in 2024SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESSNUNM awarded more than $360,000 in scholarships this year to assist students in their educational pursuits. A total of 31 new and returning students at NUNM received scholarships for this 2024-25 academic year. With awards ranging from $2,000 up to $40,000 a year, NUNM scholarships are made possible thanks to our generous alumni, donors and supporters.
Naturopathic Physicians for Oregon Communities (NPOC) Scholarship • Diana Frainey • Tabitha Grow • Anna Osman• Anastasia (Stacy) Rempel • LaDaisy Turner 1000 Friends of NUNM Scholarship • Rebecca Dao• Payton Follestad Alumni and Friends Scholarship • Ryan Hofer • Jennifer Novak • Adam Patterson Bob Moore Memorial Scholarship • Brenda Ballard • Tammy Mazure • Danielle Swenberger Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Gerontology • Gillian Chase Dr. Robert Sklovsky Memorial Scholarship • Sophia Shalmiyev • Anonymous Friends of Dr. Martin Milner Scholarship • Tammy Beaulieu Innovation in Wellbeing Scholarship • Rachel Fiske • Kana Moll • Sophie Tajadod NCMIC Scholarship • Danielle D’Mello Percy and Adrienne Frazier Memorial Scholarship • Rudo Duri • D’Asia Gholar • Catalina Membrila• Claire Michelson • Dain Miller • Reed Moshofsky • Gianna Spinosa Peterson Family Scholarship • Destiny Whitmire Standard Process Scholarship • Jailyn Thomas • Anonymous Alumnus donor creates Dr. Todd A. Schlapfer Memorial Scholarship to honor mentor NUNM ALUMNUS DR. HUNTER PETERSON honored his late mentor by creating the Dr. Todd A. Schlapfer Memorial Scholarship to give back to students and share Schlapfer’s legacy as a naturopathic doctor. Schlapfer, who was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder in 2018, was a leader in vitalistic naturopathic medicine and the reason Peterson had advanced in the career. After Schlapfer’s death, Peterson, who earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013, wanted to pay tribute to a doctor he often referred to as a “father gure” and made a gift to NUNM in his name. NUNM awarded the scholarship to its rst recipient Jocelyn Gorman, a third-year student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program who is passionate about providing equitable care to under-served populations.
ADVOCATING FOR NATURAL MEDICINEDr. Kimberly Queen, DC, DACBN, MS, CNS, LD, CN, a faculty member at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), was appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to the Oregon Board of Licensed Dietitians. Dr. Queen, an associate professor and licensed dietitian, is serving a four-year term from May 2024 to April 2028. The Board of Licensed Dietitians regulates dietetic practices in Oregon, promoting health through nutrition science and clinical application. It includes seven members appointed by the governor: two public members, one physician, and four experienced dietitians. Dr. Queen, who joined NUNM in 2018, aims to advance inclusivity for advanced-degreed nutritionists and advocate for statutory amendments to create licensure pathways for Certied Nutrition Specialists. This initiative seeks to enhance opportunities for non-physician nutritionists to provide personalized care across Oregon.Governor appoints Dr. Queen to Oregon Board of Licensed Dietitians The National University of Natural Medicine was formally accepted into the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC), a leading invitational network of educational, research, and community organizations with teaching kitchens aimed at improving personal and public healthEffective January 1, 2024, NUNM became the rst natural medicine-focused school in the TKC, joining organizations including Google, Compass Group, and Cleveland Clinic, leading the teaching kitchen movement to improve health outcomes in the U.S. and around the world. In 2024, representatives from NUNM led legislative advocacy efforts to support the professions we serve. They hosted Oregon Senator Kate Lieber for a campus tour to discuss challenges faced by naturopathic physicians, with her support vital for achieving insurance reimbursement equality. Dr. Carrie Baldwin-Sayre ’04, and other alumni are active on the Legislative Advocacy Committee for the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians, helping shepherd the Naturopathic Insurance Reimbursement parity bill. As part of NUNM’s continuing commitment to improve the ability of our graduates to practice widely, Dr. Melanie Henriksen, president and CEO of NUNM, and Dr. Baldwin-Sayre have testied as experts in legislative hearings around the country, advocating for ND scope protection and expansion. NUNM hosts Oregon State Senator Kate Lieber to discuss ND advocacyNUNM accepted into Teaching Kitchen Collaborative
ank you to our valued corporate partnersPLATINUM CORPORATE LEVELGOLDAyush HerbsBoiron EuroMedica NCMIC Standard Process BRONZEGolden Flower HerbsMountain Peak NutritionalsNew England School of Homeopathy SILVERBiocidin Botanicals Designs for HealthFullscript NeuroScience Pure Encapsulations Premier Research Labs Allergy Research GroupAyush HerbsDaVinci LaboratoriesDesigns For HealthEuroMedicaFerlow BotanicalsIntegrative TherapeuticsNBI HealthNordic NaturalsProfessional FormulasProtocol For Life BalanceSFI HealthWise Woman HerbalsWishGarden HerbsIN-KIND MEDICINARY DONORSThe National University of Natural Medicine is proud to recognize the businesses and organizations that have invested in the future of natural medicine. Through their generous sponsorship, these partners help advance education, research, and community health initiatives that make a lasting impact. We are grateful for their commitment and collaboration in shaping a healthier future.Learn more about our corporate sponsors and their commitment to natural medicine at nunm.edu/partners.
Stay THANKING OUR SUPPORTERS Our Community of Support$100,000+Noel Peterson, ND (‘78) and Teresa ShelleyThe Estate of Phyllecia Rommel$10,000-49,999Michael and Simone Chilton Fund of the Oregon Community FoundationKathy Davis, in memory of Robert Sklovsky, ND (‘83)$1,000-4,999Daniel AssisiCarrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND (‘04)Ronald Brey and Richard MillsWinston Cardwell, ND, MSOM (‘05), in honor of the faculty and staff of NUNMMichael Cronin, ND (‘80) and Kyle Cronin, ND (‘81)John FaubionThe Estate of Adrienne & Percy FrazierJulie Greenberg, ND, RH(AHG), MBAMelanie Henriksen, ND, MSOM (‘05)Leah Hollon, ND (‘08), in memory of Zoreslava Procyk De Grandpre, ND (‘07)Tori Hudson, ND (‘84)Anonymous, in memory of Rosanne HauserJames M. Lemkin, ND (‘79)Marianne Marchese, ND (‘02) and Margaret Marchese, and US Bank Foundation (includes matching gift)Hunter Peterson, ND (‘13), in memory of Todd Schlapfer, ND (‘83)Kenneth Rifkin, ND (‘77), LAc, in memory of Dr. Robert BroadwellShirley Shaffer Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation$500-999Enrico Liva, ND (‘82)Anonymous Alumnus$250-499Helen Healy, ND (‘83)$100-249David Allderdice, ND (‘08)Ariel Barkheim, ND (‘13)Nick Buratovich, ND (‘84)Michael Conway, ND (‘99)Louise Edwards, ND (‘88) in honor of Thor Conner, NDElaine S. Gillaspie, ND (‘81), in honor of Satya Ambrose, ND (‘89) and in memory of Rick Marinelli (‘82)Deborah Horn, ND (‘79), in memory of Beatrice S. HornErika Horowitz, ND, MSOM (‘05)Anne Jacobs ND, MSOM (‘05)Julienne Kaneshiro, MSOM (‘06)Bruce MacGibbonDeborah McKay, ND (‘05) and Rick HookerNanette and Joe NiskiPaul OstroffTabatha Parker de Guzman, ND (‘04), in honor of Heather Zwickey, PhDClifford Passen, MD, ND (‘79), in memory of Dr. Robert BroadwellKristen L. Plunkett, ND (‘07), in honor of Carrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND (‘04)Michael Rosen, MScN (‘22)Noel Snodgrass, DCBill Tribe, in memory of James Sensenig, ND (‘78)Joseph Wessels, ND (‘76)Bradley West, ND (‘04), in memory of Diipali Barrett, ND (‘90) and Steven CatzAT NUNM, OUR IMPACT IS MADE POSSIBLE by the generosity of our donors. Each name on this page represents a gift of $100 or more made between January 1 and December 31, 2024 — a meaningful commitment to the future of natural medicine. Your generosity supports awarding student scholarships, advancing research, expanding access to high-quality, holistic care, and much more. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to every donor who contributed under $100. While their names may not be listed here, their generosity plays an essential role in strengthening our mission and supporting our students, faculty, and community. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in this vital work.
Stay Noel Peterson, ND, DAAPM ‘78DONOR SPOTLIGHTDr. Noel Peterson, a 1978 graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine, has been a steadfast leader in the naturopathic profession for decades. From his early role as director of the Portland Naturopathic Clinic at NCNM to serving as president of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP), Dr. Peterson has shaped the landscape of naturopathic medicine in Oregon and beyond. His dedication extended to regulatory and educational leadership through appointments to the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine and the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education, as well as serving on the board of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). All the while, he has maintained a thriving practice in Lake Oswego, demonstrating an enduring commitment to both his patients and the advancement of naturopathic medicine.Stay ConnectedYour active participation in the NUNM community provides invaluable support for natural medicine students and patients. There are numerous ways for you to make an impact:• Make a gift• Attend an NUNM event• Gift a student scholarship• Become a corporate partner• Host an alumni event• Hire our grads• Host a prospective student• Become a ND preceptor• Engage with us on social media• Join the NUNM Legacy SocietyABOUT THE NUNM LEGACY SOCIETYFor nearly 70 years, the National University of Natural Medicine has led the advancement of natural medicine. Now, you can help secure its future by becoming a Founding Member of the NUNM Legacy Society.This society honors individuals who include NUNM in their estate plans—through a bequest, charitable trust, or other deferred giving. Your generosity supports students, research, and the institution’s ongoing impact.As a Founding Member in 2025, you will:• Be recognized as a champion of natural medicine education.• Choose to remain anonymous or be acknowledged in NUNM’s reports and donor events.• Help provide scholarships, research opportunities, and a world-class education.Want to learn more about supporting NUNM? Call our Advancement team at 503.552.1512 or email advancement@nunm.edu.
nunm.edu