NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL MEDICINE: THE DOCTORS ARE IN

From a distance the ribbon cutting for the National University Of Natural Medicine appeared as yet another civic event in Portland, Oregon.

Speakers spoke, ribbons cut, cheers all around.

It was all of that and so much more, like overcoming impossible odds.

And yet . . .

Founded in 1956, the National University of Natural Medicine is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America and a recognized leader in integrative health education.

NUNM prepares future healthcare professionals through graduate and professional degree programs that combine evidence-informed natural medicine, nutrition, integrative healthcare, and whole-person patient care.

For 70 years, the university has advanced its mission of transforming healthcare through education, research, and community engagement.

 

Seventy years and beyond.

 

A Portland Moment

Once inside the building the event swung into action.

The speakers took their seats, the crowd found their place, and things commenced.

I was there as a ‘plus-one’ with my wife.

She’s a class of ’81 alumni, joining others of her era at the opening of a new phase of natural medicine.

Her medical journey began in Kansas. Then she and her classmates took the Oregon trail to Portland.

It’s a different path today. From Google AI:

 

• • Bastyr University: With campuses in Kenmore, Washington and San Diego, California, Bastyr is often considered the pioneer of naturopathic education, featuring extensive clinical training and a heavy emphasis on research. 

  • National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)

    Located in Portland, Oregon, NUNM is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America and is well-regarded for its Tier 4 Patient-Centered Primary Care Home. 

An Oregon Renaissance 

This is Portland mayor Keith Wilson and Oregon governor Tina Kotek sharing a moment on the dais.

In this state, this city, they came to cerebrate an unusual event.

 

The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has finalized the purchase of the Woolworth Building at 1621 SW First Avenue in Portland.

The 182,000-square-foot property will become the university’s new campus, positioning NUNM for long-term stability and growth. The building is owned outright, free of debt.

“This acquisition represents far more than a new address for NUNM,” said NUNM President Dr. Melanie Henriksen. “As healthcare systems grapple with rising costs and fragmented care, the need for whole-person practitioners has never been greater.

“This new campus strengthens our ability to educate clinicians who promote long-term wellness through integrative, relationship-centered care. This home will bring our people and our purpose together in one space where learning and collaboration can truly thrive.”

 

 

The governor and mayor joining the opening of a major university in a downtown Portland location is the right medicine for the city.

 

 

The new campus represents a meaningful investment in the revitalization of Portland’s urban core.

Through the adaptive reuse of an existing building, the university is contributing to increased activity and connection in downtown.

The daily presence of students, faculty, and staff is expected to support local businesses and strengthen the surrounding community.

“This moment reflects both our history and where we are headed,” said NUNM President Melanie Henriksen.

“For 70 years, we have prepared graduates who support whole-person health. Bringing our campus into downtown Portland allows us to be more connected, more accessible, and more engaged in the life of the city. We see this as an investment in Portland’s future and in the communities we serve.”

 

As a former Army medic, and longtime husband to a naturopathic doctor with forty-five years of continuous practice through four different clinics, I see the swing of natural medicine as primary care providers a benefit to one and all.

No longer the desperate choice for patients at the end of a fruitless medical search for remedies and relief, the graduates of the National University of Natural Medicine will go into practice with more clinical tools than ever.

Google AI:

 

Yes, licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) can prescribe medicine in Oregon.

In fact, Oregon grants NDs one of the broadest scopes of practice and most comprehensive pharmaceutical formularies for naturopathic doctors in the nation. 

Key Details

• Primary Care Recognition: Oregon recognizes licensed NDs as primary care physicians.

• Prescribing Power: They can prescribe almost any medication needed for primary care, including most synthetic pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, and limited controlled substances.

• DEA Registration: With a valid license, Oregon NDs can register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), giving them prescriptive authority similar to allopathic primary care providers.

 

PS:

The ribbon cutting for the National University of Natural Medicine is a sign of good health for Portland and for Oregon.

 

PSS:

Yesterday’s event was a class reunion of doctors from across the country who came to Oregon for their education in natural medicine.

It was a celebration of a past era, of people, place, and a future anchored in better health and education.

Endorsed by state and local elected officials, civic leaders, and alumni, it shows a brighter future moving forward.

Have you seen a naturopath for check-up? A second opinion?

I have. Everyday for the past forty years.

As her plus-one it was a joy seeing my wife mingle among her colleagues.

 

Call it baby boomer blogger joy.

Have you ever been in a greenhouse and felt the difference in oxygen?

The ribbon cutting felt like that, a beacon of hope shining in downtown Portland.