JoAnn Yánez, ND, MPH, CAE Bio

JoAnn Yánez, ND, MPH, CAEJoAnn Yánez, ND, MPH, CAE is the executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) and past-chair of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health (ACIH). Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Yánez’s volunteerism encompasses work with numerous professional organizations, including the Federation of Associations of Schools for the Health Professions, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and the Integrative Health Policy Consortium. Dr. Yánez has most recently been involved in committee work around diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Weaving a passion for illness prevention into her professional life, Dr. Yánez’s career has spanned advocacy, academia, patient care and public health. As AANMC Executive Director, Dr. Yánez oversees research, advocacy efforts, and the joint academic endeavors of the accredited colleges of naturopathic medicine. Additionally, she helps spread awareness of naturopathic medicine as a viable and satisfying career path.

Prior to joining the AANMC, Dr. Yánez was head of government relations for the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She increased recognition of the importance of licensure in the state and effectively garnered support of legislators and senior government officials. During her tenure with the NYANP, Dr. Yánez was invited to participate in a think-tank on childhood obesity sponsored by MIT, Harvard and Columbia Universities. During the summer of 2009 she found herself on “The Hill” working with Congressional members and elected women to increase awareness of the importance for integrative medicine coverage in the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Yánez served six years as a Director of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education – the accrediting body for naturopathic medical programs. She was awarded the 2006 Legacy Award from Sonoran University (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) and 2007 NYANP Physician of the Year Award. Dr. Yánez has been inducted into the Rho Lambda and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership and Scholarship National Honor Societies and is a member of the Delta Omega Honor Society for graduates of schools of public health.

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