With a vision to lead innovation in natural health education, Bastyr University finishes off its 2017-18 academic year and reflects on its exciting milestones in the field of naturopathic medicine. We look forward to continued growth and strong leadership under the University’s new president, Harlan Patterson, MBA.
Students Advocate for more Access to Naturopathic Health Care at DC FLI
On April 21-23, 58 Bastyr naturopathic medical students attended the Federal Legislative Initiative (FLI) on Capitol Hill. DC FLI is an annual event hosted by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) in Washington, DC, where naturopathic doctors, students and advocates from across the country lobby on behalf of expanding national access to naturopathic health care. DC FLI trains ND students to hone their advocacy and leadership skills, increase their lobbying effectiveness and explore involvement in state professional associations.
Bastyr University’s ND Mini Camp Offers a Full Immersion Experience Within the Field of Naturopathic Medicine
On July 22-27, 2018, students interested in exploring a career in naturopathic medicine are invited to attend ND Mini Camp. This five-day program follows major themes of the naturopathic medicine curriculum including wellness, disease and diagnosis, tools for restoring health and patient care. Campers will interact will several distinguished faculty and experience a taste of life as a Bastyr ND student. Registration to ND Mini Camp is open to all.
NMSA Hosts Leadership Panel for Students
A completely sold-out room of 150 students, practitioners and Bastyr faculty and staff listened to a panel focused on the topic of leadership. Panelists included local leaders representing various disciplines within the health care field. Their accomplishments included leading both state-wide and national organizations, serving on the Bastyr Board of Trustees and writing foundational books on naturopathic medicine, as well as training generations of graduates through ND residency programs. The students were thrilled by the opportunity to learn from the panel and to connect with the local NDs in attendance. The panel is hosted annually by the Naturopathic Medical Student Association (NMSA), Bastyr Chapter.
Bastyr San Diego Recognized as a Live Well Partner
This spring, San Diego County officials designated Bastyr University as a Live Well San Diego (LWSD) recognized partner. As a recognized LWSD 
partner, Bastyr University joins a network of over 300 organizations that are working together through committees, initiatives and events to support the vision of a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely and Thriving. In celebration of this honor, the California campus hosted an afternoon community event that included presentations from special guests Dr. Nick Yphantides, San Diego County Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Joe Pizzorno, Bastyr University co-founder. Bastyr was presented with a proclamation from the office of the County Supervisor to denote the new partnership.
Expanded Wellness Partnerships
In 2018, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the University’s teaching clinic, also forged wellness partnerships with Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare (SMASH) and Meredith Corporation’s Seattle AllRecipes.com office. This expanded collaborative network brings the University one step closer to realizing Bastyr’s vision of transforming the health and well-being of the human community.
New Integrative Oncology Services Now Offered at Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego
Bastyr University Clinic, the teaching clinic of Bastyr University California, recently launched two new shifts that focus on the integrative medicine efforts and collaborations vital to the success of the California campus; Integrative Urgent Care and Integrative Oncology Services. Two new clinical faculty members have been hired to deliver expanded medical training opportunities to naturopathic medical students at the California campus and to enhance the health care offerings delivered by the clinic to the San Diego community.
Arianna Staruch, ND, Named Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine
After much search and deliberation, Bastyr University has found its new Dean of Naturopathic Medicine! Dr. Staruch received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 from National University of Natural Medicine in Portland Ore., and also holds a bachelor of science in laboratory animal technology from Quinnipiac College in New York. Prior to arriving at Bastyr University in 2011 as an Associate Professor of Clinical Studies, Dr. Staruch was the Academic Dean and a Professor of Health Sciences at the American College of Health Sciences; she was also a primary care provider in Portland. Dr. Staruch brings extensive knowledge to the position with her history on the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, past Institutional Board Member, (2012-2015) and site team evaluator (ongoing). Dr. Staruch is also a designated institutional voting member for the Council of Chief Academic and Clinical Officers of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) since 2012 and was co-chair from 2014-2016. She also holds membership in both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP), bringing a broad external presence to the Dean’s position.
