UBCNM is happy to introduce our newest full-time faculty member, Dr. José Mahfoud, MD, ND, MSc in Acupuncture. Dr. Mahfoud was born and raised in the Dominican Republic where he earned his MD degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in 2003. After coming to the United States in 2004, Dr. Mahfoud learned about naturopathic medicine and became a graduate of UBCNM’s program in 2010. Prior to opening a private practice in Milford, Connecticut, he taught and practiced Naturopathic Medicine in Puerto Rico for two years, Dr. Mahfoud teaches Pharmacology I and II, Clinical Physical Lab Diagnosis I and II, and one four hour clinic shift once a week, but admits that being in the UB clinic is his favorite experience because he enjoys witnessing the students interact with patients.
During his clinic shift, Dr. Mahfoud teaches students the importance of science-oriented thought and objectivity, developing confidence in their diagnostic and clinical skills, and to be proud of their knowledge of medicine. He stresses evidence-based practices, emphasizes the importance of scientific literature, and encourages students to enhance their knowledge about mainstream medicine. These qualities, in addition to helping students learn how to listen to patients, are qualities Dr. Mahfoud feels are essential to students in order to become successful NDs.
Dr. Mahfoud believes that UBCNM’s program is able to provide students with a diverse patient offering that is never lacking in volume. Additionally, Dr. Mahfoud believes that the wide variety of professional experience that the faculty members at UBCNM have, help support students in their journeys to become NDs. Although the faculty has a wide range of experiences, the emphasis on naturopathic principles is never lacking. In fact, the students in Dr. Mahfoud’s classes can expect to be asked to name the Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine on their quizzes. Dr. Mahfoud believes that these principles are stressed in UBCNM’s program, which allow the students to remain rooted to the philosophy of naturopathic medicine. Dr. Mahfoud feels privileged to work at UBCNM with a Dean who is more than willing to help the faculty support the success of the students. He hopes to see the field grow to integrate other types of medicine and he hopes to increase the research offerings within the UBCNM program.
