Courses Taught: Maternity and Pediatrics
Bastyr University | San Diego, CA
“She always goes above and beyond to meet students where they are. Whenever she can she even makes herself available outside of her usual hours for one-on-one appointments to help strengthen any areas of concern – I know she certainly did that for me. She is an extraordinary clinical supervisor and a wonderful mentor/role model.”
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“Dr. Gruska is not only a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, she truly cares about our profession and approach to patient healthcare. She continues to utilize the foundations of health and reminds us of the importance of looking at cases through a naturopathic lens. Dr. Gruska is an amazing professor and clinician and deserves this award.”
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“Dr. Gruska is an incredible doctor and teacher. She embodies the roots of naturopathic medicine and cares so much for all of her patients. She truly creates space for each of her patients and students and empowers both of them in her practice. She further empowers her students to create healing plans that are individualized to the unique person sitting in front of them, which has resulted in nothing but success and healing.”
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“I would like to nominate Dr. Gruska for the Best Teacher Award. She is truly one of the most impactful professors at Bastyr University. Dr. Gruska embodies the principles of naturopathic medicine in both her teaching and her presence. She consistently reminds us of the meaningful difference we can make in our patients’ lives and in the broader community. Her passion for the medicine is evident in every lecture, and it inspires students to show up with the same level of care and purpose. Beyond her knowledge, she creates an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. She fosters curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking, making the learning experience both engaging and empowering. Dr. Gruska is not only an exceptional educator but also a role model for the kind of physician many of us aspire to become. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.”
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“I would like to nominate Dr. Janice Gruska for this award because she has truly shaped our experience as students and future doctors. She teaches across our pediatrics, maternity, and female reproductive courses, and brings such a strong blend of detailed academic knowledge and real-world clinical experience. As both a naturopathic physician and midwife who has delivered many babies, she adds a level of depth and insight that you just can’t get from textbooks alone. In clinic, she creates an environment where we are encouraged to think and act like doctors, actively participating in patient care and building our confidence. Her vitalistic approach, combined with how much she genuinely supports and challenges us, has made a huge impact on how prepared we feel going into practice.”
