Watching these eight students speak from the frontlines of their doctoral training cuts through the noise of what modern medicine can be: scientifically grounded, empathetic, and relentlessly focused on the root causes of disease. Their stories show that choosing naturopathic medicine is not a compromise on clinical rigor, but an expansion of the doctor’s toolkit—one that empowers you to treat the whole person, build genuine patient partnerships, and pioneer a more sustainable, preventive future for healthcare.
You’ll learn more about daily schedules, clinical experiences, personal journeys that include moving thousands of miles away from home to pursue a dream and professional aspirations; our panel provides a comprehensive overview of the naturopathic medical school experience.
If you’re considering a future in naturopathic medicine and looking for real-world insights to help make the most of your educational journey – this is it. This resource will be invaluable as you choose to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine with one of the best ND Colleges in Canada and the United States.
Panelists:
Madison (Maddy) Copeland
Bastyr University – San Diego, Student
Expected Graduation: 2028
Madison (Maddy) is entering her third year as a naturopathic medical student in San Diego at Bastyr University. She is also NMSA President-Elect for the 2026–2027 term. With a strong interest in pediatrics and family medicine, Maddy is working toward a career focused on supporting children and families through integrative, patient-centered care. After graduation, she intends to pursue residency to further develop her clinical skills, with the long-term goal of returning to the East Coast and opening her practice. Maddy is excited for her future as a physician and to serve the naturopathic medical community through my role with NMSA.
Rebekah Ackerman
Bastyr University – Seattle, Student
Expected Graduation: 2029
Rebecca, a Pennsylvania native with an undergraduate degree in neuroscience, is starting her second year at Bastyr University-Seattle. Her interests include pediatrics and women’s health, with a focus on oncology. Her goal is to practice as a naturopathic physician and bring natural medicine to places all over the world!
Brina Erenberg
CCNM – Boucher, Student
Graduation year: 2029
Brina is starting her second year at CCNM – Boucher campus in British Columbia, Canada. She grew up in a small town in Manitoba, surrounded by incredible nature, which likely contributed greatly to pursuing naturopathic medicine. She has already learned so much in her time in naturopathic medical school, and she is excited for the future. Aside from academics, she is grateful for the tight-knit community at Boucher and all the extracurricular ways to get involved. After graduation, Brina plans to return home to Manitoba to provide naturopathic medicine in rural communities, much like where she grew up.
Mya Laviolette
CCNM – Toronto, Student
Expected Graduation: 2028
Mya is a third-year naturopathic medical student at the Toronto campus of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She moved to Toronto from Nova Scotia in 2024, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. In addition to studying, she is part of the Front Desk team at CCNM, helping students, staff, and faculty as well as giving campus tours to prospective students!
After graduation, Mya is considering two paths: going home to Nova Scotia to study for licensing exams and begin practicing, or moving to Colorado with the long-term goal of owning and operating a multidisciplinary clinic.
Renee Greenwood
National University of Natural Medicine, Student
Expected Graduation: 2029
Renee is a student at the National University of Natural Medicine, pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine after a successful early career in psychology and business. As a non-traditional student, she brings a grounded, real-world perspective to preventative care, with a strong focus on pediatric nutrition and community health.
Passionate about early intervention, Renee’s long-term mission is to launch a mobile clinic designed to deliver hands-on nutrition education directly into school classrooms. Through school-based speaker programs and clinical care, she works to empower youth and families with the practical tools needed to build sustainable, lifelong wellness habits.
Suzan (Suzzie) Bogomba Nyangaresi
Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Student
Expected Graduation: 2028
Suzan is a third-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) candidate at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. She is the founder of Naturop Lifestyle, an integrative care platform focused on gut health, hormonal balance, and metabolic wellness, and hosts the podcast TransformToThrive. After graduation, she plans to combine functional and integrative medicine certifications while pursuing an MPH in Health Policy and Management, working toward executive healthcare leadership roles such as Chief Wellness Officer or Integrative Care Coordinator. Her vision includes launching a Regenerative Medical Wellness Center that offers aesthetic, weight-loss, and pain-management services, alongside a fully equipped diagnostic center, as well as speaking engagements to advance public health education.
Emma Sellas Heer
Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Student
Expected Graduation: 2027
Emma Sellas is a fourth-year naturopathic medical student at UAGM in Puerto Rico. Throughout naturopathic medical school, her passion for naturopathic medicine and patient-centered care has continued to deepen. Emma’s become interested in autoimmune conditions and the role of gut health in supporting these patients. As she prepares for the upcoming residency cycle, she hopes to continue her clinical training through a residency program in California. Emma is excited to meet future ND students and share her experiences as a naturopathic medical student!
Neisha Opio Ruiz
Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Student
Expected Graduation: 2028
Neisha Opio (She/Her) is a third-year naturopathic medical student at Ana G. Méndez University in Puerto Rico. Her clinical interests include women’s health, pediatrics, and perinatal care, with a particular passion for integrating naturopathic medicine with birth and postpartum support as a certified doula. After graduation, she hopes to build a family-centered practice that supports women and children at different stages of life using an integrative, naturopathic approach. Beyond her academic journey, Neisha draws much of her inspiration from motherhood and is passionate about creating supportive spaces for education, healing, and family-centered wellness.
Disclaimer: Please note that watching an AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges) webinar does not qualify for continuing education (CE) credits. While our webinars provide valuable information and insights into the field of naturopathic medicine, they do not fulfill the requirements for CE credits.
