Bastyr University

08/20/2026

After a serious accident and an autoimmune diagnosis left him facing major surgery in his early 20s, West Point graduate Brian was desperate for answers.

When he walked through the doors of the Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego, his care team looked beyond his diagnosis to treat the whole person. The result? Brian fully restored his health, avoided surgery, and discovered his true passion.

His journey at the clinic inspired him to enroll at Bastyr, earn his doctorate, and become a Naturopathic Doctor himself!

Whether you are called to medical school, nutrition, counseling, or botanical sciences, a Bastyr education gives you the tools to change lives through the power of natural medicine.

🌱 Learn more about our programs and start your path today: https://bastyr.edu

08/18/2026

Thinking about taking the leap into Naturopathic Medicine? Here is wisdom straight from those who just completed the journey.

In our video "Advice for Future NDs," our newest doctors share the mindset it takes to thrive in medical school and step into your calling:

💡"Keep going. One step at a time. Remind yourself of your why... This world needs naturopathic doctors." – Dr. Amie Kim, ND

💡 "Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everybody wants to help you... We want to grow and learn together to become doctors." – Dr. Nico Aguilar, ND

💡 "Keep what brought you to naturopathic medicine deep in your heart, and don’t lose sight of it." – Dr. Skyler Goo, ND

The road to becoming a physician is challenging, but you don't have to walk it alone.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Learn more: https://bastyr.edu/programs/naturopathic-medicine

08/13/2026

What happens after you cross the commencement stage at Bastyr University? You change the face of medicine.

Our graduates are taking their training into the world—opening integrative practices focused on women’s health, stepping into family medicine clinics, founding health platforms, and returning home to serve their local communities.

Whether earning a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, or a Master’s in Midwifery, Maternal Child Health, or Counseling Psychology, a Bastyr education provides the clinical foundation and entrepreneurial confidence to forge your own path.

As Dr. Nico Aguilar (ND '26) shared: "The future looks bright. I'm happy that this program gave me all the tools and the foundation that I need to start my future practice."

Watch "On What's Next" to see our alumni's inspiring next steps, and discover how you can chart your own path in natural health.🌱

Ready to shape the future of healthcare? Learn more about our programs and apply today: https://bastyr.edu/

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Chancellor Pizzorno who was recognized by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) with the Physician of the Year award for the second time in his career. Dr. Pizzorno is the only ND to receive this award 2x, plus he was previously recognized with AANP’s Louisa and Benedict Lust Award for lifetime professional achievement.

https://bastyr.edu/about/news/bastyr-chancellor-and-cofounder-dr-joe-pizzorno-receives-aanp-physician-year-award

08/03/2026

Have you ever hesitated to pursue a dream because it felt like it went against the "traditional" path?

Dr. Mariah Ashley-Emerson, a recent graduate of our Naturopathic Medicine program, knows exactly how that feels. In her powerful commencement interview, she shares that her biggest challenge wasn't the exams or the clinicals—it was simply believing in herself enough to embrace her true calling.

"Once I accepted that this is for me and I can do this, everything changed."

That acceptance paved the way for an incredible future. Right out of school, Dr. Mariah Ashley-Emerson is already a business owner, co-launching Joria Integrative Healing and releasing her own health education course!

If you have been waiting for a sign to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine, this is it. Say yes to yourself, show up, and see what you can build.

There is still time to join our upcoming cohort! Classes begin on September 24th.

🌱 Learn more about the program and start your application here: https://bastyr.edu/programs/naturopathic-medicine

07/29/2026

"I love that I'm now a naturopathic doctor and get to serve in my community!" - Dr. Elizabeth Roberts, Class of 2026

What's next for Dr. Roberts? She is joining a naturopathic medical practice in Washington, working in full family care and pediatrics.

Interested in learning more about naturopathic medicine? Dr. Roberts says, "Just dive in to see if this is something you want to do!"

LEARN MORE: https://bastyr.edu/programs/naturopathic-medicine

07/16/2026

Are you at the AANP 2026 conference? Let’s reconnect! ✨🥂

Join us TONIGHT for an inspiring evening with your fellow Bastyr alumni. We are hosting a special reception to celebrate our community, share some laughs, and look forward to the future of natural health.

Come enjoy hors d'oeuvres, grab a drink, and pick up a special Bastyr gift bag! You will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet our new Chancellor, Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND, and our new President, Dr. Randy Frisch, PhD, JD.

EVENT DETAILS:
🗓️ DATE: Tonight, Thursday, July 16
⏰ TIME: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Check-in opens at 7:15 PM)
🏨 LOCATION: Madison Concourse Hotel, 2nd Floor, University Rooms B, C & D

Also, don't forget to swing by the Bastyr University booth on the AANP conference floor today to connect with our team! We can't wait to see you there. 🌿

06/17/2026

TOMORROW! The Intersection of Plant Medicine, Midwifery, and Modern Healthcare 🌿✨

Join us tomorrow afternoon via Zoom or in person for the Student Botanical Medicine Project Presentations, featuring deep-dive research from our soon-to-be Midwifery graduates.

Whether you are local to the Seattle area or tuning in globally, you can attend in person on campus or stream the live presentations via Zoom.

📅 WHEN: Tomorrow, Thursday, June 18th at 1:30 PM PT
📍 WHERE: In-person at Bastyr University (Room 133) OR online via Zoom
🔗 REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK: https://tinyurl.com/Botmed26

FEATURED RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS:

GINA BOULOS | HOLISTIC HERBAL APPROACHES TO PMOS PMOS
Gina will explore current research on select medicinal herbs that play a vital role in managing Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome (PMOS), breaking down the multi-layered, holistic benefits these plants provide to complex endocrine health.

AYLA RODRIGUEZ | REPRODUCTIVE SOVEREIGNTY, HISTORY, & CAPITALISM
Ayla will outline the current landscape of abortion access in the U.S., tracking the deep lineage of worldwide herbal contraceptive and abortifacient knowledge maintained for over 4,000 years. She will examine the vital, historic role that plants and midwives serve in navigating the eras of late-stage and post-late-stage capitalism.

Support our graduating midwives as they bridge ancient botanical wisdom with critical contemporary healthcare frameworks.

👇 Drop a comment if you'll be joining us in Room 133 or on the livestream!

06/16/2026

From founding Bastyr University in 1978 to guiding us through a pivotal operational turnaround this past year, Dr. Joseph Pizzorno’s dedication to our community has never wavered.

Today, we are proud to announce his official ascension to the role of Chancellor of Bastyr University, effective July 1st!

In this vital new chapter, Dr. Pizzorno will hand day-to-day university operations over to incoming President Randy Frisch, allowing him to focus on what he does best: acting as the global voice for science-based natural medicine, driving institutional vision, and expanding our clinical and research footprints.

Together, Chancellor Pizzorno and President Frisch represent a dream-team leadership model that honors our rich history while aggressively building our future.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Pizzorno’s incredible legacy and his new role as Chancellor! Read the full announcement!

/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Bastyr University Board of Trustees is proud to announce Bastyr University Interim President and Co-Founder Dr. Joseph Pizzorno has...

06/16/2026

We are thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Randy Frisch as the 7th President of Bastyr University! 🎉

Behind the scenes over the past year, Dr. Frisch has been working tirelessly alongside Bastyr Co-Founder Dr. Joseph Pizzorno to strengthen our beloved university. Together, they have successfully rebuilt our financial foundation while actually reducing costs for our core naturopathic medicine doctorate (ND) program.

"Dr. Randy Frisch is a brilliant leader with the knowledge and expertise to advance our beloved university in all the right ways," shared Dr. Pizzorno.

Stepping officially into the role on July 1st, President Frisch is deeply committed to engaging with our students, expanding access for non-traditional learners, and growing our residency programs so our graduates can continue changing the landscape of natural health.

Join us in welcoming President Frisch to the Bastyr community! Read the full press release here: https://www.prweb.com/releases/bastyr-university-appoints-randy-frisch-phd-jd-mba-president-302793738.html