Natural Practitioner

Dr. Wendy Weber The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, announced that Wendy Weber, ND, PhD, has been selected to serve as director of NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Since October 2025, Dr. Weber has provided scientific leadership and strategic counsel and contributed to budget oversight to NCCIH as acting deputy director. She began her new role on Aug. 23, 2026.

In the September/October 2026 print issue of Natural Practitioner (NP), an expert panel of practitioners talked trends they are noticing, technology, patient- and self-care, as well as the future of complementary and integrative health. Here is a continuation of what they had to say.

Some stories stay with us long after they happen. As I reflected on what I wanted to share at the AANP Annual Gala and Awards after spending the week connecting with hundreds of my fellow naturopathic doctors, one memory kept returning to me. It wasn’t about legislation, organizational milestones or professional accomplishments. It was about the people whose determination, sacrifice and unwavering belief cultivated the profession we are privileged to inherit.

The term “hallmarks of aging” refers to the biological processes that drive aging. When first introduced into the scientific literature in 2013,1 nine hallmarks of aging were identified. This framework was updated in 20232 to include a total of 12 hallmarks, which describe interconnected biological processes that together drive aging across tissues and organ systems.

The Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) is proud to announce that Sandy Gooch has joined its Honorary Board. A pioneer in bringing natural and health-promoting food to mainstream America, Gooch brings more than four decades of vision, advocacy, and leadership to INM’s mission of bringing whole-person health to the mainstream. She will join other board members including Dr. Len Wisneski, Dr. Jeff Bland, Dr. Mary Hardy and others.

“Stress” is one of those words that often gets utilized when aspects in our life seem to not necessarily go according to plan, and can affect our health, relationships and overall life events. We may look for advice and what to do next, yet chances are we could also be seeing it through the lens of desiring a “quick fix” to take the stress away, and then even be unsure of how to sit still to think through the situation.

Natural Practitioner magazine honors industry icon Dr. Michael Murray for his leadership and contributions to naturopathic medicine. At the age of 14, Dr. Michael T. Murray suffered a knee injury that continued to worsen over time. When he turned 18, he could barely walk and was in constant, severe pain. He went in for exploratory surgery and found out his patellar tendon was almost completely ruptured.

Natural Practitioner explores natural remedies and lifestyle approaches that can support immune health. As cold and flu season kicks off, natural and alternative medicine patients are looking for more effective ways to keep their immune systems strong. From lifestyle modifications to natural health products, natural practitioners have several arrows in their quiver to help patients stay healthy throughout the fall and winter.

Rudrani Banik, MD, IFMCP, Double Board-certified Neuro-Ophthalmologist and Functional Medicine Physician, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Co-director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, www.drranibanik.com Serena Goldstein, ND, Delray Beach, FL, www.drserenagoldstein.com Holly Lucille, ND, RN, Naturopathic Doctor, Educator and Natural Products Consultant, www.drhollylucille.com Jessica...

Logan University Health Centers has entered a strategic partnership with Arete Healthcare to expand access to care, strengthen clinical operations, and connect with a broader network of health care providers. As part of the partnership, Logan University Health Centers will implement a new electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system.