Attendees engage in meaningful conversations, examining challenges and exploring broad-scale solutions.
In April, students and faculty from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) attended the 22nd annual Global Health & Innovation Conference (GHIC) in Connecticut, joining health leaders from around the world for discussion and collaboration.
Six students across NUNM’s Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Master of Science in Global Health programs joined faculty member Dr. Madeleine “Abena” Tuson-Turner for the two-day event, which included keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive working sessions.
The conference was hosted by Unite For Sight, a nonprofit that helps improve access to eye care in communities around the world. It aimed to support cross-disciplinary learning in an effort to promote innovation and social change in global health.
Tuson-Turner noted that their participation this year was particularly meaningful, as it marked the first time since 2020 that GHIC was held in person rather than virtually. It also gave students the opportunity to travel together and further connect.
“This year’s conference was a vibrant forum for bold ideas, transformative innovation, and responsible global engagement,” Tuson-Turner said. “For NUNM students, the experience was both inspiring and empowering.”
The NUNM delegation joined researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and other students from more than 50 countries for deep conversations that explored the future of equitable healthcare, sustainable systems change, and ethical leadership.
“Attendees had the opportunity to learn from thought leaders across sectors, attend cutting-edge presentations, and explore interdisciplinary approaches to health equity,” she added. “Most importantly, they connected with a global network of like-minded professionals and students, building relationships that may shape their future careers.”
Isaac Tayki, a third-year student in the ND program at NUNM, shared key takeaways from the event.
“I learned that overcoming today’s global health challenges requires innovative, self-reliant strategies,” Tayki said, “and that even despite setbacks, such as recent funding cuts, we can serve as catalysts for transformative change.”
Faculty members from NUNM also contributed to meaningful dialogue, highlighting the vital role naturopathic medicine plays within global health efforts.
Tuson-Turner said that student involvement reaffirmed the university’s mission to train future leaders with approaches grounded in cultural humility, evidence-informed practice, and a commitment to broad-scale impact.
“It was exciting to be surrounded by such passionate individuals working to re-imagine global health from a place of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and true equity,” she said.
She emphasized that NUNM’s continued presence at GHIC reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students not only for clinical excellence but also to think critically and contribute meaningfully to today’s most urgent global health challenges.
Written in collaboration with Dr. Madeleine “Abena” Tuson-Turner, ND, MSIMR, MScGH.
Dr. Tuson-Turner is an alumna and faculty member of the School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), specializing in Global Health, Naturopathic Medicine, and Clinical Research. She is a licensed naturopathic physician, chairperson for the AANP Global Health Committee, and secretary of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF).