[Portland, Oregon]: In a powerful reminder that the future of healthcare is integrative, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) welcomed Tracy Gaudet, MD, a nationally recognized leader in whole-person care, as the keynote speaker of its 2025 commencement ceremony on June 28.
The ceremony honored 134 graduating students who earned undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in natural medicine and research, stepping into a growing movement that blends evidence-based natural care with modern medical practice.
Dr. Gaudet, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and former leader of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, emphasized the critical role of natural medicine practitioners as change-makers at a time when our world desperately needs healing.
“There are breakdowns everywherewe look, and so are the opportunities for breakthroughs.” Dr. Gaudet said during her keynote address. “So many individuals are searching for healing, as is our society. Each of you has had an incredible education at NUNM. That education, fueled by the person that you are, with the courage and strength that has brought you to this day, to this milestone in your life, these are the elements that will propel you forward into that life of adventure, that life of meaning and purpose, that life that helps not only individuals to heal but society itself.”
Her message echoes NUNM’s mission and vision: to improve human health by making the healing power of nature accessible to all.
Now serving as executive director of the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, Dr. Gaudet has helped shape policy and care delivery models nationwide. Her work has earned national acclaim, including being featured in the PBS documentary series “The New Medicine” and being recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s “Top 25 Women in Healthcare.”
Dr. Melanie Henriksen, president and CEO of NUNM, noted the significance of Dr. Gaudet’s presence.
“Having respected leaders like Dr. Gaudet, who is at the forefront of healthcare transformation, headline our graduation sends a clear message: the future of healthcare isn’t about silos; it is about integration, innovation, and heart.”
The graduating class reflects this ethos, with students from across the country drawn to NUNM for its commitment to whole-person healing and evidence-informed natural medicine.
As healthcare systems seek new approaches to chronic disease, mental health, and patient satisfaction, graduates from programs like NUNM are helping fill the gap. Guided by this vision, they are leading the transformation toward a more equitable healthcare ecosystem that champions integrative medicine for all.
About NUNM
Founded in 1956, the National University of Natural Medicine is the original accredited naturopathic medicine university in North America and a leader in natural medicine education and evidence-based research. Based in Portland, Oregon, NUNM offers graduate and doctoral degrees in naturopathic medicine, nutrition, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, research, and related fields. NUNM’s affiliated health center and satellite clinics provide healthcare services to thousands of individuals in the Portland metro area each year.
NUNM’s mission is to advance education, healthcare, and research in the art and science of Natural Medicine. Through this work, the university prepares the next generation of natural medicine professionals to transform healthcare and improve lives.
Media Contact:
Jayme Barnes
Director of Marketing and Communications
jbarnes@nunm.edu
971-404-6600