Dr. Andrew Rubman’s Journey in Naturopathic Medicine
At National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), we often say that our graduates are pioneers, innovators, and healers. Few embody this more vividly than Andrew Rubman, ND, a trailblazing naturopathic physician whose career has spanned continents, decades, and a spectrum of groundbreaking experiences. From working alongside Robert Atkins in New York to becoming the first naturopath ever accepted as a Fellow at the prestigious Royal Society of Medicine in London, Dr. Rubman’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and service.
A Life of Unconventional Learning
Before he ever donned a white coat, Dr. Rubman led a life of adventure. His “pre-med” years were an eclectic tapestry of shipbuilding on Cape Cod, touring with a jazz-rock band, studying environmental science and psychology, traveling overland to Israel, and even providing therapy sessions for unhoused populations in South Central Los Angeles. Along the way, he cultivated a deep respect for natural therapies, whole-person healing, and the potential of medicine to restore, not merely suppress health.
This rich tapestry of experiences shaped Dr. Rubman’s understanding of people, resilience, and healing. It also planted the seeds for a career in medicine rooted in curiosity, prevention, and whole-person care.
“Studying medicine during the day and working concerts at night was a good balance. It kept me happy and sane.”
Discovering Naturopathic Medicine
Despite being offered a path into Einstein Medical School, he declined it. “I had become very interested in herbal medicine and the idea that working to improve physiology to prevent disease was more scientifically justified than waiting until the disease process took hold,” he recalls. That passion led him to what was then NCNM, now NUNM, where he would receive the clinical immersion and philosophical foundation that shaped his career.
His time at NCNM was as ambitious as his pre-medical life. He convinced administrators to let him pursue basic sciences and a psychology degree simultaneously, drafting a contract to withdraw if he earned below a C average. He volunteered as an EMT on an ambulance to understand trauma firsthand and supported himself by working nights as a stagehand, loading and unloading equipment for major rock shows and theatrical productions.
“Studying medicine during the day and working concerts at night was a good balance,” Dr. Rubman recalls. “It kept me happy and sane.”
From Portland to Manhattan: Early Practice Years
After graduation, Dr. Rubman initially planned to open a practice with his Chinese medicine professor in Portland. But a chance encounter with Robert Atkins’ office manager in New York changed his course. Soon, he was practicing in Midtown Manhattan, despite the absence of licensure for naturopathic physicians in New York, providing comprehensive care and learning from an extraordinary variety of patients, including the city’s artistic community during the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
“I felt like an allopathic resident seeing 30 follow-ups a day,” he recalls. “But it was also an unmatched learning experience.”
Establishing a Legacy in Connecticut
Since 1985, Dr. Rubman has practiced in Connecticut, building a reputation for evidence-informed natural care and advocating tirelessly for scope-of-practice reform. He and his wife have been studying intracrinology, exploring and rethinking how to measure and support hormonal health.
Their work is at the forefront of conversations about women’s health, hormone therapy, and the future of naturopathic clinical practice, areas where naturopathic physicians can lead with insight and innovation.
“It opened doors with health ministers and government officials who might never otherwise have engaged with naturopathic medicine.”
Elevating Naturopathic Medicine on the Global Stage
In 2023, Dr. Rubman received a rare honor when he became the first naturopathic physician ever accepted as a Fellow at the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM). Established in the early 1800s under the British monarchy, the RSM is one of the world’s most esteemed medical societies, with a storied history of scholarship, clinical excellence, and influence on global health policy.
Membership in the RSM confers not only prestige but access to a vast medical library, interdisciplinary dialogue, and opportunities to connect with leaders shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. For Dr. Rubman, the fellowship has been transformative: “It opened doors with health ministers and government officials who might never otherwise have engaged with naturopathic medicine,” he says.
Dr. Rubman’s current efforts focus on establishing licensure and residency opportunities for naturopathic physicians in the Caribbean, a vision that could directly benefit NUNM graduates. By leveraging his RSM fellowship and decades of expertise, he is working with officials to create a pathway that legitimizes naturopathic medicine in new jurisdictions and expands postgraduate training options.
“Can you imagine offering residencies to NUNM graduates in the Caribbean?” he asks. “It’s exactly the kind of initiative that will elevate our profession and show the world what we can do.”
“Our strength lies in our comprehensive training to treat patients independently, while offering a perspective that focuses on supporting the body’s own processes and promoting health from the inside out.”
Carrying Forward the Core of Naturopathic Medicine
Despite his far-reaching work, Dr. Rubman remains passionate about preserving the heart of naturopathic medicine. He encourages students and practitioners to maintain a balanced approach, embracing innovation while staying grounded in the traditions that make the profession unique. He advocates for the NUNM model, which emphasizes whole-person care, natural therapies, preventive approaches, and clinical discernment rooted in collaboration with patients.
“We are the stewards of natural medicine,” he says. “Our strength lies in our comprehensive training to treat patients independently, while offering a perspective that focuses on supporting the body’s own processes and promoting health from the inside out.”
“Refer when needed. Collaborate. And always remember that good medicine is mostly good observation and a lot of humility.”
A Message for Students and Alumni
For current and prospective students, Dr. Rubman’s story is an invitation to think boldly and act with integrity. His life illustrates that naturopathic physicians can—and should—be leaders at the intersections of science, policy, and human experience. “Study it, learn it as much as you can, become board-certified, and don’t let your ego precede you,” he advises. “Refer when needed. Collaborate. And always remember that good medicine is mostly good observation and a lot of humility.”
For alums, his career underscores the power of staying engaged. Whether by mentoring students, supporting research, or shaping NUNM’s future, graduates have a vital role in advancing the profession. Dr. Rubman himself embodies the spirit of giving back—not only through his global advocacy but also through his ongoing support of naturopathic education.
Looking Ahead
As naturopathic medicine gains visibility and credibility worldwide, leaders like Dr. Rubman show what is possible when passion meets perseverance. His fellowship at the Royal Society of Medicine signals to health ministers, medical professionals, and the public that naturopathic physicians belong in the highest echelons of health care dialogue.
“Right now, we have a window of opportunity that hasn’t existed before in the U.S.,” he says. “We can reclaim our traditional role as the true functional physicians—the ones who help people prevent disease, restore vitality, and live healthier lives.”
Call to Action for Alumni and Friends
Dr. Rubman’s achievements remind us of the extraordinary impact one committed individual can have on the profession. By supporting initiatives such as expanded residencies, global licensure efforts, and scholarships, alums and friends of NUNM can help ensure that the next generation of naturopathic physicians continues to innovate, heal, and lead.
As one of NUNM’s founding Alumni Ambassadors, Dr. Rubman exemplifies what it means to stay engaged beyond graduation. Through mentorship, advocacy, and global representation of NUNM’s mission, he continues to strengthen connections between the university, its alumni, and the broader healthcare community.
As Dr. Rubman himself demonstrates, our alums are more than graduates; they’re ambassadors for a healthier, more compassionate world. Together, we can honor that legacy and help shape the future of naturopathic medicine.