How NUNM students and alumni are transforming global health across continents
At NUNM, the Global Health Program isn’t just a degree track; it’s a way of thinking about medicine, community, and the systems that connect us all. Recently, students and faculty shared their personal experiences of being part of the Global Health program in Haiti, Nepal, Ghana, and beyond. The event – co-organized by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)– brought these voices together, highlighting stories, lessons, and advice that showcased the heart of NUNM’s Global Health Program: whole-person, whole-system care that transcends borders and is community-driven. The conversation was rich with reflection and deeply inspiring for anyone considering this path.
A Global Classroom
“Healthcare is a basic right,” said Sara Polanco, ND, who joined the event virtually from Haiti. Dr. Polanco runs a nonprofit she founded to reimagine how aid is delivered in her community. Her journey into global health began with a simple but powerful realization: the world needs more equitable access to care. On campus, students like Renee Jonas, a third-year ND student who will soon complete her capstone project in Bolivia, are taking these lessons into the field. “We’d love to have more students involved,” Renee shared, encouraging peers to explore resources provided by the AANP Global Health Committee and the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF).
Falling in Love with a Community
Global health work often means stepping out of one’s comfort zone – and that’s where growth happens. Erin Willis, ND (’14), who co-founded the nonprofit ParticipAid and works in rural Nepal, spoke about her own transformation:
“When I started, I put myself at the center of everything. Over time, I learned the most sustainable work happens when you center the community and empower local people.”
Dr. Willis described how her team’s program, Prevention Is Better Than Cure, evolved from teaching naturopathic principles to partnering with Ayurvedic doctors and indigenous practitioners. This shift not only created community ownership but also led to collaboration with Nepal’s Ministry of Health, a significant step toward systemic change.
Parallels Between Global Health and Natural Medicine
Madeline “Abena” Tuson-Turner, ND (‘16), who leads NUNM’s Global Health Program and has worked extensively in Ghana, shared how naturopathic medicine naturally aligns with global health, sharing the same foundation of systems thinking. “We are trained to see the whole person, including the systems that influence how they utilize and access healthcare. That perspective makes naturopathic physicians uniquely equipped for global health work.”
Her work has shifted in recent years toward international policy. “I’m doing less international travel and more policy work at the global level with the World Naturopathic Federation,” said Dr. Tuson-Turner.
Challenges, Opportunities, and Practical Advice
Working internationally brings both challenges and rewards. Licensure requirements vary by country and often change quickly, so building relationships is key. “Be part of the community before you try to integrate into the system,” Dr. Polanco advised. Trust, cultural humility, and understanding local norms can make the difference between a project that struggles and one that thrives.
“And sometimes, plans take unexpected turns.” Dr. Willis recounted moving to Nepal right after graduation, ready to set up her practice, when a massive earthquake struck and destroyed the village she had fallen in love with. She quickly found herself pivoting from rural doctor to disaster relief organizer.
The Personal Side of Global Work
Balancing travel, family, and career goals is another consideration. Some panelists have lived abroad for years, while others structure shorter trips around volunteer programs. All agreed that self-reflection is crucial. “You have to know your values and what you want your life to look like,” Dr. Willis noted.
Why Global Health Matters
At its core, NUNM’s Global Health Program prepares students in any field of study to develop a global perspective and see themselves as part of a movement toward equitable, sustainable healthcare. Whether through direct patient care, community health initiatives, or international policy, our students are uniquely suited to help build resilient systems that empower local communities.
As Dr. Tuson-Turner put it, “Global health is naturopathic medicine. It’s about looking at the whole picture – the person, the community, and the systems that shape health – and finding ways to make that picture healthier for everyone.”