The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) recognized champions of naturopathic medicine at its annual conference and exposition held July 10–13 in Keystone, Colo. The awards honor and celebrate the work of leaders in the naturopathic medical community.
The most prestigious award, Physician of the Year, was presented to Denise Clark, ND, a naturopathic physician who practices in Gunbarrel, Colo. Clark graduated from Bastyr University in 2002 and is the president of the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Karolyn A. Gazella, publisher of the Natural Medicine Journal, the official journal of the AANP, was presented with this year’s Champion Award in recognition of her 22 years of contribution and leadership in the field of natural medicine. The Champion Award recognizes a non-naturopath who displays a deep commitment to changing the landscape of healthcare through his/her championship of naturopathic medicine.Natural Medicine Journal editors Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, and Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO, presented Gazella with her award.
Gazella was surprised and honored to receive the Champion Award. "Each year when we attend the annual AANP conference, we are reminded of how proud we are to be the official journal of this wonderful organization that is filled with exemplary individuals," Gazella said. "It's always great to connect with our supportive sponsors, dedicated board members, and many friends we have made over the years."
Other award recipients included the following.
- Rick Brinkman, ND, received the President’s Award, which is given each year to a person the President of the Board wants to recognize for supporting the mission and vision of the AANP.
- Paul Anderson, ND, received the VIS Award, which honors and celebrates the life and work of Dr. William A. Mitchell, ND by acknowledging a person who represents the VIS, the healing power of nature.
- Rick Marinelli, ND, received the Benedict Lust Award, a lifetime career achievement award intended to acknowledge extraordinary naturopathic physicians. His award was accepted by Kevin Wilson and Dhai Barr.
- Ayush Herbs Inc. received the Corporation of the Year Award, which is given to a corporation that stands out for its promotion of the goals, projects, activities and functions of the AANP and naturopathic medicine.
About the AANP Conference and Exposition
This year's conference, held at the Keystone Convention Center,is the 28th annual AANP conference and exposition. The theme was “Walking our Talk.”
This is the first time the conference was held in Colorado. “Colorado was a great place to celebrate,” said Jud Richland, CEO of the AANP. “We celebrated licensure in Colorado, naturopathic medicine’s close connection to nature, and our members’ desire to learn from and connect with friends and colleagues.”
“The Keystone conference was a gathering of the naturopathic profession that continues to grow in numbers and to evolve in many ways,” said Michael Cronin, ND, president of the AANP. “The AANP continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in state and federal licensing. We rolled out our new tagline: ‘Naturopathic Physicians: Natural Medicine. Real solutions.’ The announcement of the re-launch of the Institute for Natural Medicine was supported by $30,000 in pledges of support.”
About Natural Medicine Journal
Natural Medicine Journal is a cutting-edge electronic journal and website for integrative healthcare practitioners, students, faculty, and anyone interested in the field of natural medicine. Readers of the journal and visitors to the site will find scientifically valid, clinically relevant information within the peer-reviewed monthly journal and online resources.
Natural Medicine Journal is proud to reach more integrative medicine practitioners than any other peer-reviewed journal either online or in print. Each month, through free subscription or through affiliation with our community partners, thousands of healthcare practitioners receive the peer-reviewed content of the Natural Medicine Journal.
For more information visit www.naturalmedicinejournal.com or contact Director of Content and Communications,Deirdre Shevlin Bell.
