About us


Message from the Founder

When we first created these Natural Medicine programs in 1989, and received full licensure for the University of Natural Medicine in 1996, it was with a vision and purpose. The dream was to create a University that would be one of the foremost educational institutions for Natural Medicine in the world today. I am honored to say that through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated international network of professors, clinicians/practitioners, and a distinguished Board of Directors, and our friendly and professional administration and staff, we have fulfilled many of our goals. We continue to grow and expand our student base and offerings through new programs and worldwide opportunities for education.
Globally, UNM has now established itself, by:
  • Being one of the foremost educational institutions for Natural Medicine in the world through distance learning, practical training and clinical externship.
  • Offering training programs that integrate healing practices and knowledge from all disciplines and cultures.
  • Providing availability and affordability of education in Natural Medicine for people from all cultures and socio-economics.
The following is a list of some of these opportunities offered through the University of Natural Medicine:
  • Degree programs including: BS, MS, MA, PhD, DNM/IMD & ND. Incoming credit and resulting advanced placement through academic, clinical and life/work experience may in most cases apply toward our degree and diploma offerings.
  • The most in-depth and comprehensive programs of integrative and holistic health education available today.
  • Over 30 diploma programs (Nutrition, Herbology, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Iridology, and many more), that may be taken independently or as part of a degree program. This provides students with the opportunity to become competent and credentialed in a particular modality or field and implement this knowledge into a healthcare practice immediately while working toward an advanced degree, if they choose.
  • A distinguished faculty of educators and practitioners providing more than 50 professors nationally and many more in our global affiliate institutions and centers.
  • Programs can be entirely independent study by design or may include seminars, practical training, clinical externships, mentorship and/or research in the field. The seminars, practical and clinical trainings are available through our network of campuses, affiliate clinics and centers worldwide.
  • In designing custom degree curriculums with the individual, we clearly understand how important a first-rate academic foundation is to our students to help them attain their academic and professional goals, vocation, and life plan.
  • An international network of institutions and clinics that offer natural medicine programs in 10 languages. We now have established affiliate schools and training facilities in Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Israel, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and the Ukraine.
It is with great pride that I invite you to become a student and experience first-hand the academic benefits offered by a University that is fully committed to the freedom of choice in healthcare through holistic health education, research and clinical applications. Our intention is to create competent and credible practitioners to be of service through education and healthcare by empowering individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being of body, mind and spirit.
Mark Dargan Smith, N.D., Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board, Chancellor and Dean

Distance Learning Holistic Health Degree Online

The University offers specialized Distance Learning degree and diploma programs. Because students may enroll at any time during the year, it provides a convenient, flexible and specialized way to study that has a diminished impact on a student’s job and/or family. The independent study curricula combine modern day tools and technologies enhancing the quality of instruction and learning for each individual. Below is a general outline of the structure and sequence of an independent study degree program.
Structure & Sequence of Study
1. Degree programs are divided into a module-style. Each module is divided into courses, which include instruction methods such as: study guides, syllabi, exams, books, audio, video, disc/CD ROM, and recommended reading and research.
2. Each student will be required to obtain a library card in his/her area. A bibliostrategy course may be required if the student is unfamiliar with his/her library system.
3. Each student may be assigned a Dean and/or an Academic Counselor to assist him/her in the distance learning process.
4. Upon completion of a course, the student may be required to sit for a proctored exam. Each student will be required to locate a proctor in his/her area. Some courses do not require a proctored examination. Most exams are open-book as it has been demonstrated to be an effective learning process to become adept at resourcing reference materials.
5. Most distance learning degree programs require the student to complete a certain amount of credits in practical, residential or clinical training. Specifics will be outlined in the student’s course of study.
6. Diploma courses may be independent study, practical training, or a combination of the two.
Thesis & Dissertation
A thesis is optional in the Master of Natural Health Sciences Degree Program, but is required for the Master of Arts Degree Program. A dissertation is required in the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program. Each student will choose a mentor or core faculty advisor to assist him/her in the dissertation process. A complete outline of the requirements are found in the Student Handbook.
Research Projects & Case Studies
Incorporated into specific degree and diploma programs are research projects and case studies. These are designed to enhance each student’s learning and discovery. Each research project or case study will require the student to draw upon the learning from each module as well as research in the field.
Clinical Externship
If a Clinical Externship is required, the student’s Dean and/or Clinical Director will assist the student in selecting a location that will benefit the student. A Clinical Externship is direct hands-on, observation and practical experience by the student, in a health-related setting, with an instructor/practitioner known as a preceptor, to fulfill the clinical requirements.
The University has a growing list of clinics and centers nationally and internationally to assist the student in fulfilling clinical requirements. A student may also decide to complete the clinical externship with more than one practitioner to receive a diversity of experience and training. All students and preceptors in the externship program must complete an application and be approved by the Dean and/or Clinical Director. 

Objectives

* The INTEGRATION of independent study, plus practical and residential training options designed for professionals and students seeking advanced degree and diploma programs. This approach allows the student or practitioner to expand their knowledge and training without sacrificing their personal and professional lives.
* The establishment of a WORLDWIDE FACULTY of respected practitioners and educators who have excelled in their professions.
* The availability of DIPLOMA COURSES that may be completed without the commitment to a full degree program. These certificates enable the student to practice various modalities while completing the more extensive degree programs. Each completed diploma course earns credit hours that can be used toward a degree program.
* The availability of COST-EFFECTIVE Programs that are STUDENT-CENTERED.
* Degree and diploma programs where students have the option of completing HANDS-ON TRAINING at the University, affiliate clinics and/or with individual practitioners offering advanced techniques, healing methods and technological innovations in the student’s field of study.
* PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP for the Master’s Thesis and Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation to ensure the synthesis of knowledge and practical applications.
* The availability of competent CLINICAL PRACTICE in the student’s chosen field through an integrated network of natural health clinics to maximize student training and experience.
* Directed independent RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CASE STUDIES combined with real life experience and clinical situations to lead the student into in-depth inquiry, integrated knowledge, practical applications, and competency in the field.


Student Perspective

To The Student
Perhaps Ralph Waldo Emerson put it best when he iterated that scholars have within themselves the collective wisdom of humanity and are the source of all innovation. Emerson also stated that scholars have the ability to solve problems in new ways, which comes directly from within themselves. Thus, scholars were meant to study and honor all things, but not define themselves, without question, based on “official knowledge.” As a result, Emerson instructed the scholar to renew his or her intellectual development through the depth of individual experience. In so doing, the divine pattern within each soul would make itself known. Thus, the University holds the premise that each student will enhance the field of natural medicine and healing utilizing the University’s unique educational delivery system.
The Purpose and Mission of This Educational Institution is:
1. To teach, promulgate, and advance the philosophy and art of holistic, natural, and integrated healing and encourage others in the same endeavor.
2. To create a realistic bridge between theory and real life experience.
3. To build strong character in our students based on intellectual and inner freedom with the philosophy that all people have the right to the knowledge and availability of all healing modalities.
4. To combine teaching of information with experience to facilitate optimal learning and practical knowledge.
5. To provide quality faculty and staff to assist the students in their learning experience to promote in-depth inquiry and life-long learning.
6. To provide positive, strengthening experiences through quality, independent, sequential and developmental learning for competent and qualified practitioners in the Healing Arts.
7. To seek public, legal and governmental recognition for Naturopathy, Integrative and Natural Medicine, and Natural Healing as a valid, effective healing system.
8. To advance the philosophy that all people have the right to freedom of choice in the selection of physicians and health practitioners and in the type of healing method(s) according to their beliefs and lifestyle.
Study Programs
The programs offered by the University are through independent study, practical experience, residential training, and clinical externships. We offer an educational process that supports continued education. As a student, you will be taking more responsibility for your education. You will be setting your own goals and be involved in the design of your curriculum. Though we offer a distance learning program for curriculum courses in conjunction with practical, clinical and residential training, it is a paramount necessity that your work includes: independent research, extensive reading and writing, projects that apply theory in practical applications, attending seminars, workshops, trainings and acquiring practical experience. This requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline. Our idea of discipline in this context includes: planning, dialogue with faculty and peers, experimentation, problem solving, self-expression, self-evaluation, and integrating your studies into practical experience. It is important to strengthen these skills as they will prove to be valuable tools which can be enhanced through our programs and your own development. In this age of cultural evolution and rapid change throughout all levels of life, it is these adaptive and learning skills which may prove to be most valuable in your profession, learning pursuits, and everyday life.
Preparing for a Natural Medicine Education
The interests of the University extend beyond the basic subjects to encourage students to pursue their individual goals and talents. Students have an opportunity to become proficient in selective fields of natural, integrative and holistic medicine. The University’s goal is to attract students from around the globe with a wide variety of talents and backgrounds that will contribute to the growth and progress of natural and integrative medicine. The University will encourage and support its graduates to bring forth this knowledge and practice with integrity and strength. Not only is a record of academic excellence important, life experiences and personal attributes are considered for admissions evaluations as well as incoming credit. The challenges of learning and applying natural medicine to one’s life and/or career are many. As a result, the student must learn a “well rounded” science with maturity, integrity, sound judgment, empathy, and a desire to serve. Individuals with the ability to communicate effectively, have a capacity for growth, and demonstrate responsibility and independence are best equipped to meet these challenges.

Directory

Board of Directors
Mark Dargan Smith, N.D., Chairman of the Board
Bill Akpinar, M.D., D.D.S., Director
Kimi Green, Director
Larry J. Milam, D.H.M, Ph.D, Director
Administration
Larry J. Milam, H.M.D., Ph.D.; President
Mark Dargan Smith, N.D. Ph.D.; Chancellor and Dean of College of Natural Medicine
Amanda Coker, Administrator
Ellen Tart-Jensen, D.Sc.; Director of Iridology, Co-Chairperson of the Ph.D. Committee
James H. Zhou, Ph.D.; Co-Chairperson of the Ph.D. Committee
Beverly Kune, N.D.; Dean of the College of Body/Mind Integrative Studies
Rich Sherman, Ph.D.; Dean of the College of Psychophysiology
Institutional Advisory Board
Victoria Dauer., Chairman of the Board
Teri Nero
Larry J. Milam, D.H.M, Ph.D.
International Affiliate Administration
George Georgiou, BSc., MSc., D. Sc. (A.M.), PhD, ND; Provost and Administrative Director of Foreign Affiliations (Cyprus, England and Europe) and Dean of the College of Natural Medicine, Cyprus
Mohamed Ishak, MD, PhD (Naturopathy); Director and Dean of the College of Complementary Medicine, Malaysia
Yoshiaki Kanaji, MD, PhD; Provost and Dean of the University of Natural Medicine, Japan
Roth Musa, MD; Director and Dean of University of Natural Medicine, Spain and Nigeria
Jean-Claude Rodet, PhD, ND; Provost and Administrative Director of Foreign Affiliations (French and Portuguese)
Joseph Sabbagh, Administrative Director of Foreign Affiliations, Lebanon; Dr. Adel Abou Assi: Medical Director
Adiel Tel-Oren, DC, MD, Administrative Director of Foreign Affiliations, Israel
Professional Associations
American Naturopathic Medical Association
American Association of Integrated Medicine
American Naturopathic Medical Association
American Academy of Clinical Homeopathy
International Institute of Iridology
International Iridology Practitioners Association
International Naturopathic Association

Affiliates

Arizona
Desert Institute of Classical Homeopathy
 Dr. Todd Rowe, Medical Director
Desert Institute School of Classical Homeopathy
 Dr. Todd Rowe, Director
School of Sacred Arts and Training
Lynn Andrews
Society for the Establishment of Research in Classical Homeopathy
Dr. Todd Rowe, Director
California
Bauman College & Institute of Educational Therapy, Berkley
Ed Bauman, PhD, President
Bernard Jensen Foundation, Escondido
Art Jensen, President
EDY International; San Francisco
Life Style Counseling Center and Clinic, Escondido
 Dr. Ellen Tart-Jensen
New Spirit Naturals, San Dimas, California
Dr. Larry Milam, President
Kansas
The Farm
Dr. Paul Patchum
Minnesota
Functional and Dental Health Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Tel Aviv, Israel
 Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren, Director
New Mexico
Albuquerque Clinic for Pain, Stress and Health Rehabilitation
Ralph Luciani, D.O., M.S., Ph.D, M.D.(H), Founder and Medical Director
Alternative Therapy Associates, Santa Fe
Maria Gabrielle, ND
Burnham Systems Studies, Santa Fe
Linda Burnham, ND, LMT
Center for Self Healing, Santa Fe
Willard Dean, MD
New Mexico Alternative Health Center, Santa Fe
Hari Jot Khalsa, ND, PT, PhD
New Mexico Association of Private Schools
New Mexico Naturopathic Association
Terra Nova Children’s Foundation, Taos
Angelika Koch, MCH, RSHom, H.N.H.Ir,
Terra Nova Healing Center, Taos
Angelika Koch, MCH, RSHom, H.N.H.Ir, IAC.
Vitale Therapeutics, Albuquerque
Galen D. Knight, B.S., PhD, President
University of Metaphysical Studies, Santa Fe
Dr. Helen Stewart, Chancellor
New York
The Atlantic Academy of Classical Homeopathy
Lawrence Galante, PhD, D. Hom
Biosonic Enterprises
John Beaulieu, N.D., Ph.D., R.P.P.
British Institute of Homeopathy
Center for Healing
Dr. Bill Akpinar, MD, DDS, DOM, Shao Lin Master
The Center for Holistic Arts
Lawrence Galante, PhD, D. Hom., R.P.P.
Doctors with Vision, New York City
Dr. Bill Akpinar and Dr. Mark Smith, Medical Directors and Founders
Galante’s School of Tai Chi
Lawrence Galante, PhD, D. Hom., R.P.P.
North Carolina
Center for Effective Living(r)
David Pesek, PhD, Founding Director
Oregon
Arise and Shine
Richard Anderson, ND, NMD
Tennessee
Natural Path
 Liz Smith, RN
Natural Health Clinic
Larry Weitz, ND, PhD
Texas
Apple-A-Day Clinic
Jack Tips, N.D., Ph.D., C.Hom, C.C.N., Medical Director
Utah
The School of Natural Healing
David Christopher, BA, MH, AHG
Wisconsin
Natural Path Center and Clinic
Chad Oler, ND


2 comments:

  1. Dr Mark, i'm Ian from Malaysia, i lost your contact, would appreciate if you could send your email/ phone no to me. i can be contacted via ianouii@yahoo.com or 0060123723785. tq.

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    Replies
    1. Hello, I hope someone can help me. I graduated many years ago with a doctorate in integrative medicine. I will be 65 next month and I wanted to get a nice copy of my diploma to frame. I can’t find any access to the university. it says it is closed. Please advise.

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