By Sheldon Baker, Baker Dillon Group03.01.23
Paul Mittman, ND, EdD, is president and CEO of Arizona-based Sonoran University of Health Sciences. He holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, and a Doctor of Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced naturopathic medicine for 25 years.
His 1990 study on the use of Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis was the first randomized controlled trial on a botanical medicine published in a peer-reviewed journal (Planta Medica). Mittman received the American Association of Naturopathic Profession (AANP) President’s Award in 1990, was the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association Physician of the Year in 2000, and the AANP Physician of the Year in 2007.
Mittman leads by example, follows a healthy diet, and races as a master's 65+ cyclist.
Mittman: On Sep. 26, 2022, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, a leader in the field of holistic and natural approaches to medicine and health sciences, announced we would now be Sonoran University of Health Sciences. New degree programs, a state-of-the-art research institute, and expansion of free healthcare delivery and access in underserved communities propelled the transformation to Sonoran University. Our students, faculty, staff, and trustees sought a name that reflects the institution’s values and aspirations.
The Sonoran Desert’s biodiversity, beauty, and resilience honors the University’s past and captures our expansive goals for the future. Becoming a university is the next logical step in establishing Sonoran University of Health Sciences’ position as the preeminent health sciences institution.
Mittman: New programs, starting with master’s degree programs in clinical nutrition and nutrition business leadership joining the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will enhance students’ experience with interprofessional learning.
Laboratory research at the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is exploring the healing properties of medicinal plants and other natural therapies. Expansion of naturopathic and nutritional care for marginalized people living in Arizona will empower individuals and communities, while adding an even greater sense of purpose for our students.
Mittman: Naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and research that delves into how medicinal plants act on a cellular level have established a foundation upon which Sonoran will grow. We are planning to launch a degree program in 2024 in another discipline that nicely complements both naturopathic medicine and nutrition.
Mittman: The University’s research agenda is currently focused on the molecular biology of medicinal plants. In other words, how do botanical medicines act on a cellular level? What is their mechanism of action? Medicinal plants currently comprise 10% of the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines and represent a rich source of medicines to treat current and emerging diseases.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is studying the medicinal properties of plants in treating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases (the Institute patented three promising formulas), identifying existing and novel botanicals to promote healthier responses to stress, and opening new vistas by exploring how plants affect gene expression through RNA-sequencing.
The University plans to expand its clinical research over the next five years. Recent studies include exploring the correlation between nutritional status and COVID-19 and ongoing clinical trials evaluating natural approaches for patients on the autism spectrum.
Mittman: In the year since opening, the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research’s scientists and students made some exciting discoveries on antiviral medicinal plants in the treatment of COVID-19 and identified a novel antibiotic compound in Chaparral.
Mittman: Sonoran University’s campus is comprised of three structures, the Academic Building, the Medical Center building, and the LEED-Platinum Lim Commons, sitting on 8.5 acres.
Mittman: Yes. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is on ground. The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, and the Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership are online.
Mittman: In addition to evaluating their academic record and accomplishments, the Admissions Committee evaluates candidates for their ability to think critically, ability to collaborate with classmates, compassion, program readiness, and alignment with Sonoran’s Core Values—We Shape the Future; We Achieve Excellence; We are Resilient; We do the Right Thing; and We Love.
Mittman: Each of our ND graduates are asked to complete 45 hours of community service through the duration of their program. Our catalog gets into details a little bit about our community service being defined as direct service to any area of Sonoran University ranging from offsite locations, leadership and mentor activities, participation in research projects, and other activity in our community.
Involvement examples we see are some additional pieces within the community, students working some of our events like campus tours, graduation, or research nights. We have some students work on research projects for faculty, so long as they are not also earning academic credit. Other students get the community service hours for roles they play in Student Government and clubs.
Mittman: In the coming years, Sonoran University of Health Sciences will add new degree programs in disciplines that complement its College of Naturopathic Medicine and College of Nutrition. Essentially, programs grounded in the healing power of nature. We plan to support our graduates and those from other institutions’ thirst for lifelong learning through postgraduate certificate programs.
Community Health, which currently serves thousands of minoritized people in underserved communities here in Maricopa County will expand in 2024 with the addition of two new clinics. The advent and embrace of telehealth will open that opportunity to patients in need of naturopathic and nutritional care far beyond Arizona.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
His 1990 study on the use of Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis was the first randomized controlled trial on a botanical medicine published in a peer-reviewed journal (Planta Medica). Mittman received the American Association of Naturopathic Profession (AANP) President’s Award in 1990, was the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association Physician of the Year in 2000, and the AANP Physician of the Year in 2007.
Mittman leads by example, follows a healthy diet, and races as a master's 65+ cyclist.
Health E-Insights (HEI): Why did the University change its name to Sonoran University?
Mittman: On Sep. 26, 2022, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, a leader in the field of holistic and natural approaches to medicine and health sciences, announced we would now be Sonoran University of Health Sciences. New degree programs, a state-of-the-art research institute, and expansion of free healthcare delivery and access in underserved communities propelled the transformation to Sonoran University. Our students, faculty, staff, and trustees sought a name that reflects the institution’s values and aspirations.
The Sonoran Desert’s biodiversity, beauty, and resilience honors the University’s past and captures our expansive goals for the future. Becoming a university is the next logical step in establishing Sonoran University of Health Sciences’ position as the preeminent health sciences institution.
HEI: Are there any other planned significant changes?
Mittman: New programs, starting with master’s degree programs in clinical nutrition and nutrition business leadership joining the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will enhance students’ experience with interprofessional learning.
Laboratory research at the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is exploring the healing properties of medicinal plants and other natural therapies. Expansion of naturopathic and nutritional care for marginalized people living in Arizona will empower individuals and communities, while adding an even greater sense of purpose for our students.
HEI: Will naturopathic medicine and nutrition continue to be the academic focus?
Mittman: Naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and research that delves into how medicinal plants act on a cellular level have established a foundation upon which Sonoran will grow. We are planning to launch a degree program in 2024 in another discipline that nicely complements both naturopathic medicine and nutrition.
HEI: Sonoran has built a great reputation for its team of herbalists and botanical researchers. What type of studies are you currently involved in?
Mittman: The University’s research agenda is currently focused on the molecular biology of medicinal plants. In other words, how do botanical medicines act on a cellular level? What is their mechanism of action? Medicinal plants currently comprise 10% of the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines and represent a rich source of medicines to treat current and emerging diseases.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is studying the medicinal properties of plants in treating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases (the Institute patented three promising formulas), identifying existing and novel botanicals to promote healthier responses to stress, and opening new vistas by exploring how plants affect gene expression through RNA-sequencing.
The University plans to expand its clinical research over the next five years. Recent studies include exploring the correlation between nutritional status and COVID-19 and ongoing clinical trials evaluating natural approaches for patients on the autism spectrum.
HEI: Any major health and wellness breakthroughs because of Sonoran research?
Mittman: In the year since opening, the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research’s scientists and students made some exciting discoveries on antiviral medicinal plants in the treatment of COVID-19 and identified a novel antibiotic compound in Chaparral.
HEI: How large is the Sonoran Tempe, AZ campus?
Mittman: Sonoran University’s campus is comprised of three structures, the Academic Building, the Medical Center building, and the LEED-Platinum Lim Commons, sitting on 8.5 acres.
HEI: Do you offer both campus and online learning programs?
Mittman: Yes. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is on ground. The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, and the Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership are online.
HEI: What qualifications do you look for in a student enrolling in your curriculum?
Mittman: In addition to evaluating their academic record and accomplishments, the Admissions Committee evaluates candidates for their ability to think critically, ability to collaborate with classmates, compassion, program readiness, and alignment with Sonoran’s Core Values—We Shape the Future; We Achieve Excellence; We are Resilient; We do the Right Thing; and We Love.
HEI: Students must commit to many hours of community service. Just how are they involved?
Mittman: Each of our ND graduates are asked to complete 45 hours of community service through the duration of their program. Our catalog gets into details a little bit about our community service being defined as direct service to any area of Sonoran University ranging from offsite locations, leadership and mentor activities, participation in research projects, and other activity in our community.
Involvement examples we see are some additional pieces within the community, students working some of our events like campus tours, graduation, or research nights. We have some students work on research projects for faculty, so long as they are not also earning academic credit. Other students get the community service hours for roles they play in Student Government and clubs.
HEI: What are the university's plans for future growth?
Mittman: In the coming years, Sonoran University of Health Sciences will add new degree programs in disciplines that complement its College of Naturopathic Medicine and College of Nutrition. Essentially, programs grounded in the healing power of nature. We plan to support our graduates and those from other institutions’ thirst for lifelong learning through postgraduate certificate programs.
Community Health, which currently serves thousands of minoritized people in underserved communities here in Maricopa County will expand in 2024 with the addition of two new clinics. The advent and embrace of telehealth will open that opportunity to patients in need of naturopathic and nutritional care far beyond Arizona.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
