A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Naturopathic and Allopathic Type 2 Diabetes Care
Principal Investigator: Kimberly Tippens, ND, MSAOM
Location: Hellfgott Research Institute: Portland, Oregon
The purpose of this study is to learn more about how different types of doctors care for people with diabetes. About 50 patients from allopathic clinics and 50 from naturopathic clinics will take the survey and the groups compared. We are seeking naturopathic physicians in the Portland OR and Seattle WA areas who treat type 2 diabetes and their diabetic patients. Patient participants complete a one-time survey, which is administered before their visit with their doctor or by phone if they do not have an upcoming visit. We will also ask permission to look at their medical charts. A small group of 20 of these patients (10 from NDs and 10 from MDs) will also participate in audio-recorded interviews and have their medical visits audio-recorded. Participants will be compensated for their time. For more information, contact Dr. Tippens at 503-552-1857 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Characteristics of naturopathic practices from clinical administrative data
Principal Investigator: Carlo Calabrese, ND, MPH
Location: Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute: Portland, Oregon
This study aims to update decade-old naturopathic practice characteristics research using administrative clinical data routinely collected with practice management software. Naturopathic academic, community and research network clinics will submit aggregated data reports from their in-house software for 20 variables. We are soliciting both support and collaboration on data collection. This data collection and analysis is presently unfunded and donations are being accepted to assure its completion. To support the study, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Personal Health Practices of Naturopathic Physicians in Practice and Training
Principal Investigator: Erica Oberg, ND, MPH
Location: Bastyr University: Seattle, Washington
This study is a survey of practicing NDs and ND students investigating health promotion and prevention both personally and professionally. These data investigate the concept of "practicing what we preach." Participants complete an anonymous one-time survey about their own health and their practice/training in health promotion and prevention topics. A collaboration with University of British Columbia. Click here to participate. For more information, contact Dr. Oberg at 425 602 3267 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Comparative Effectiveness of D: A Repletion Study (CEDARS)
Principal Investigators: Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH & Michael Traub, ND
Study Coordinator: John Finnell, ND, LAc
Location: Bastyr University: Kona, HI and Seattle, WA
Adequate blood concentrations of vitamin D3 (VitD3) has important health benefits and reduces health risks, including improved mental health, improved bone density, reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, and reduced rates of hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer. However, the optimal blood concentration and the most effective method(s) of replacing VitD3 remain unknown. In this 3-arm, randomized clinical trial, the effectiveness of three VitD3 nutritional supplements-- one encapsulated, one in a chewable tablet, and one in an oil-emulsified drop--to increase serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in otherwise healthy, VitD3 deficient adults (<30 ng/ml). Eligible participants will be assigned to a vitamin D3 daily dose of 10,000 IU for 12 weeks. Outcome measures include: impact of VitD3 replacement on cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, blood lipids, average blood glucose, and insulin sensitivity; comparison of the expression of biomarkers of cardiovascular function including klotho and FGF-21 expression; and evaluation of VitD3 effects on white blood cell activation including interferon-stimulated, Toll-receptor activation. The study will recruit 90 participants from Kona, HI and the Seattle, WA area. For more information, call 206-890-6031 or email Dr. Finnell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Does Elderberry Extract Decrease the Incidence of Influenza-like Illness?
Principal Investigator: Michael Traub, ND
Location: Lokahi Health Center, Kailua Kona, HI
Treatment of influenza A and B with elderberry has previously been shown in two small trials to reduce symptoms. To our knowledge, no clinical studies have been conducted to test the ability of elderberry to prevent influenza. We are addressing this question in the general population of West Hawaii during flu season in a randomized, controlled, double-blind fashion.
Aim 1: The primary aim of the trial is to compare the incidence of seasonal influenza during the flu season (for a 12 week period) between the treatment group and the control group.
Aim 2: The secondary aim is to compare severity of influenza symptoms in those who contract influenza during the study period.
This data collection and analysis is partially funded by Gaia Herbs. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Other studies open for recruitment
We would be happy to list studies relevant to naturopathic medicine that are open for recruitment. To be included, studies should 1) reflect naturopathic care or developments in naturopathic care and 2) a licensed naturopathic physician should have a role as as principal investigator or co-investigator. To post a study, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
