NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Richelle Nielsen
(425) 602-3107

RENOWNED MEDICAL RESEARCHER AND AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT BASTYR'S SPRING GRADUATION

Wayne B. Jonas, MD, health policy advisor on the Wellness Initiative for the Nation (WIN), to speak at June 22 commencement exercises

May 12, 2009 (Kenmore, Wash.) — Bastyr University is pleased to announce renowned speaker, author and advisor Wayne B. Jonas, MD, as the keynote speaker at the University’s 28th annual commencement exercises to take place at 1 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

Dr. Jonas is the president and chief executive officer of the Samueli Institute, a nonprofit scientific research organization in Virginia that investigates healing processes and their applications in promoting health. He is widely known for his work as the Director of the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the late 1990s and for his current role as an advisor to the government. His experience includes work as a practitioner, administrator, speaker, peer reviewer and author of books and scientific articles on conventional and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics.

"In my estimation, there is no more credible example of an 'integrated' practitioner than Dr. Jonas," says Daniel K. Church, PhD, Bastyr University president. "He has earned the respect of scholars and practitioners in both allopathic and natural medicine, and he has long been an admirer of Bastyr University. I know those in attendance will be challenged and inspired by his remarks. You will want to be present to hear our distinguished speaker and witness this important rite of passage for our more than 250 spring graduates."

Under Dr. Jonas' leadership, the Samueli Institute has committed significant resources to the understanding of what conditions create optimal healing environments. His current research interests include projects on Information Biology, the placebo effect, cancer, the biological effects of low level toxin exposures (hormesis), homeopathy, spiritual and "energy" healing, and the quality of research on health outcomes.

Bastyr University 's spring graduation ceremony is free and open to the public. For answers to event-related questions, call (425) 602-3000.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural health arts and sciences education. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, the University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of ancient healing methods and traditional cultures from around the world. Today, Bastyr University is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the United States, combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training.

The University offers Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in exercise science and wellness, health psychology, herbal sciences, nutrition, nutrition and culinary arts, and a dual major in nutrition and exercise science. Graduate programs include naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, nutrition, and nutrition and clinical health psychology. Student clinical training takes place at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle's Fremont/Wallingford neighborhood and at many external sites throughout the region. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org.

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