From July 16-18, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) connected hundreds of licensed naturopathic doctors, students and supporters of whole-person care (and our robust virtual platform) at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, WI for the AANP 2026 Annual Convention. The AANP deliberately selected Wisconsin this year as the host state, as it was the most recent state to license naturopathic doctors; a milestone that underscores the growing, nationwide demand for patient choice and access to naturopathic care. This year’s theme, One Gathering. Endless Impact., captured the spirit of the weekend: like a single pebble dropped into still water, the connections made and knowledge gained at the AANP 2026 Convention ripple outward into patients’ lives, communities, and the future of naturopathic medicine.
“The profession gathered at a moment of extraordinary opportunity,” said AANP President Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA. “After decades of advocacy, the health care policy landscape is finally beginning to prioritize prevention, clinical nutrition and lifestyle medicine—the very principles that have anchored naturopathic practice for centuries. That shift is coinciding with rising consumer demand, as more patients seek greater choice and more options rooted in whole-person health.” Yet alongside this momentum, the profession also faces unprecedented challenges to its continued growth, including the Department of Education’s recent rule excluding naturopathic doctors from the definition of a professional degree, which cuts in half student access to federal loans and stands incompatible with rising patient demand. “That’s exactly why this year’s Convention was so critical,” Dr. Patterson continued. “It gave our leadership, through the Naturopathic Coordinating Council, alongside practicing doctors from across the country, the chance to align on a path forward.”
Attendees and Naturopathic Coordinating Council (NCC) leaders described the policy as directly at odds with the rising public demand for naturopathic care, evidenced by the broader shift toward prevention-focused medicine, and committed to advocacy and legal strategies to protect the pipeline of future naturopathic physicians.
That same commitment to strengthening the profession carried through the Convention’s educational programming. Among this year’s programming highlights, the AANP hosted its specialty affiliate groups to offer a series of Featured Sessions led by subject matter experts from across the community. Also new this year was an Ask Me Anything: Business Expert Panel and Roundtable Discussion, bringing together industry leaders and experienced entrepreneurs to share proven strategies for building, growing and sustaining a thriving practice. Through open dialogue, real-world case studies, and hands-on discussion, attendees gained actionable insights into practice management and leadership, whether just starting out or looking to elevate an established practice.
Of course, no AANP Convention would be complete without time to connect and unwind. On Friday evening, attendees once again joined forces with the Naturopathic Medical Student Association (NMSA) for the AANP + NMSA Friday Evening Sunset Social on the shores of Lake Mendota, where teams of established physicians and aspiring students competed for the coveted prize against a backdrop of stunning lake views, live music and camaraderie.
Attendees also gathered for the Naturopathy Around the Globe Mixer, hosted by the AANP Global Health Committee. The in-person event brought together students, internationally practicing NDs, and U.S.-based physicians passionate about global health to exchange ideas and forge new connections.
The celebration continued into Saturday night with the Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony, where the AANP honored those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment to the profession. Over the three-day event, the AANP awarded the following:
- Corporation of the Year Award: Kibow Biotech
- Physician of the Year: Joseph Pizzorno, ND
- Champion of Naturopathic Medicine: Roland Gahler
- True Grit Award: Todd Robinson, ND, FABNO & the Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association Legislative Team
- The Vis Award: Greg Yasuda, ND, VNMI
- Louisa & Benedict Lust Award: Noel Peterson, ND, DAAPM
- President’s Award: Mary Bove, ND, RH (AHG) (posthumous)
The AANP now looks ahead to its next annual gathering, taking place July 22-24, 2027, in Boise, ID.
For more information, visit www.naturopathic.org.
