Jorge Luis Morales, an NUHS student in the naturopathic program, was among a group of naturopathic doctors, educators and students selected by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) to advocate and raise awareness about the profession in Washington D.C. this month.

Jorge Luis Morales, an NUHS student in the naturopathic program stands in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Morales met with four legislators and discussed expanding Medicaid coverage for naturopathic doctors, at the state and federal levels. He also discussed expanding health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) coverage for supplements beside over-the-counter medications. 

Left to right: Baron Glassgow, Executive Director of Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association; Dr. Nichols; Alex Fink, Legislative Assistant; Dr. Julianna Dudas; Dr. Jessica Mitchel, Dean of Naturopathic Medicine at Sonoran University; Jorge Morales, NUHS student

As part of an AANP DC Federal Legislative Initiative (FLI), Morales completed leadership and advocacy training focused on teaching naturopathic doctors and students how to use their voice to advance naturopathic medicine and transform healthcare policies. 

Morales hopes to encourage other students to participate in advocacy efforts.  

“After participating and having the opportunity to sit and talk to congressmen and legislators; I came to realize that this was important for the advancement of the naturopathic profession,” Morales said. “I plan to take advantage of the momentum to educate and motivate my fellow classmates to come and participate in federal legislative initiatives next year.” 

Left to right: NUHS student Jorge Morales; National University of Natural Medicine students Kaitlyn Luft and Renee Jonas.