The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians conference was held July 16-18 in Madison, Wisconsin, with National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) students capturing top honors, and a distinguished faculty member presenting on a key naturopathic medicine topic. Thirty NUHS students had the opportunity to participate in more than 40 educational sessions covering naturopathic medicine research and innovative practices, as well as networking with students from other ND schools and key industry figures.
Top Honors Received
In addition to cutting edge educational sessions, students participated in the annual Trivia Tournament against other naturopathic medicine schools. The NUHS team took first place in the competition for the first time in eight years. Members of the team included Latonya Brinson, Quijai Johnson, Mackenzie McCoy, Alyssa Doolittle and team captain Keyzamar Roman-Ramizer. Faculty members Lisa Glowiak, ND and Paulina Robinson, ND, MS, CNS and LDN helped coach the team to victory.
NUHS naturopathic medicine student Marie Green received the President of the Year award from the Naturopathic Medicine Student Association (NMSA).
The conference also provided social time for attendees to unwind and interact with colleagues. At the AANP + NMSA Friday Evening Social, conference goers were placed into teams, with NUHS comprising the Orange Team. Teams consisted of three students, and one to two naturopathic medicine “elders,” with elders defined as individuals serving in the profession for more than 20 years. Fun, physical timed challenges included moving jellybeans by a straw, stacking cups into a pyramid, taking a selfie with a stranger and moving cups with balloons. The NUHS Orange Team consisted of students Wylie Allen, Hassan Ramos, and Ciara Cook, with alumnus Christopher Rivera, ’24 and Dr. Bradley Bush of NCNM. The Orange Team received the GOAT award!
Distinguished NUHS Faculty Presenter
NUHS’ Lorinda Sorensen, ND, MSAc delivered a special presentation titled, Clinically Relevant Interactions & Adverse Effects in Psychopharmacology. Her session provided a physiological framework to move beyond theoretical risks and identify genuine interactions and clinical emergencies to support safer and more confident integrative mental health care. Emphasis was placed on recognizing high-risk interaction patterns and clinical red flags—such as excessive sedation, QT prolongation and unexpected changes in medication response. A key focus was placed on differentiating serotonin syndrome from neuroleptic malignant syndrome, two emergencies with overlapping clinical features.
