San Diego, Calif. (February 7, 2013) — Bastyr University California has named Erica Oberg, ND, MPH, as the director of clinical services at Bastyr University Clinic, gaining an influential leader in integrative medicine.
As a researcher and professor at Bastyr University in Seattle, Dr. Oberg led groundbreaking research into naturopathic medical care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, attracting research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In San Diego, Dr. Oberg will lead Bastyr University Clinic, an integrative primary care clinic that has grown faster than expected since opening in Sorrento Valley in fall 2012. She will help the clinic develop its focus on chronic disease, women's health and treating the underlying causes of disease.
"We're able to offer patients a place where they can learn more about prevention and wellness and how to feel well in their day-to-day life," says Dr. Oberg. "I'm thrilled to be contributing to the preeminent clinic for integrative medicine in Southern California."
Bastyr University Clinic serves as the teaching clinic for students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at Bastyr University California. The University is also developing partnerships with UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine and the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
"With our focus on prevention and health promotion, we are preparing students to be an important part of the health care team," says Dr. Oberg. "We are training students in the best of evidence-based medicine as well as the ancient wisdom of healing traditions. I'm happy to be working toward that vision."
Dr. Oberg says she was drawn to the new campus because of the tremendous energy among the faculty and this year's inaugural class of medical students. Joining a new university and clinic allows the chance to train students to be leaders in transforming health care she says. It also will allow her to continue a beneficial combination of research and treating patients.
"I've always balanced research and patient care," says Dr. Oberg, who previously held a private practice based at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. "My research background helps me ensure I'm delivering evidence-based care to my patients. Working with patients makes sure we're keeping our research focused on issues that matter to patients."
Dr. Oberg graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle in 2003 and completed an accredited residency at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. She completed a master's in public health from the University of Washington in 2007 and an NIH-awarded post-doctoral fellowship in 2009. Her current research includes an investigation into biological markers of homeopathy and a clinical outcomes study of naturopathic care.
"Dr. Oberg's young career already demonstrates what health care can be at its best: compassionate, scientifically rigorous, and attentive to the wisdom of diverse healing traditions," says Moira Fitzpatrick, PhD, ND, FICPP, CHT, vice president for Bastyr University California. "I'm excited for students who will learn from her, and I'm excited for patients who will receive her care."
About Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located near Seattle, Washington, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture & Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego, California, in fall 2012, becoming the state’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.
