Since its inception in 1978, Bastyr University has been a pioneer in science-based natural medicine. Founders Les Griffith, ND; William A. Mitchell, Jr., ND; and Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., ND; along with Sheila Quinn, named the school after their beloved teacher and noted Seattle naturopathic physician Dr. John Bastyr. With just $200 in startup costs during their humble beginnings, the founders created a vision for an accredited natural health school that now is recognized as the leading health arts and sciences university in the world. Founding President Emeritus Dr. Pizzorno saw the University through some significant growth during his 22 years of service, including the move to the current 51-acre campus in Kenmore, Washington, to accommodate the growing student body. (See the Historical Milestones.) Although the school started as a naturopathic medicine college, Bastyr University now offers more than 20 degree and certificate programs. Building on its science-based foundation, the University has been the recipient of a number of multimillion-dollar research grants from the National Institutes of Health. In September 2012, the University expanded again, opening Bastyr University California in San Diego, welcoming more than 50 students to its inaugural Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine class. California’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine also offers a Master of Science in Nutrition for Wellness. In 2018, the San Diego campus is adding several new programs to its academic offerings: the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Culinary Arts, the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Human Biology, the Post-Baccalaureate in Naturopathic Medicine, and the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. We invite to you explore Bastyr University's two beautiful campuses, rigorous science-based education and incomparable community. With programs in Acupuncture, Exercise Science, Herbal Sciences, Human Biology, Midwifery, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology and Public Health, you can find where your vision combines with Bastyr's integrated approach to education, research and clinical service. Bastyr University was founded in 1978 during a difficult political climate for natural medicine. National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) had closed its Seattle branch, and Washington state legislators were threatening to eliminate naturopathic licensing since no new graduates were applying for licensure. Bastyr University has played a bigger role within medicine than any other non-allopathic institution, bringing scientific legitimacy to natural medicine. This challenge was met by three NCNM graduates, Drs. Les Griffith, William A. Mitchell, Jr. and Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr. These naturopathic physicians saw an opportunity to create a new naturopathic school in Seattle that would not only protect licensure in Washington, but also create a resurgence for the naturopathic field by building the school on a science-based foundation. "We decided to make it absolutely the best institution of learning we possibly could even imagine: the Harvard of naturopathic medicine, if you will," said Dr. Mitchell. "It was built on the best visions of what a really high-quality naturopathic institution could be." Humble Beginnings Bastyr University founders Joe Pizzorno, Les Griffith, Bill Mitchell and Sheila Quinn standing on stage together The three men met around a kitchen table to create the school of their dreams with a startup sum of $200, a gift from a grateful patient. "We dreamed of what the perfect naturopathic institution would look like — what it would need, what its focus would be," said Dr. Griffith. "We had already decided on the basic foundation — science-based and accredited." When it came to naming the school, there was no argument: They unanimously agreed to name it John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, after their beloved instructor Dr. John Bastyr. Dr. Bastyr was an early champion of science-based natural medicine and a renowned Seattle-area naturopathic physician and midwife. Their next decision — one of their smartest, they said — was hiring Sheila Quinn, a medical administrator at the University of Washington. Quinn served as the school's administrator for more than 10 years. As the fourth and final co-founder, she contributed to an endeavor that succeeded beyond their wildest hopes. "The belief was so strong it overcame all the obstacles," said Dr. Griffith. Achieving Accreditation "In many ways I consider this University to be blessed," said Dr. Pizzorno, who served as president for the first 22 years. Helping hands appeared to assist the founders in securing classroom space, accreditation, allies and advocates. By 1989, the co-founders had achieved their initial goals: accreditation (becoming the first naturopathic school to be accredited); international recognition as the leading institution of science-based natural medicine; publication of the widely acclaimed Textbook of Natural Medicine; the development of a core of highly skilled faculty; and strong community respect for the medicine. Dr. Pizzorno summarized Bastyr's achievements: "We have demonstrated that science-based natural medicine is achievable and successful in helping people. By doing it right, Bastyr has been a catalyst for the resurgence of public interest in natural medicine. So many of our graduates are actively treating people, writing good books and lecturing. We have made the world realize that natural medicine offers great value." About Dr. John Bastyr Black and white mug shot of Dr. John Bastyr laughingIn 1978, Drs. Les Griffith, William A. Mitchell, Jr., and Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., along with Sheila Quinn, decided to found a college. When the time came to name the college, the four unanimously proposed to name it after their beloved teacher and noted naturopathic physician Dr. John Bastyr. Dr. Bastyr provoked his students with his healing presence and persuasive arguments for natural medicine. Co-founder Dr. Griffith had intended to become a medical doctor, but changed his mind after getting to know Dr. Bastyr. Dr. Pizzorno was similarly influenced after he asked Dr. Bastyr if some negative court decisions would adversely affect the future of the discipline. "The truth of our medicine will always win out," Dr. Bastyr answered. "The truth of what we are doing will always survive." Early Years John Bastyr was born in 1912 in New Prague, Minnesota. The seeds of his life work blending the scientific with the natural world were planted early by his parents: His father was trained as a pharmacist and worked as a drug company representative, while his mother was interested in healthy living, nutrition, gardening, medicinal herbs and hydrotherapy. In 1928, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where John Bastyr worked at one of the many drug stores his father owned. While working at the soda fountain, he started to study the basics of botanical and homeopathic pharmacy. In 1929, he graduated from high school, and in 1931 he earned a doctor of chiropractic degree at the Seattle College of Chiropractic. Soon after, he completed a residency at Seattle's Grace Hospital and in 1936 was granted his naturopathic diploma. A Thriving Practice For the next 50 years, Dr. Bastyr helped generations of families in the Seattle area through his busy private practice. Working well into his 80s, he believed it was a physician's duty to serve patients regardless of their ability to pay or travel. To that end, he charged low fees, kept his office open extended hours and made late-night house calls free of charge. This legacy of compassion continues through the low-income assistance programs at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. Dr. Bastyr encouraged patients to take responsibility for their own health and be active in seeking wellness, following the philosophy that the patient, not the doctor, does the curing. Known to "listen with his heart," he made it possible for his patients to open up so that he could detect the real cause of an illness. He relied heavily on physical manipulation and believed that the laying of hands made cures more effective. By doing this, he developed a healing rapport with his patients, encouraging an atmosphere of trust that fostered wellness. A renowned naturopathic obstetrician, he provided comprehensive pre-and post-natal care to women and their children and managed hundreds of home births. Dr. Bastyr was a pioneer and promoter of the field of natural medicine, even during times when naturopathy was drawing fire from the allopathic community. His commitment to science-based natural medicine, stemming from his roots in pharmacy, continued throughout his career as he spent a great amount of energy researching medical literature and applying the latest findings to naturopathic principles. He also spent time verifying his results with laboratory studies. Dr. Bastyr's Commitment to Education In addition to running a full-time practice, Dr. Bastyr played an instrumental role in the development of National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM). Between 1956 and 1979, he served as a professor, board member, executive director and, eventually, president of the college. Dr. Bastyr worked at both the Portland, Oregon, campus and, for a time, the institution’s branch campus in Seattle. Dr. Bastyr also lobbied the Washington State Legislature for the recognition of natural medicine. He served two terms on the Naturopathic Advisory Committee for the Washington State Department of Health and was an honorary member until his death in 1995. By then the university named for him was well along its journey of growth, and he was assured that the principles he believed in would continue to be taught.