Dr. Timothy Birdsall of Cancer Treatment Centers of America Named Physician of the Year by American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Pioneer in integrative medicine recognized for expanding the role of naturopathic medicine in cancer treatment
GOODYEAR,
The award, recently presented during the AANP’s 24th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Tacoma, Wash., recognizes Dr. Birdsall’s longstanding leadership within the AANP; legislative, policy and research initiatives; and visionary integration of naturopathic medicine into health care.
“Dr. Birdsall is an ongoing driver in the movement to advance the naturopathic profession,” said Dr. Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, president of the AANP. “We commend his efforts to expand the role of naturopathic medicine in oncology and bring the benefits of integrative medicine to cancer patients from across the country.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Birdsall, who oversees the unique care model at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), a growing network of destination cancer hospitals that combine the best traditional medical care to treat the cancer with scientifically supported integrative therapies to help manage side effects, strengthen the immune system and improve each patient’s quality of life.
“The naturopathic profession and integrative medicine community are committed to helping more and more people – the medical community and patients alike – realize the valuable role of an integrative approach to optimize health and improve overall quality of life, in cancer treatment and beyond,” he added.
“This award is a testament to Tim’s distinguished career, including his 11 years of dedication to the patients we serve at CTCA and the growth of our naturopathic medicine department to help meet their individual, whole-person needs,” said Edgar D. Staren, MD, senior vice president for clinical affairs and chief medical officer at CTCA.
The AANP Physician of the Year award joins a list of national accomplishments and appointments for Dr. Birdsall. In January 2008, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt appointed Dr. Birdsall to serve a four-year term on the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also served as Speaker of the House of Delegates and vice president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), and was the founding editor in chief of Alternative Medicine Review, the first peer-reviewed medical journal edited by naturopathic physicians to be indexed on MEDLINE. Dr. Birdsall, a sought-after presenter at medical conferences worldwide, is a member of the board of directors of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and currently serves as chair of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrative approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with advanced cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.
