ND, FABNO
Naturopathic Provider
I want my patients to know that, with me, your questions will always be answered.
Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ
City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago, Chicago, IL
Naturopathic Oncology - American Board of Naturopathic Oncology
Michael Walker, ND, FABNO, joined City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago and City of Hope Cancer Care Downtown Chicago in March 2024 as a Naturopathic Provider. In this role, he offers evidence-informed guidance in integrative, whole-person cancer care. A fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology, he has practiced since 2015, working to optimize care and outcomes for patients facing all types of cancer, with a special interest in hematologic malignancies.
Frequently, patients seek Walker’s help to strengthen immune function, to decrease side effects of cancer treatment, to gain or lose weight, to address gastrointestinal issues, to improve surgical and wound healing, and to manage quality-of-life concerns related to sleep, energy, mood and more. Working with his patients and other experts as a team to develop a comprehensive care plan, he advises them about the safety and efficacy of herbs, nutrients and food-based and lifestyle approaches—ensuring the compatibility of natural agents with other medications used in treatment.
Joining City of Hope Chicago represents a homecoming for Walker, who completed his residency in naturopathic oncology there and remained as a staff provider for an additional six months. He collaborated closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other providers to offer the best-possible cancer care, gaining valuable experience assisting patients with blood cancers, including those undergoing stem cell transplantation.
His choice to return as part of the cancer center’s strong naturopathic oncology team was influenced by what he already knew about the culture at City of Hope Chicago.
“There’s a tight communication process here,” he said. “That makes a big difference in both diagnostic efficiency and how responsive we are to patients’ needs.”
Walker earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) in Tempe, Arizona. After his residency training and earlier stint on City of Hope Chicago’s staff, he served cancer patients in Southeast Michigan in private practice, as a senior naturopath at an area cancer center and on the clinical faculty at Oakland University William Beaumont Medical School. He has been a board member of he Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Outside of City of Hope, Walker enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, running and going on road trips.