Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc
Heads American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

January 4, 2010
For Immediate Release

Family practice naturopathic doctor
represents a new type of primary care provider.

On January 1, 2010 Dr. Carl Hangee-Bauer, a licensed naturopathic doctor from San Francisco, California, became the President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Hangee-Bauer takes the helm at a critical time, as the country struggles with rising health care costs, skyrocketing rates of chronic disease, and a looming shortage of primary care providers.

"I am excited and honored to lead the organization through these challenging times," said Dr. Hangee-Bauer. "As a family practice doctor, I know first hand how the primary care system is failing patients. What we need is a health care system that truly encourages wellness – through preventing disease, teaching healthy lifestyle habits, and empowering patients to take charge of their health."

Dr. Hangee-Bauer is licensed as a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in California, and has a long history as a naturopathic advocate. A 1984 graduate of Bastyr University, Dr. Hangee-Bauer founded San Francisco Natural Medicine in 1989. He was instrumental in achieving the 2003 legislation approving licensure of naturopathic doctors in California. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger subsequently appointed Dr. Hangee-Bauer to the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Council where he served as Chairperson from 2004-2008.

“Dr. Hangee-Bauer’s practice is a new model of primary care,” said Karen Howard, Executive Director of the AANP. “Patients don’t need to rely on MDs and DOs to solely meet their health care needs – they should be able to choose from the millions of licensed health care professionals that can provide primary care services. Unfortunately, there is a divisive movement afoot to limit the scope of trained health care professionals, which is at odds with what is best for patients.”

Naturopathic Doctors are general practitioners who are experts in alternative medicine. They are trained at four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical schools that are accredited by the United States Department of Education. Fifteen states, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands regulate naturopathic medicine. Learn more at the AANP website.

Contact: Jenna Huntsberger
(202) 237-8150
Jenna.huntsberger@naturopathic.org

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is a professional association that strives to make naturopathic medicine available to every American, and to increase recognition of naturopathic physicians as the identified authorities on natural medicine.