Belonging is an essential component to a healthy and happy life. This has never been so evident in our lifetimes as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, however, we could have predicted the devastating effects of social isolation using evidence from life-expectancy and all-cause mortality studies, psychological and neurological studies, and elsewhere. Still, there are opportunities from having this knowledge, both for our personal well-being and that of our patients, and also for the long-term health of our profession. We are all Stronger Together.
Dr. Greg Yasuda is a 2003 graduate of Bastyr University. He has been in private practice since that time and became a faculty member at Bastyr in 2008, where he has mostly taught physical medicine and naturopathic philosophy. Currently, he is the Associate Dean of Academics, as well as clinical and didactic faculty. In every role, he places a strong emphasis on holism, helping students and patients capitalize on their unique strengths in navigating their journeys toward health and healing.
In 2016, he delivered a keynote for the Bastyr faculty development retreat on Belonging and has lectured on the topic in philosophy courses. He has also been active in related efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the school. He views diversity as a strength-giving opportunity to be navigated for the benefit of all.
*Certified by the WANP for 1 Category 1 continuing education credit for Washington NDs*
(Originally presented October 17, 2021)