FEATURED STORY
Passion for Learning
Dr . Alwazan ’ s Passion for Learning Motivates Her to Complete Three Degree Programs at National University
Tiffani Alwazan , DC , ND , LAc , first considered a career in holistic medicine as a family and marriage therapist . One of her patients with oppositional defiant disorder was later diagnosed with diabetes , a condition she believes worsened their mental health .
“ That ’ s when I started to consider there may be a deeper mind-body connection that should be taken into account ,” said Dr . Alwazan , who has a Master ’ s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary , along with training as a chaplain .
When Dr . Alwazan began using acupuncture for pain relief after injuries from a car accident , she knew it was a field she had to pursue . With an interest in the concept of nature ’ s cure , Dr . Alwazan also wanted to explore naturopathic medicine . National University of Health Sciences , one of the only schools in the country to offer both degrees , was the perfect fit .
The university ’ s dual degree program , which allows students to transfer credits from one degree toward a second degree , offered Dr . Alwazan lots of flexibility to complete both programs at a pace she found manageable and not overwhelming . She started the naturopathic medicine program parttime , completing her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2019 and her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in 2022 .
“ Starting the dual degree program parttime helped ensure adding this discipline would be a good fit for me and my vision ,” she said .
While working in the integrative health clinic , the Whole Health Center in Lombard , experienced faculty , who often have backgrounds in multiple fields , helped her discover yet another health discipline : chiropractic medicine . She recently graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in April 2024 .
“ Witnessing how clinicians integrated chiropractic into patient care motived me to continue my education even further ,” she said .
She plans to use chiropractic medicine to help her patients with pain and healing by strengthening and improving function through exercise recommendations .
“ I ’ ve always enjoyed learning ,” Dr . Alwazan said . “ The challenge and rigor of National University ’ s programs is what has helped keep me engaged and wanting to continue learning as much as I can .”
While completing her chiropractic degree , she operated a practice in Elgin three to four days a week . Now that she has graduated , she operates her practice full-time in Lombard . In addition , she plans to conduct research regarding acupuncture and its effectiveness on conditions other than pain such as autoimmune disorders and Bell ’ s palsy .
For other students considering National University of Health Sciences ’ dualdegree program , she recommends making goals that are attainable and allowing them to be present for each task at hand .
“ I divide up my schedule carefully week by week ,” she said .
At her practice , her background in therapy and mental health will continue to be useful , particularly when it comes to listening to and understanding her patients .
“ It ’ s a tool that will certainly help me in building rapport with patients and treating the whole body ,” she said .
6 ALUMNEWS / SUMMER 2024