~ Vale ~ Dr Sandi Rogers
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Sandi Rogers on 15 July 2025, a pioneering leader, dedicated educator, and esteemed natural medicine practitioner.
Sandi served on the ATMS Board for over 20 years, including from 1994 to 2001 as President. Her leadership played a pivotal role in advancing the Society and the natural medicine profession during times of great change. She was known for her strength, innovation, and unwavering commitment to improving education and recognition for practitioners across the sector.
A passionate advocate for complementary health, Sandi was deeply committed to her patients and students. She developed and delivered numerous training programs in natural medicine and her work as an educator, public speaker, and writer leaves a lasting mark on the profession.
Professor Sandra Grace, current ATMS Board Member, reflected:
“ I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Sandi Rogers, an outstanding leader, educator, and practitioner of natural medicine. I was fortunate to serve with her on the ATMS Board and under her leadership during her term as President from 1994 to 2001. I always admired the strength of her convictions and her capacity for innovation. She championed many initiatives, including collaborations with other professional associations and establishing reflexology as an accredited modality of ATMS. I remember Sandi as an energetic and dynamic presenter, much loved by her audiences and her students. Her academic record was very impressive: she was completing her Doctorate in Education and Training during her time on the Board, and we often shared thoughts on the future direction of education for natural medicine practitioners. She leaves a substantial legacy to natural medicine and its practitioners.”
We also acknowledge the tribute shared by Maggie Sands Previous ATMS Board Director and President, who worked closely with Sandi for 15 years:
“ Sandi gave a great deal of herself personally to so many. She was deeply dedicated, resilient, and determined to advance the field of complementary health. May she now rest in peace knowing she gave her utmost.”
On behalf of the ATMS Board and our entire community, we extend our deepest condolences to Sandi’ s family, friends, students, and colleagues.
She will be remembered with immense respect, gratitude, and admiration.
The Board and Team at ATMS
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Tribute to Dr. Sandi Rogers
With great respect, I write this tribute to our past President, Dr Sandi Rogers.
Sandi joined the Board of ATMS as a Director in 1990, a day I remember vividly. From the moment she joined, she brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work in other industries. Her insight, professionalism, and unwavering commitment helped elevate both ATMS and the Board to new heights.
Her list of accomplishments was extraordinary. Sandi held the following qualifications: Advanced Techniques in Reflexognosy, Diploma of Dietetics and Nutrition, Diploma of Iridology, Diploma of Naturopathy, Diploma of Medical Herbalism, and a Diploma of Education and Training. She also earned a Master in Education and Training and a Doctor in Education from Victoria University for her research regarding natural medicine.
Sandi, along with myself and Frieda Bielik, founder of ACNT, was bestowed Life Membership to the Society in 1999. This honour reflected her exceptional service, dedication, and lasting impact on our profession.
In addition to her leadership within ATMS, Sandi was the founder of the National College of Traditional Medicine, author of many wellness and health-oriented books, creator of the Diploma of Reflexognosy, and founder of Myofunctional Equine and Canine Therapy. Sandi served on numerous ATMS committees, including the Executive Management Committee, the Regulation Committee, the Academic Review Committee, the Complaints Committee. She represented ATMS nationally and internationally during a trip to China and never hesitated to offer her time when it was needed.
Sandi was also a gifted communicator. She spoke at conferences, delivered courses to countless students, and reached even wider audiences through her own podcasts. At one time, she hosted her own television program dedicated to natural medicine and nutritious living, sharing her passion and expertise with the public.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sandi will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for those around her. She inspired confidence, encouraged others to reach their potential, and approached every challenge with compassion and grace. Her legacy is not only in the work she accomplished, but in the countless lives she enriched along the way.
128 | vol31 | no3 | JATMS