Bastyr Alumna Dr. Wendy Weber Appointed Director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Published August 26, 2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has officially named Bastyr University alumna Dr. Wendy J. Weber, ND, PhD, MPH, as the Director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

This historic appointment places a visionary clinician-researcher and Bastyr graduate at the helm of the federal government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and integrative health approaches.

A Foundation Rooted in Integrative Medicine and Science

Dr. Weber's journey reflects the powerful intersection of clinical natural medicine and rigorous health research that defines Bastyr University. After earning her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree from Bastyr, she completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Washington.

Throughout her career, Dr. Weber has championed the rigorous evaluation of natural therapies and whole-person health approaches. Her clinical research background includes spearheading clinical trials evaluating botanical medicines and complementary therapies for pediatric conditions, demonstrating a career-long dedication to building a robust evidence base for integrative care.

Leading the Future of Whole-Person Health at the NIH

Dr. Weber has served at NCCIH for over a decade in key leadership roles, including Director of the Division of Extramural Research and Acting Deputy Director. She also led the NCCIH's Clinical Research Branch, overseeing both its establishment and subsequent growth. During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in shaping national research initiatives, such as the NIH-DoD-VA Pain Management Collaboratory and the multi-institute Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory. She also led the Helping to End Addiction Long-term® (HEAL) Initiative, which evaluates nonpharmacological approaches to pain management and is designed to enhance pain management and improve prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction. Dr. Weber's management of clinical trials has driven real-world advancements in nonaddictive pain management, such as acupuncture and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

As Director of NCCIH, Dr. Weber will oversee the agency's broad research portfolio dedicated to defining the usefulness and safety of complementary and integrative health interventions and their roles in improving health outcomes across diverse populations.

A Lifetime of Dedication to Research

Prior to joining NIH as a program director in 2009, Dr. Weber conducted clinical research of complementary health interventions at Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

As a faculty member at Bastyr University, Dr. Weber conducted clinical trials of botanical interventions, including Echinacea for the common cold. She was the first naturopathic physician to receive an NIH career development (K) award, which supported her clinical trial of St. John's Wort for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Dr. Weber is a licensed naturopathic physician. She earned her N.D. from Bastyr University, Kenmore, followed by a Master of Public Health and PhD from University of Washington, Seattle. This combination of clinical training in naturopathic medicine and doctoral-level research training in epidemiology gives Dr. Weber a rare dual perspective, bridging complementary health practice with rigorous scientific methodology.

An Inspiration to the Bastyr Community

Dr. Weber's appointment is a proud milestone for the entire Bastyr University community, illustrating the vital role our graduates play in advancing public health, clinical research, and national healthcare policy.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wendy Weber on this well-deserved appointment as she continues to lead the national dialogue and scientific exploration of whole-person health.