NUHS Celebrates Fall 2024 Graduates

On December 13, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of its Fall 2024 graduating class. Sixty graduates received diplomas in chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, advanced clinical practice and biomedical sciences.

Alumna Kristine Tohtz, DC, '01; DABCA; MSAc, '14; LAc; CACCP; Certified MDT, delivered the commencement keynote address. In her address, Dr. Tohtz encouraged graduates to build meaningful connections that will last a lifetime. "Smart hard work counts," she said. Other keys to success she shared were to show up on time, look people in the eye, shake their hands, listen more than you speak, never stop learning, support your colleagues, give back, join your associations and surround yourself with people who will only lift you up. "Connections are why we are here," she concluded.

Dr. Tohtz teaches continuing education to health care practitioners of all types on the topics of acupuncture, dry needling, pregnancy, nutrition and pediatric care and has earned a certification through the world-renowned Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). She also is a practicing chiropractic physician and acupuncturist through the Veteran's Administration in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Valedictorians of the bachelor of science in biomedical sciences, master of science in acupuncture, chiropractic medicine and naturopathic medicine programs shared their words, memories and insights.

Angel Ruiz, valedictorian for the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program shared his father's advice when he urged his fellow graduates to remember, "Nothing nice comes easy to those who don't work hard," and to spend time with those who love you most.

Elizabeth Rivera-Melo, valedictorian for the Master of Science in Acupuncture class spoke of uplisting life experiences, including why she decided to pursue acupuncture (it alleviated her own acute pain when nothing else could), and challenged her classmates to contemplate, "Whose lives are WE going to change?"

Carly Sidor, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine valedictorian urged her classmates to remember the "Why" when reflecting on why they chose to pursue chiropractic as a profession. "The answer will help you stay resilient," she said. "When we are aligned with a purpose, it is impossible to fail."

Paul Randel Grinter, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine valedictorian prompted his fellow graduates to remember the 2 Cs of great science: curiosity and courage. "Curiosity has changed the world; it is your curiosity that brought you to National University. What makes you a doctor, no matter what comes, is that you have the courage for whatever comes before you - and you will make a difference."

In his concluding remarks, Joseph P.D. Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC and President of NUHS recalled a moment when he was once speaking with a colleague about what makes National University of Health Sciences alumni different than the rest: "Our students come to us as smart, motivated individuals," Dr. Stiefel said. "They know it's their job to make people better. We simply give them the tools needed to succeed."

On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of National University of Health Sciences, congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduating class!

Esse Quam Videri

GRADUATES OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM

Isaac Albor

Angel Ruiz

Miranda Pearl Steponik

GRADUATE OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE PROGRAM

Celine Jamieson

GRADUATES OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM

Kiley Kelly

Elizabeth Rivera-Melo

Kathryn Rohrer

GRADUATES OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORIENTAL MEDICINE PROGRAM

Michelle Mathew

Kristine D. Plasky

Lingman Sun

GRADUATES OF THE DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM

Jacinda M. Lisi

Sarah L. Montesa

GRADUATES OF THE CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE PROGRAM

Sean Michael Alexander

Karim Hani Bakir

Mackenzie Elizabeth Bard Gomez

Faith Renae Bartle

Matthew Edward Beyer

Randi Nicole Birr

Hunter Bollinger

Mariah Leann Brown

Adam Chase

Leslie Lee Chisholm IV

Elena Cecilia Cirillo

Dylan Orion Christian Clausen

Daniel Cutter

Taite Anna Daisey

Bernard K. Eshun

Maria Camila Espinal

Elizabeth Francis

Josselyn Gomez Sandoval

Bryane Heaberlin

Rachel Ann Higginbotham

Jimmi J. Kultschizky

Zachery Main

Molly Ann Mulcahy

Claudia Marie Pedro

Yael Porat

Syed Quddoos

Mya Jae Reese

Emma Rohrer

Megan Royall

Carly Sidor

Samah Slim

Denasan Spalla

Justin J.E. Stair

Kimi Sarah Fujiwara Stuckey

Joseph Tate

Kyle William Thompson

Thomas Grey Walden

Jacob D. Weaver

GRADUATES OF THE NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE PROGRAM

Lauren Dixon

Melanie Gray

Paul Randel Grinter

Cynthia Hart

Alicia Johnson

Jack Merlo

Bianca Patel

Mauricia Danyé Richardson

Kathryn Rohrer

Stephanie Zaverdas

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