About Us
The Alaska Association of Naturopathic Physicians is a professional membership association representing Alaska naturopathic doctors (ND’s). The AKANP is incorporated as a mutual benefit 501 (c)(6) nonprofit corporation. We can be reached at 907-745-3999, fax: 907-745-3916.
Executive Committee:
Jana Nalbandian, ND
AKANP President
Jana Nalbandian graduated with her Naturopathic Medical Degree from Bastyr University in 1989, and has more than 20 years of experience in practicing and teaching in Naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Nalbandian received her pre-med training in Texas and spent four years in the United States Air Force as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Dr. Nalbandian practiced in Seattle since 1995 both in private practice and as a clinical faculty member at Bastyr University. At Bastyr University, Dr. Nalbandian taught many of the clinical skills courses. While at Bastyr, Dr. Nalbandian was the Department Chair of Clinical Sciences, Director of Clinical Skills evaluation of students and recently the Naturopathic Midwifery Program Director.
"I enjoy learning who my patients are and their specific needs, focusing my treatments on the whole person and not just the symptom picture"
Dr. Nalbandian is a Primary Care Naturopathic Doctor in Family Medicine taking care of patients of all ages and health concerns. Over the years Dr. Nalbandian has developed an expertise in Women's Healthcare including the treatment of menopause, irregularities in menstruation and PMS. Besides women's issues, Dr. Nalbandian has spent many years studying and treating the following conditions; allergies, food sensitivities and intolerances, gastrointestinal disorders and endocrine issues including thyroid and adrenal dysfunction and blood sugar dysregulation including Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes.
Her personal healing philosophy involves finding the underlying cause and taking time to teach her patients about their health, treatment options and ways to make necessary life changes. She describes her approach as: "Gentle; I meet each patient where they are on their journey toward wellness and treat each patient as an individual."
Dr. Nalbandian has lectured extensively throughout Washington State including yearly lectures and panels at the University of Washington on Naturopathic Medicine approaches to Women's Healthcare and Fibromyalgia. Over the years, Dr. Nalbandian has lectured on Cardiovascular disease in Women's healthcare, Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes, and lectures and interviews on diet and nutrition.
Daniel J Young, ND, LAc
AKANP Vice President
Daniel J. Young ND, LAc. graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 1992 and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 1993. Dan complimented his studies in TCM with a trip to Harbin, China, where he worked in a hospital with expert physicians in Acupuncture and Chinese botanical medicine. His undergraduate degrees are in premedical Zoology and English Literature. Dan taught undergraduate medical anatomy for three years and has contributed to publications on that subject. During medical school Dan taught anatomy lab, hydrotherapy and became the Director of the Medicinary for NCNM's teaching clinic in Portland.
Upon his return from China, Dan set up a very successful family practice in Chandler, Arizona, where he practiced for three years. During this time he was appointed Director of the Medicinary for the new Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (SCNM) in Scottsdale where he established a "state of the art" natural pharmacy for the teaching clinic. He also taught various classes on oriental medicine at SCNM and was offered the position of Dean of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Instead he got married and moved to Eagle River, Alaska and established Eagle River Naturopathic Medical Center, Inc. in 1995. In 2007, Dan established the Center for Natural Medicine Inc., a family practice that blends naturopathic medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has served the Eagle River and surrounding areas for 16 years.
In 2001, Dan was subpoenaed by the Division of Occupational Licensing for recommending natural thyroid. He successfully defended his position that resulted in his case being closed with no formal reprimand in 2003. Dan was a key player in the development of legislation that would ensure that naturopathic doctors in Alaska could practice commensurate with their education, refer to themselves as physicians, prescribe natural substances and perform minor surgery. Unfortunately, that legislation did not pass but he remains committed to the current cause.
Dan is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Alaska Association of Naturopathic Physicians where he has served in various leadership positions including Vice President. He is also certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and is a member of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and The Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of Alaska where he has served as interim president and Vice President. In addition, Dan has served on the board of the Northwest Naturopathic Physician’s Convention for 15 years. Dan has appeared on Good Morning America and CBC Prime Time Live.
He lives in Chugiak with his wife Jennifer and blended family of 9 children. Dan holds black belts in three styles of jujitsu and trains twice a week. He also teaches Muay Thai boxing. In addition to practicing medicine, Dan loves family, hockey, skiing, his 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and spending time in the Great Alaskan wilderness.
Amy E Chadwick, ND, RYT
AKANP Secretary
Growing up in Idaho, Amy moved to Alaska for her undergraduate education, already on the path toward medicine. After obtaining a degree from the University Alaska Fairbanks in Biology with a minor in English, Amy was married and spent several years working in Stony River, a remote Alaska village and Soldotna, Alaska working in business, education and social/psychology services.
Amy attended National College of Natural Medicine, graduating with high honors in 2006, interning in women’s medicine and chronic disease. Returning to Alaska, Amy and Michael settled in Palmer where she opened Soaring Crane Natural Health Center. Amy directs a thriving clinic and practices family medicine.
Amy is also an avid yoga practitioner and teacher. She and her husband enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, archery, yoga, reading, writing, cooking, games and cozy evenings spent at home. Amy is deeply committed to her own journey of wellness, presence and service.
Amy is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Alaska Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Amy speaks locally in her community on topics such as nutrition, flower essence therapy, staying well, endocrinology, pediatric care and women’s health.
Kirsten Nielsen, ND
AKANP Treasurer
A Maryland native, Dr. Nielsen received her undergraduate training in biology with a minor in comparative religion at the George Washington University (Washington, DC). After four years researching new chemotherapy treatments at the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and completing graduate coursework in biomedical research at Hood College (Frederick, MD), she pursued her doctorate in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University (Seattle, WA). While at Bastyr, she conducted and presented research on the immune effects of medicinal mushrooms.
After completing her residency at the Alaska Center for Natural Medicine in Fairbanks, AK, Dr. Nielsen continues her private practice in the same clinic. She works with patients of all ages in the greater Fairbanks area to help them create optimal health. She has special clinical interests in lifestyle medicine, chronic illness prevention, blood sugar conditions, cardiovascular conditions, weight management, emotional wellness, and reproductive health. Dr. Nielsen enjoys volunteering her time organizing events to support local organizations, including the Fairbanks Co-Op Market and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She also participates in a vitamin D public health education campaign through the Alaska Center for Natural Medicine. Dr. Nielsen authored several research publications, as well as an article for the public in the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of Alaska Wellness Magazine.