About Us
What is the WYANP?
The Wyoming Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WYANP) was founded in 2018 and is part of the larger national American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) representing Naturopathic Doctors both licensed and seeking licensure. The WYANP increases awareness of and expands access to Naturopathic Doctors, helps its members build successful medical practices, and expands the body of naturopathic medicine research. We are on a mission to enhance human health and wellness by advancing the profession of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic Doctors guide their patients through effective prevention and management of disease and empower their patients to experience optimal health and wellness through application of conventional medical and natural approaches, ranging from nutrition and lifestyle change to targeted use of botanical and pharmaceutical medicines.
Members of the AANP and WYANP are students and graduates of four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical programs at naturopathic colleges, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to practice, AANP and WYANP members have passed a national professional competency exam and meet annual continuing education requirements.
Our more than 1,500 members practice naturopathic medicine, which combines centuries-old, natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in medicine and covers all aspects of health, from prenatal to geriatric care. Naturopathic medicine focuses on the root cause of health conditions, rather than treatment of symptoms, and customizes treatment to each individual patient.
Naturopathic Doctors are prevention specialists: they emphasize prevention and self-care to ensure recovery and prevent recurring health challenges. In America, it is undisputed that:
- About half of all adults – 117 million+ people – have one or more chronic health condition(s);
- Seven of the top 10 causes of death in 2010 were chronic diseases;
- Many chronic health conditions are caused by health risk behaviors that can be modified;
- In 2018, most of the health care costs in this country –upwards of 90% – were for people with one or more chronic, potentially preventable diseases.
*Source and for further information: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/costs/index.htm.
Preventative Care
WYANP Board of Directors
SHAWN PALMER, ND
President
Shawn Palmer is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Laramie, Wyoming. He completed undergraduate studies in science at Colorado College and graduate studies at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Palmer completed his N.D. training at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, OR. At NUNM, Dr. Palmer was instructed in how to assess a patient's health from several different points of view and then improve a patient's health using a broad range of therapies including nutrition, supplements, western herbs, homeopathy, and hydrotherapy. Visit his website here.
WENDY GEBHART, ND, MSOM, LAc
Secretary
Wendy Gebhart is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and licensed Acupuncturist. She attended undergraduate school at Augustana College graduating Cum Laude with a double major in biology and psychology. She received her graduate studies from the National College of Natural Medicine from 2000-2006 earning a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine. She has been in private practice in Lander, Wyoming since that time. Her focus is general family medicine where she uses the combination of both science based and traditional Naturopathic and Chinese medicine to educate, support and treat each patient as an individual. Visit her website here.
MONIQUE LAI, ND
Treasurer
Monique Lai has been in private practice for twenty two years, with nineteen of those years in Wyoming. She is a 1996 graduate from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has written articles for her local newspaper and her practice focuses on the total aspect of a person - body, mind, and spirit. Her main treatment interests include nutrition, botanical medicine, Chinese medicine and homeopathy. Over the years she has enjoyed her work. She takes the time to listen, tailors the treatments to the needs of the individual and fully acknowledges the benefits of working with other health care providers. Visit her website here.
Learn more
Naturopathic medicine has the potential to transform the health care landscape in this country from a pharmaceutical-based, sick care model to a patient-centered, holistic wellness model that improves the quality of life for millions of patients while saving taxpayer dollars. Learn more from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) here.