Dr. Noel Peterson and Teresa Shelley honored to have NUNM building named after them

New clinical facility will expand integrative medicine training, patient care, and community wellness at NUNM’s new downtown Portland campus

Key Takeaways

  • NUNM has announced the future Peterson-Shelley Center for Integrative Medicine.
  • The center will expand integrative healthcare education, clinical training, and patient-centered care.
  • The facility will be part of NUNM’s new downtown Portland campus opening in 2026.
  • The announcement honors the longstanding contributions of Dr. Noel Peterson and Teresa Shelley.
  • The project supports NUNM’s mission to advance whole-person healthcare and workforce development.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has announced that its future clinical facility will be named the Peterson-Shelley Center for Integrative Medicine, recognizing the longstanding commitment of alumnus Dr. Noel Peterson and Teresa Shelley to naturopathic medical education, patient-centered care, and the advancement of integrative healthcare.

The Peterson-Shelley Center for Integrative Medicine will serve as a cornerstone of NUNM’s continued growth and campus transformation, supporting clinical education, collaborative patient care, community engagement, and workforce development in the rapidly expanding field of integrative medicine.

Located within NUNM’s new downtown Portland campus, the future center will provide medical students with hands-on clinical training while expanding access to whole-person healthcare services for patients throughout the Portland metro region.

A New Chapter for Integrative Healthcare Education

As healthcare systems increasingly recognize the importance of prevention, personalized medicine, and interdisciplinary care, educational institutions play a critical role in preparing the next generation of healthcare providers.

“Transformational projects don’t happen without people willing to step forward at the right time,” said Carrie Baldwin-Sayre. “Dr. Peterson and Teresa Shelley have played an important role in helping NUNM move forward with confidence as we continue building a future centered on clinical excellence, student learning, and community care.”The Peterson-Shelley Center for Integrative Medicine will support interprofessional education, collaborative healthcare delivery, and expanded opportunities for experiential learning across NUNM’s academic programs.

Honoring a Legacy of Service and Commitment

Dr. Noel Peterson has remained closely connected to NUNM since graduating in 1978. Over the past four decades, he has built a distinguished career focused on regenerative medicine, integrative healthcare, and whole-person patient care while continuing to support the advancement of naturopathic medical education.

His professional journey reflects many of the values that define NUNM’s mission: treating the whole person, promoting wellness, and preparing healthcare providers to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.

“NUNM shaped the way I understand medicine and the way I serve my patients,” said Dr. Peterson. “Teresa and I believe in a future where healthcare is personal, integrative, and accessible. It’s exciting to be part of NUNM’s continued growth and the future of integrative healthcare education.”

Teresa Shelley also brings a meaningful connection to the advancement of naturopathic medicine. Her mother, Kathleen Shelley, helped champion efforts that strengthened naturopathic medical education nationwide, including initiatives supporting federal recognition of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.

Together, Dr. Peterson and Teresa Shelley have helped strengthen opportunities for future healthcare professionals while advancing access to patient-centered, integrative care.

Expanding Access to Whole-Person Healthcare

The Peterson-Shelley Center for Integrative Medicine represents more than a new building. It reflects NUNM’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to healthcare that considers the full spectrum of a patient’s physical, emotional, and overall well-being.

The center will help create new opportunities for:

    • Integrative primary care services

    • Clinical education and workforce development

    • Community wellness programs

    • Interprofessional healthcare collaboration

    • Student training and mentorship

    • Patient-centered healthcare delivery

By bringing education and clinical practice together under one vision, the center will help prepare graduates to meet growing demand for healthcare approaches that emphasize prevention, collaboration, and individualized care.

New NUNM campus healthcare facility named in honor of Dr. Peterson and Teresa Shelley

Celebrating 70 Years of Leadership in Natural Medicine

The announcement comes during a landmark year for NUNM as the university celebrates 70 years of educating healthcare professionals and advancing the field of natural medicine.

Founded in 1956, NUNM is the longest-standing accredited naturopathic medical school in North America and has educated generations of practitioners in naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, nutrition, integrative health sciences, and related healthcare disciplines.

The university’s continued investment in education, clinical training, and community health reflects its commitment to shaping the future of healthcare while honoring its longstanding tradition of academic excellence.

NUNM Opens New Downtown Portland Campus

As part of its continued growth, NUNM will celebrate the opening of its new downtown Portland campus with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House on June 26, 2026.

The event will take place from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at NUNM’s new campus located at 1621 SW 1st Avenue in Portland, Oregon.