Saturday, January 10, 2026

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Leonard Weinstock, MD, FACG

"Herban Legends and Clinical Pearls in the Female Reproductive Materia Medica"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

This lecture will review the role of endorphins in humans. The history of naltrexone and pharmacokinetics will be explained. Reports of the outcome of naltrexone in GI diseases will be reviewed. Dosing and side effects will be reviewed.

Bio: Dr. Leonard Weinstock was born and raised in New York and moved to St. Louis in 1985. Dr. Weinstock received a BA Magna Cum Laude from University of Vermont and the medical degree from University of Rochester School of Medicine. He completed his postgraduate training and was chief resident in Internal Medicine at Rochester General Hospital. His Gastroenterology Fellowship was performed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Dr. Weinstock is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. He is president of Specialists in Gastroenterology and the Advanced Endoscopy Center. He is an investigator at the Sundance Research Center and the Clinical Research Practice and has participated in many independent and pharmaceutical research studies.

He is actively researching mast cell activation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), restless legs syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. He presented several lectures in Oregon at the first SIBO symposium and in France at the International Rosacea Study Group. He is actively researching the role of LDN in several medical syndromes. Dr. Weinstock is an active lecturer and has published more than 130 articles, abstracts, editorials, and book chapters.

Brian Keenan, ND, DOM, LAc

"Sick to My Stomach: Managing GI Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications with Botanicals"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, often carry gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. These symptoms can significantly impact adherence, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes. This presentation will explore evidence-based botanical strategies to alleviate GI side effects associated with psychiatric pharmacotherapy. We will examine pharmacological mechanisms, safety considerations, potential herb-drug interactions, and practical clinical applications for integrating botanicals to improve digestive comfort in patients using psychotropic medications.

Bio: Dr. Keenan is a naturopathic doctor whose goal is to serve as many people as he can through the utilization of mind-body practices, botanical medicines, and targeted nutraceutical supplementation when needed. He sees healing as a collaborative journey between patient and practitioner.

The most common conditions he sees involve stress management, nutritional counseling, weight loss, digestive problems, insomnia, metabolic and endocrine diseases, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Additionally, he has experience in pediatrics, specifically working with children over the age of 4 in issues such as eczema and psoriasis, digestion concerns, and some auto-immune conditions. Furthermore, he utilizes cranio-sacral treatments to help balance the mind, body, and spirit, which he sees as deeply connected.

He is passionate about working in collaboration with your care team to find the root cause of illness, address it, and watch as you to go after your unique passions and lead the life you want to lead! Furthermore, he is diligent about staying current on the latest research and clinical trials in complementary medicine and practices holding both ancient wisdoms and current scientific evidence in both hands as he treats you as a unique individual in body, mind, and spirit with your own preferences and desires for care. He is an expert and educator in herbal medicines having taught at Bastyr University for 5 years on the subject and utilizes herbs extensively in his practice. When he is not in the office, it’s a solid bet he is walking in the woods or by the sea, rain or shine.

Paul Anderson, ND

"Pharmacology for GI Infections"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Gastrointestinal infections cover the spectrum of infectious organisms. In this session we will review the categories of anti-infective pharmaceuticals, their indications, cautions, and prescribing parameters.

This session will also speak to the common issues around drug side effects and interactions for these commonly used agents.

Bio: Dr. Anderson is a recognized educator and clinician in integrative and naturopathic medicine with a focus on complex chronic illness, and cancer. In addition to three decades clinical experience, he also was head of the interventional arm of a US-NIH funded human research trial using IV and integrative therapies in cancer patients. He founded Advanced Medical Therapies in Seattle, Washington, a clinic focusing on cancer and chronic diseases and now focuses his time in collaboration with clinics and hospitals in the US and other countries. Former positions include multiple medical school posts, Professor of Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine at Bastyr University and Chief of IV Services for Bastyr Oncology Research Center. He is co-author of the Hay House book “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” with Dr. Mark Stengler, and the Lioncrest Publishing book “Cancer… The Journey from Diagnosis to Empowerment.”. He is also co-author with Dr.’s Osborne and Carter of the IV textbook “A Scientific Reference for Intravenous Nutrient Therapy”. He is a frequent CME speaker and writer and has extended his educational outreach creating an online CE website “ConsultDrA.com” and Advanced Applications in Medical Practice (AAMP) conferences. AAMP is dedicated to bringing next level learning to healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills in a CME approved format.

Natalie Gustafson, RPh, PharmD

"Trust Your Gut… and Customize It: Compounding for the GI"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

When it comes to gastrointestinal care, one-size-fits-all rarely fits. From visceral hypersensitivity to excipient intolerance, many patients struggle with standard commercial therapies for conditions like IBS, IBD, functional dyspepsia, and chronic nausea. This session explores how naturopathic physicians can support personalized GI care using compounding with low-dose neuromodulators, antispasmodics, and dosage form flexibility. We'll also review personalized therapies—like low dose naltrexone (LDN), bismuth subnitrate with alpha-lipoic acid and DMSA, microdosing for neuromodulation. This practical talk highlights compounding strategies that naturopathic physicians can use to expand their GI tool kit.

Bio: Natalie Gustafson, PharmD, specializes in a holistic approach to medicine, with a focus on how compounded medications can help accomplish this goal. She’s been published in NDNR, where she discussed optimal thyroid management, and has been an invited speaker for the Integrative Dermatology Symposium, National University of Natural Medicine, the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Central Oregon Health Council, Hawaii Doc Talks, the British Columbia Naturopathic Association and Institute of Women’s Health & Integrative Medicine to name a few. During the day, she can be found practicing as a compounding pharmacist and ensuring compliance and quality, where she is the owner and Director of Pharmacy at Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy. In her downtime, she enjoys practicing yoga, puzzling and taking pictures of cats.

Carmelo Scarpignato, MD, DSc, PharmD, FRCP, FCP, FACG

"Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers: A Step Forward in the Treatment of Acid-Related Diseases"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Acid suppression therapy has revolutionized the management of acid-related disorders since the introduction of H₂-receptor antagonists (H₂RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, several unmet needs in anti-secretory therapy have become increasingly evident—particularly in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, protection against aspirin (ASA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced injury, and the treatment of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. These limitations are largely due to the inability of conventional agents (H2RAs and PPIs) to achieve consistent acid suppression in all patients and, in particular, to effectively control nocturnal acid secretion. It soon became clear that a longer and more sustained acid suppression could yield additional therapeutic benefits. In parallel, growing concerns have emerged regarding the long-term safety of antisecretory drugs.

Over recent decades, new-generation PPIs have been developed, including dexlansoprazole modified release (MR) and instant-release omeprazole (IR-omeprazole). Other innovations—such as metered-release formulations (e.g., Durasec™) and novel compounds like tenatoprazole—have demonstrated superior control of intragastric pH, particularly during nighttime. The most significant advance, however, has been the introduction of potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs). These agents inhibit the K⁺,H⁺-ATPase enzyme by blocking the K⁺ channel, providing food-independent, reversible, and rapid-onset acid suppression with a prolonged and consistent elevation of intragastric pH.

Currently, four P-CABs—vonoprazan, tegoprazan, fexuprazan, and keverprazan—are available, although only two are approved outside Asia. Vonoprazan is marketed in North, Central, and South America, whereas tegoprazan is currently available only in Latin American countries. Two additional compounds, linazapran glurate and zestaprazan, are under clinical development. While clinical trials in GERD have been conducted with all P-CABs, only vonoprazan and tegoprazan have been evaluated as components of H. pylori eradication regimens. Available data indicate that, in these two indications, P-CABs demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy to PPIs. Their short-term safety

Bio: Carmelo Scarpignato graduated in Biochemistry at the University of Messina, and in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Modena in Italy. He is currently Professor of Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, LUdeS Lugano Campus, Switzerland & United Campus of Malta, Msida, Malta as well as Associate Professor of Gastroenterology at University of Nantes. He is also Honorary Clinical Professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong and Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist & Gastroenterologist. He has been Visiting Professor at some prestigious European and USA Universities.

Professor Scarpignato’s main research interests focus on digestive clinical pharmacology, gastrointestinal motility, and upper GI pathophysiology as well pain medicine. He has authored more than 500 publications (of which 350 are full papers or book chapters) on these topics and has also edited 28 books on clinical evaluation of GI function and on Pharmacology & Therapeutics of Digestive Diseases. He is or has been on the editorial boards of Pharmacology, Gut, Digestion, Digestive Diseases, Current Gastroenterology Reports, Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, BMC Gastroenterology, BMC Medicine, World Journal of Gastroenterology, American Journal of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety and Current Clinical Pharmacology, amongst others. He is also a Section Editor (GI and Liver Pharmacology) of Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology and of Gastroenterology International, and has been co-Editor of two prestigious book series, Frontiers of Gastrointestinal Research and Progress in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Professor Scarpignato is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London), the American College of Physicians, the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, the American College of Gastroenterology and of the American Gastroenterological Association. In addition, he has been recognized Fellow of the European Board of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, besides being member of several national and international scientific societies, including the New York Academy of Sciences and the EU Academy of Sciences. After 20 years of serving as Secretary General, he is currently At-large Member of the Governing Board of the World Organization for Specialized Studies on Diseases of the Oesophagus (OESO) and Past Governor for Italy of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). His biography has been included into the 2009-2010 Edition of Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.

Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP

"Proton Pumpaganda"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Did you know that taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus a statin creates high risk for C. diff diarrhea even in patients who are not taking antibiotics?

Join me for a discussion of all the major risks and benefits of PPIs.

According to a 2023 systemic review of PPI use, clinical guidelines recommend the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration (generally 4–8 weeks). This systematic review observed PPIs being prescribed in higher doses (63.7% of total users) and for longer periods (≥ 1 year: 25.1% of total users). Of long-term users, 65.5% continued for up to 3 years, and 27.8% continued for over three years.

Although generally considered safe for short-term use, evidence of serious side effects with long-term use include increased risk of pneumonia, enteric infection, bone fracture, gastrointestinal tract cancers, and reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Bio: Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis has been a practicing naturopathic physician since his graduation from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 1978. He has been a clinical supervisor and professor since 1996, specializing in Naturopathic gastroenterology and is licensed to practice in California and Oregon. His private practice is at Hive Mind Medicine in Portland, Oregon (www.hivemindmedicine.org).

Sandberg-Lewis is a popular international lecturer at functional medicine seminars and webinars and is frequently interviewed on issues of digestive health and disease.

His medical textbook is Functional Gastroenterology: Assessing and Addressing the Causes of Functional Digestive Disorders, Second edition, 2017. His newest book, Let’s Be Real About Reflux: Getting to the Heart of Heartburn, is written for both health practitioners and patients. It is a deep dive into underlying mechanisms and natural treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. It is available at functionalgastroenterology.com and all major bookseller websites.

Dr. Sandberg-Lewis lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, Kayle. His interests include mandolin, guitar and voice; birds and bicycling; writing and lecturing.

Megan Taylor, ND, FABNG

“A Secreta-what? Pharmacology for the Management of Adult Constipation”

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Adult constipation continues to be a leading concern among patients presenting to Naturopathic Physicians. Available pharmacological treatments have gown tremendously over the last decade, but much prescribing remains in the hands of GI specialists. This talk will review the various pharmacologic approaches to addressing constipation in adults, including dispelling some long-standing myths associated with the use of stimulant laxatives, dosing tips, and troubleshooting adverse effects.

Bio: Dr. Megan Taylor is a Naturopathic Doctor and Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. Dr. Taylor practices Naturopathic Gastroenterology for adults and pediatric patients at Neighborhood Naturopathic & Primary Care, her clinic in Seattle, WA where she also hosts a residency site. Dr. Taylor earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. She completed two years of post-graduate residency training in primary care and naturopathic gastroenterology, and is well-versed in the evaluation and management of digestive conditions, including common co-occurring conditions such as hEDS, MCAS, Long-COVID, and dysautonomia. Dr. Taylor serves as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, teaching the gastroenterology curriculum. She also teaches course series in Advanced GI topics for practitioners throughout the year at megantaylornd.com. She is a proud member and former board member of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (GastroANP.org)

Ilana Gurevich, ND, LAc, FABNG

"Bridging the Gap: A Naturopathic Update on Conventional IBD Prescribing"

1.5 Pharmacology (Total 1.5 CE)

Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) requires a nuanced understanding of both conventional prescribing and integrative strategies. This session explores the full spectrum of conventional IBD medications—from NSAIDs and corticosteroids to immunomodulators and the wide array of biologics. With a naturopathic lens, we’ll review mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, limitations, and adverse effect profiles, while highlighting how these therapies can intersect with functional and holistic care. The goal is to equip naturopathic and integrative providers with practical knowledge to better collaborate with gastroenterologists, optimize patient safety, and bridge the gap between conventional prescribing and naturopathic support.

Bio: Dr. Ilana Gurevich is a board-certified naturopathic gastroenterologist and a fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology, as well as a licensed acupuncturist. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in oriental medicine in 2008. Practicing in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Gurevich runs a thriving gastroenterology-focused private practice, specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), SIBO, and other functional GI disorders. She co-hosts the popular integrative gastroenterology podcast, "The Turd Nerds."

A respected speaker, Dr. Gurevich lectures extensively on both conventional and natural approaches to gastrointestinal health. She is a dedicated mentor within the naturopathic and functional medicine community, consulting with physicians and supervising residents in managing complex GI cases. Dr. Gurevich has been recognized as one of Portland’s "Top Docs" by Portland Monthly in 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2021. In 2022, she received the Borborygmus Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians for her contributions to the field.