Alyson Zimmerman is a fourth year Naturopathic Medical Student at the National University for Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. She moved from the Midwest to Portland in 2021 to start her career in naturopathy. Prior to ND school she studied nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she first realized her love for utilizing food as medicine. After that she worked as a medical assistant and health coach in a private medical practice in downtown Chicago. There is where she learned how to do IV therapy and help coach patients to utilize food and dietary changes to their advantage. All of this background helped Alyson land in Portland, OR to begin her pursuit of naturopathic medicine. Since being in medical school, Alyson has found a love and passion for all things gastroenterology related, including the relationship between gut health and brain function. When Alyson isn’t about school or in clinic, you can find her traveling to see friends and family, adventuring with her pup, listening to vinyl, cooking meals, and exploring Portland’s awesome food scene. She is looking forward to another year with NMSA!