The NHAA created SIGs in recognition of the importance of creating opportunities for our members to engage with their peers, both professionally and socially. SIGs allow members to focus on areas of professional passion and specialisation with like-minded peers. SIGs are designed to nurture community spirit and connection among practitioners via a combined focus on specific topics of interest. SIGs are smaller groups within our association that provide a forum for dynamic discussions on clinical experiences, ideas exchanges, best practices and the latest research in their devoted topics of interest.
Each SIG is chaired by a member who is both an expert in their field and deeply passionate about the specific topic. Our SIG chairs are of exceptional calibre and integrity, and they bring highly specialised expertise to their respective disciplines.
We are extremely proud to be the only professional Association for Naturopaths and Herbalists in Australia to offer dedicated SIGs to our members.
Joining an NHAA SIG will offer you an opportunity to:
- Expand your professional network and connect and collaborate with colleagues who share your interests,
- Develop your professional skills and contribute to your Association, the Naturopathic and Herbal medicine professions, and the future of your special interest
- Gain access to information and resources relevant to your area of interest, and enhance your knowledge, skills and career aspirations through continued education and learning opportunities.
Our SIGs include:
- Community Health: promotion of inclusion, diversity, equity and access to herbal and naturopathic healthcare to underserved communities – chaired by Sonya Byron.
- Environment and Sustainability: Education and advocacy surrounding the sustainability of herbal supply chains and environmental sustainability as it relates to naturopaths and herbalists – chaired by Dr. Sue Evans.
- Herbal and Naturopathic Research: NHAA’s Research Capacity Building Grants support crucial research in naturopathy and herbal medicine and the future of the profession – chaired by Dr. Joanna Harnett.
- Herbal Medicine: For herbalists and those interested in the promotion of Western herbal medicine as a specialty; its history, practice, research, and more – Awaiting new chair.
- Natural Disaster: The provision of herbal and naturopathic healthcare to communities impacted by natural disasters – awaiting new chair.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health: Sharing expertise and resources to strengthen patient care in relation to sexual and reproductive health and promoting the value naturopaths and herbalists bring this field – Tristan Carter.
- Technology and AI in Naturopathy: Exploring the ethical application of technology in naturopathy. Supporting practitioners through AI-driven tools, and ensuring our profession remains contemporary and relevant in the ever-changing healthcare landscape – chaired by Sophia Silchenko.
- Industry Affairs: A forum to discuss, and act upon, issues within the industry which impact upon the practice of herbal and naturopathic medicine – chaired by Despina Lord.
- Gastrointestinal: This special interest group is developing best practice guidelines for gastrointestinal health – chaired by Chantel Yates, Linda Spirou, and Talia West.
- Breastfeeding, Infant and Maternal Health: This special interest group aims to align NHAA practice with the WHO breastfeeding guidelines and support practitioners working with mothers, infants, and children – chaired by Dawn Whitten and Charlotte Ingham.
- New Graduates: Designed to support naturopaths and herbalists in their first five years of practice thorough mentoring, education, and community relationship building – chaired by Megan Russell, Nicole Ward, and Francesca Panzironi.
- Naturopathic Professionals in Industry: This forum is designed for practitioners to explore industry pathways, ask practical questions and learn from one another’s experiences while fostering a stronger bridge between clinical practice and the broader corporate sector – chaired by Roberta Barbiellini
We encourage you to register for any SIG of interest to you today. You will then be contacted with further information about the group/s of interest to you. You can register your interest by clicking the button below.
We’re looking forward to you joining us for SIGs!
NHAA Members only.