Sonoran University Launches Inaugural Clinical Center of Excellence for Oncology Patients

New Model of Integrative Care Aims to Innovate, Provide Outstanding Patient Experiences

TEMPE, AZ, UNITED STATES, September 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Sonoran University of Health Sciences is excited to announce it has launched a new model of integrative care that brings together expert clinicians, advanced students, research, and innovation in areas where naturopathic medicine can make the greatest impact. The first Clinical Center of Excellence for Integrative Oncology is led by Dr. Eliot Edwards, a licensed naturopathic doctor and fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology with more than 24 years of clinical experience.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Edwards to Sonoran University in a leading role where his deep understanding of conventional cancer care allows him to help patients safely combine evidence-informed natural medicine with traditional Western treatments,” said Dr. Jessica Mitchell, vice president of Naturopathic Medicine. “Our goal in creating the Clinical Centers of Excellence is simple: to become known as a place where patients in need can receive high-end integrative medical experiences in specialties that often lack access to naturopathic providers.”

Dr. Edwards’ experience in oncology is expansive, most notably serving more than eight years in the Naturopathic Medicine Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, where he collaborated with medical oncologists to optimize his patients’ quality of life. In 2017, he founded Northwest Naturopathic Oncology in Portland, Oregon where he practiced until 2026. He helps patients understand their diagnosis, the therapies recommended by their oncologist, and evidence-informed options for supportive care, that include nutrition and lifestyle interventions, nutritional and botanical supplements, and select adjunctive therapies.

“I've spent much of my career helping cancer patients navigate treatment using approaches that support their health and quality of life,” Dr. Edwards said. “The Clinical Centers of Excellence provide an opportunity to expand that work in a setting focused on high-quality, evidence-based care and collaboration across disciplines. I was excited to join this initiative because it brings together the expertise, services, and resources needed to better support patients while continuing to advance the field through research and education.”

The Centers of Excellence differ from Sonoran University's existing clinical offerings and traditional teaching clinics by providing a higher-end experience, with very selective student participation and care led primarily by physicians. The university also plans to conduct research and publish findings through these centers to contribute to new knowledge and treatments for patients. Future Centers of Excellence will be selected based on areas where Sonoran University excels and where funding opportunities exist. Women's health will launch next, focused on menopausal and perimenopausal women, followed by environmental medicine.

If you're interested in scheduling a consult with Dr. Edwards, please call 480-970-0000. Individuals, companies and organizations interested in monetarily supporting future Sonoran Centers of Excellence can email development@sonoran.edu to learn more about becoming a donor.

To keep up-to-date with the Clinical Centers of Excellence, visit patients.sonoran.edu/clinical-centers-of-excellence/. For more information on Sonoran University, please visit sonoran.edu.

About Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health’s evidence-based program offerings shape a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals.

Serving the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local under-resourced communities. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition provides personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art laboratory seeking to improve therapies for global health concerns. The University’s Clinical Care branch operates open-to-the-public clinics and Medicinary, Arizona’s largest natural pharmacy. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare to patients seeking evidence-based complementary services. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management.


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Ivana Morales
Evolve PR & Marketing
ivana@evolveprandmarketing.com