Dr. Joel Wallach is both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Science of
Agriculture from the University of Missouri.
Dr. Wallach has worked as a research veterinary pathologist with a variety of organizations, including: The National Institute of Health; The Center for the Biology of Natural Systems; Washington University of St. Louis, Missouri; and the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center of Emory University.
Having identified monkeys as the first animal models for cystic fibrosis he found that he could reproduce their condition at will because it was a nutritional deficiency. His find offered great promise for children with the disease, but when he made it public the institute fired him on 24 hours notice. Chagrined and perplexed, Dr. Wallach made the decision to go to medical school so he could treat children with cystic fibrosis himself.
Realizing that traditional medical school was likely to be as repressive as the National Institute he accepted an invitation to teach nutrition at The National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Oregon, not even knowing what a naturopathic doctor was. When he learned that he could be a primary care physician, deliver babies, sew up chainsaw wounds, write prescriptions and get paid by insurance--all through a program that encouraged interest in nutrition--he simultaneously enrolled as a full-time student. Soon people were flocking to the college clinic.
Doctor Wallach's innovative slant is derived from his background in veterinary
medicine. Lacking an "animal health insurance" profit motive, animal products
such as meat and dairy are kept affordable by preventing and curing diseases with
nutritional formulas in animal feed. When Dr. Wallach started incorporating similar
nutritional formulas with people, word got out that "if you're not happy with
your doctor you can go see Doctor Wallach. He'll treat you like a dog, but you'll
get better."
1962
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Major in Animal Husbandry (Nutrition)
• Minor in Field Crops and Soil
• University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.
1964
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.
1966-68
Post-doctoral fellowship
• The Center for the Biology of Natural Systems
• Washington University, Barnes Hospital
• St. Louis Zoological Gardens, Missouri
• Shaw’s Botanical Gardens, Missouri
1982
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
• The National College of Naturopathic Medicine - Portland,
Oregon
1988
Recipient of the 1988 Wooster Beach
Gold Medal Award
for significant breakthrough in the basic understanding of
the cause and pathophysiology of Cystic Fibrosis awarded by the Association
of Eclectic Physicians.
Science of
Agriculture from the University of Missouri.
