University of Michigan Integrative Medicine (MIM) originated from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center (CAMRC), founded in 1998. CAMRC was a National Institute of Health (NIH)/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) funded center grant to study complementary and alternative therapies for cardiovascular disease. After the completion of the three clinical trials funded by the center, the addition of an educational program, and the addition of an integrative clinic; CAMRC was reformed as MIM. There are three naturopathic physicians (ND’s) involved with UMIM research; Sara AlRawi, Lisa Canar, and Suzanna Zick. Below are their biosketches containing their educational and professional backgrounds, their current positions and activities, as well as, their future research interests. 

Sara AlRawi, ND MPH 

Dr. AlRawi received her bachelor degree in biology and psychology from the University of Michigan. She then went on to pursue a naturopathic medical degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine completing her training in 2004. Upon completion of her naturopathic medical training, Dr. AlRawi received her Masters of Public Health in Human Nutrition as well as Reproductive and Women’s Health from the University of Michigan. Her clinical experience includes training at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic as well as the Sherbourne Health Center- providing naturopathic care to people living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. AlRawi presently works at the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Research Center where she is collaborating in cancer prevention research. Dr. AlRawi is also in clinical practice in both Warren and Ann Arbor, Michigan.  

Lisa Canar, ND 

Dr. Canar received her bachelor degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois. After working in the natural products industry for five years, she went on to pursue naturopathic medical training at Bastyr University in Seattle, completing her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001. She worked in private practice for three years before moving to Ann Arbor to begin a post-doctoral research fellowship with the UM Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is currently designing cancer prevention research for affiliated Community Clinical Oncology Program sites. Her research interests include nutritional and botanical interventions for cancer prevention. 

Suzanna M. Zick, ND MPH

Dr. Suzanna M. Zick received her bachelor degree in biology and anthropology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She then pursued a master’s degree in medical anthropology from Michigan State University before moving to Portland, Oregon where she received her naturopathic degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Zick also has received her Masters of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Michigan. She started practicing naturopathy including herbalism in Ann Arbor in 1997 before helping to found the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center at the University of Michigan. Dr. Zick’s research interests include epidemiological, preclinical and clinical trials investigating botanical medicines and Diet for cancer prevention. She recently was a co-principal investigator on a recently completed clinical trial examining the effects of hawthorn for individuals with congestive heart failure. Dr. Zick is currently examining the effect of several doses of ginger on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. She is currently beginning work on a retrospective cohort trial in Ontarian breast cancer survivors looking at the effect on quality of life and tumor reoccurrence in women using an herbal compound called Essiac. Dr. Zick is also beginning to examine the ability of licorice and ginger to prevent colorectal cancer.