By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director
BALTIMORE, Md. – Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Integrative Health (NDMU SOIH) has a clinic unlike most traditional healthcare settings. The Natural Care Center (NCC) is not only a place where clients receive personalized, whole person care, but a place where graduate students are able to apply all they have learned at no cost to the patient.
The Natural Care Center was originally established as part of the former Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), which became the NDMU SOIH last year after it merged into NDMU. Today, following its evolution and transition to a fully online format during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCC operates as a telehealth-based academic clinic dedicated to student learning and community service.
Currently, the NCC offers services in three areas: nutrition, yoga therapy, and herbal medicine. Each appointment is conducted by graduate-level students nearing the completion of their programs. Students provide care under expert supervision and mentorship of experienced faculty clinicians, ensuring both high quality and meaningful experiential learning.
This hands-on model ensures students are not only learning—but actively practicing in real-world scenarios. “Students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in a clinical setting, which empowers them to be more confident and compassionate practitioners before they graduate,” said Dr. Michelle McNear, director of the Natural Care Center, where she manages clinical operations.
The clinic’s philosophy is rooted in integrative, evidence-based practice. Care plans are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, students are trained to examine the full picture of a client’s life — sleep, stress, digestion, movement, environment, social connections, and more — recognizing the deep interconnection between mind, body, and spirit. “Everything gets personalized,” explained Elizabeth Owens, program director for applied integrative health and health management. “We’re not just asking about food or one symptom. We’re looking at the whole lifestyle.”
The transition of exclusively seeing patients virtually has removed significant barriers to care. Clients who experience pain, limited mobility, or geographic constraints can now access services from the comfort of their own homes. The online model has broadened access for both clients and students who reside outside of Maryland.
Owens explained that the ideal client isn’t defined by a single condition or a specific diagnosis. The NCC supports individuals seeking help with digestive concerns, hormonal transitions, including perimenopause, sleep challenges, chronic pain, heart health, stress and lifestyle balance, and so much more. Many clients are seeking reassurance, preventative guidance, or a deeper understanding of their overall wellness.
“Clients receive personalized, holistic health services in nutrition, herbal medicine, and yoga therapy, treating the whole person versus just a symptom,” said Dr. McNear, NCC director. “There is a strong focus on using food as medicine, herbs as a plant-based option, and movement and breathwork to manage daily stressors.”
For anyone interested in a complimentary consultation, visit the Natural Care Center’s website to request an appointment.
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
