Championing preventative healthcare through advocacy and action

Professor Jon Wardle

At the heart of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) is Professor Jon Wardle—a tireless advocate for health reform and the Centre’s Foundation Director. As the Maurice Blackmore Chair of Naturopathic Medicine, Jon’s leadership has shaped NCNM into a world-class institution, uniting internationally recognised researchers to push the boundaries of naturopathic education, research, and policy.

But Jon’s impact reaches far beyond academia. He is a driving force in reshaping how healthcare is delivered in Australia and around the world.

“Our mission is to contribute meaningful solutions to healthcare needs through naturopathic education, research, and advocacy, in communities throughout Australia and worldwide. We not only define new standards of naturopathic education and research, but enrich practice, professional standing, and empower future leaders in healthcare.” 

The call for improvement of healthcare policy

Jon’s advocacy mission is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: people deserve to be empowered in their own healthcare journeys. Through his work with national and international policy bodies, and as editor-in-chief of leading journals like theInternational Journal of Naturopathic Medicine and Advances in Integrative Medicine, Jon is advancing the recognition of naturopathic medicine as a core component of preventative healthcare.

In 2020, Jon played a key role in developing the Self-care for Health: A National Policy Blueprint, launched by Australia’s Health Minister. The report outlines a transformative vision for healthcare—one where individuals are supported to take charge of their health, and practitioners are equipped to guide and educate with compassion and evidence-based care.

“What matters to us is that we change the conversation on health. It's not just about treating illness. It’s about equipping people to be active participants in their own wellbeing.” 

This philosophy is deeply woven into the fabric of naturopathic medicine. Principles like Docere—doctor as teacher—and the emphasis on health promotion and low-intervention care form the foundation of NCNM’s work. Through Jon’s leadership, the Centre is advancing this vision by:

• Creating accessible, evidence-based resources to build public health literacy and self-care capacity.
• Co-designing digital health tools with patients to ensure they are user-friendly, trustworthy, and effective.
• Training the next generation of health professionals in cross-disciplinary approaches that prioritise prevention, empowerment, and person-centred care.

Jon and his team are working alongside institutions like the Mitchell Institute to ensure self-care isn’t just an individual responsibility—but a supported, systemic priority.

This is where you come in

Your donation helps Jon, and the Centre continue this vital work—advocating for a future where healthcare is proactive, inclusive, and empowers every individual to live well. With your support, we can expand our research, reach more communities, and develop the next generation of health leaders.

Donate today to support Jon’s vision—and help build a healthier future for all.

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