Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine opens state-of-the-art research facility

If You Develop It They Will Come

In order to be available to those who want this kind of medicine here we will help to provide this research of natural products.”

--- Bill Chioffi

By Benjamin Garcia
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Since early April, Tempe-based Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences is operating the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research.

The college recently received a generous donation from Ric Scalzo --- local founder of Gaia Herbs --- to fund the building and operations of a new analytical lab. The lab will serve as a study and research more natural substitutes for human medicine, officials there say.

The college has two master’s programs in nutrition, which are all online-based. On-campus, the school features a four-year degree program. Students can also expect a hands-on approach at SCNM when learning about botanical research.

Bill Chioffi, vice president of strategic partnerships and business development at the Ric Scalzo Institute of Botanical Research, spoke on what the college will bring to the community.

“We want to fully elevate the botanical medicine industry and continue to more fully develop methods for botanical research. We want to contribute to botanical dietary supplements for the natural products industry,” he said.

One of the main goals of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences is to provide information on botanical medicine for the public and for those interested in natural remedies.

“The main reason for doing this is the lack of research in the United States on botanical medicine in general,” Mr. Chioffi said. “In order to be available to those who want this kind of medicine here we will help to provide this research of natural products.”

Mr. Chioffi aims to develop the Ric Scalzo Institute of Botanical Research as a fundamental piece of Tempe’s health industry for years to come.

“The public reaction has been very supportive. The scientists are very excited because they are unpacking the most modern new equipment to help with their research every single day,” he said. “There is a lot of excitement, the potential to contribute to botanical research in the community is something we are thrilled about.”