Fort Collins Naturopathic Doctor
Jason E. Barker Biography
A 5th generation Coloradan and Fort Collins registered naturopathic doctor, I grew up skiing, climbing, running and mountain biking along the Front Range and in the Rockies. I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the Copper Mountain ski patrol in Colorado after earning my Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Medicine, with a Minor in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Colorado State University.
I completed my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona in 2001.
Following completion of school, I spent an additional 2 years in a residency program at the National University of Natural Medicine's Family Practice Residency program in Portland, Oregon. As of this year (2022) I've been in practice for 21 years, 13 of them in Fort Collins.
Following residency, I completed additional postdoctoral training at Oregon Health & Science University earning a Certificate in Clinical Research and as a junior investigator at Helfgott Research Institute. I now serve as a clinical consultant to the nutraceutical and sports medicine industry. I've authored numerous articles for the journals Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Natural Pharmacy and The Townsend Letter, and am the co-author of the book "Herbs and Nutrients for the Mind: A Guide to Natural Brain Enhancers".
I also lecture internationally on natural medicines, and have been interviewed on radio programs across the country. I am available for consulting to the nutraceutical and sports medicine industries for natural product creation and education, and proactive health classes for schools, businesses, sports teams, and sports store clinics.
Currently, I'm a recreationally competitive cyclist and a two-time Ironman triathlon finisher. When I'm not training I enjoy spending time with my family and running around in the Rocky Mountains.
My Education
Dr Jason Barker Curriculum Vitae
I completed my pre-medical studies at Colorado State University and I earned my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Following completion of school, I spent an additional 2 years in residency at the National University of Natural Medicine’s Family Residency program in Portland, Oregon.
This was a 10-year period of rigorous study; upon graduation I was eligible to sit for state naturopathic medical board licensing exams. In the U.S., 16 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands extend licensing to naturopathic doctors. All states require graduation from an accredited 4-year, in-residence naturopathic medical school and must pass postdoctoral board examinations before receiving a license or registration to practice naturopathic medicine.
In addition, each state mandates yearly continuing education requirements for licensed and registered naturopathic doctors. I maintain a current, active registration to practice in the State of Colorado and an active current license in Oregon.
I encourage potential patients to understand the differences in education and training between licensed Ft Collins naturopathic doctors and those people calling themselves naturopaths that were "creatively educated" via correspondence courses. The most effective way to discern whether a person has the proper training to call themselves a naturopathic doctor is whether they attended one of the accredited 4-year naturopathic medical schools that award the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in the United States:
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona
- Bastyr University (Washington & California)
- National University of Naturopathic Medicine in Oregon
- University of Bridgeport in Connecticut
- National University of Health Sciences in Illinois
Otherwise, I encourage the reader to visit the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors’ website for more information on this subject.
