Bio-Sketch of Robert Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath and Scientist

Robert Thiel, Ph.D. is not a medical doctor, nor does he portray himself as one. He is a nationally recognized nutrition researcher, scientist, naturopath, and a natural health consultant. He believes that clinical science demonstrates that through nutrition and lifestyle changes, the body can heal itself of both chronic and acute ailments; and that for congenital disorders, symptoms associated with them can often be reduced or eliminated.

Dr. Thiel first became interested in natural health in the early 1970s when he suffered from problems which the medical profession was unable to identify or properly treat. After a close relative received a diagnosis that indicated she had a 90% chance to die within five years (she is still alive 16 years later), he began his formal studies into the areas of natural health, naturopathy, and nutrition. These studies included both traditional and non-traditional approaches. He began to use Reflex Nutrition Assessment in the late 1980's and has completed accredited training in the use of this type of technique. He possesses a fully accredited Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nutrition Science from the Union Institute and University, a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine/Doctorate in Natural Health from First National University of Naturopathy (of the United States School of Naturopathy) the nation's oldest and only federally-chartered naturopathic university), a Naturopathic Diploma from the International College of Naturopathy (a California State approved institution), an M.S. from the University of Southern California, and four other degrees. His wife, Joyce, is also involved with natural health and possesses a B.S. in Nutrition.

Dr. Thiel has been registered as a naturopath by the Federal District of Columbia. He is licensed as a naturopathic scientist by the State of Alabama. He is licensed as a naturopath by the State of North Carolina. He holds a license as a naturopathic physician from Bingham County, Idaho. The State of California (which does not have licensing for traditional naturopaths, scientists, or nutritionists) awarded him an Instructor Credential in Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Thiel was nationally board certified as a naturopathic physician by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification and Accreditation Board. He is also past president of the California State Naturopathic Medical Association. Dr. Thiel was chairman of the Committee on the Development of ANMCAB's Certification Examination and was a member of the Council on Immunology/Oncology/Hematology/Vitamins of the American College of Nutrition.

He is a prolific researcher and has over 60 technical papers published. He has written several books including Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century is his first which is available to the general public. Dr. Thiel's research in the area of nutritional and herbal supplementation on improving t-lymphocyte counts on those with compromised immune systems captured the attention of the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, all of which concluded his research had "significant scientific merit".

In 1996, he was contacted by a doctor who was assisting part of the US Olympic beach volley ball team because of his (Dr. Thiel's) work in developing a nutritional endurance product. Thiel has also advised numerous athletes on how to improve performance, endurance, and recovery times.

In 1998, he was named Research Scientist of the Year by the American Naturopathic Medical Association. In 1999, he was named Physician of the Year by the American Naturopathic Medical Association. In 2001, he was named Disability Researcher of the Year by the American Naturopathic Medical Association. In 2002, he received the Leadership Award from the Orthomolecular Health-Medicine Society for his research on Down syndrome. In 2003, he successfully foiled an attempt by some affiliated with the pharmaceutical industry to take control of vitamins and herbs.

In addition to performing research, Dr. Thiel conducts private holistic counseling in his office in Arroyo Grande, California (805 489-7188) (which is located in the County of San Luis Obispo). This counseling is oriented towards health improvement, health strengthening, nutrition/natural health education, and the prevention of health problems. This counseling normally involves the use and role of diet, herbs, glandulars, homeopathics, vitamins and other nutrients, and sometimes other approaches to natural health. Dr. Thiel's clinical success rates have been nothing short of phenomenal. A summary of eight published studies (involving 700 plus subjects and multiple ailments) revealed that an astonishing 98.42% of those who followed his natural health recommendations reported at least some improvement within 1-90 days! In February 2000, Back to Herbs declared, "Dr. Thiel has the highest overall clinical success rate of any natural health practitioner in the United States."

Dr. Thiel has found that natural approaches to health, including nutrition, can be an important contributor to health and well being. He believes that through naturopathy, people can make tremendous differences in their own health and quality of life. However, he has learned that it is extremely important to individualize recommendations (as opposed to making recommendations for specific disease conditions). Dr. Thiel believes that his high clinical success rate's are the result of following that philosophy. In addition to being the founding director of the Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation, Dr. Thiel was co-director of the Center for Natural Health Research, a non-profit organization which supplied research and other items for those interested in natural interventions.

Dr. Thiel is not a medical doctor. None of this research is medical advice, nor should it be construed as medical advice; nor is any of this information specific for any individual.