Hayleigh K. Ast

Biography and Expertise of Hayleigh K. Ast

Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast is a forward-thinking physician-scientist committed to building a robust evidence base for naturopathic and integrative medicine in pediatric care. Her expertise bridges the gap between traditional healing principles and advanced scientific methodologies, such as multi-omics analysis. This unique combination allows her to investigate complex interactions within the pediatric gut-brain-immune axis, particularly for children with neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Her work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” By leading clinical trials that analyze how micronutrient supplementation affects the gut microbiome, Dr. Ast provides the scientific validation required to integrate these therapies into mainstream health systems. Consequently, her research supports the Gujarat Declaration’s call for science- and evidence-informed policies. Her focus on child health also aligns with the “TCIM Across the Lifespan” axis, highlighting the importance of early-life interventions for long-term well-being.

Beyond her research, Hayleigh K. Ast serves communities directly as a pediatric naturopathic doctor in a rural, non-profit clinic. This clinical practice informs her research questions and ensures her work remains grounded in the real-world needs of patients and families. Therefore, her career exemplifies the congress motto, “Knowledge Diversity,” by skillfully blending clinical wisdom, advanced science, and a commitment to global public health.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast shows a rapid progression into leadership roles in clinical practice, research mentorship, and health policy. Her career is characterized by applying scientific rigor to naturopathic medicine and ensuring its accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. This path integrates patient care, scientific inquiry, and public health advocacy.

Each position has built upon the last, developing a comprehensive skill set that makes her an effective leader in integrative medicine. Her experience is a model for physician-scientists aiming for a global impact.

• 2024–Present: Co-Chair, Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, World Naturopathic Federation. She leads a global team creating a formal evidence map on antimicrobial resistance for the WHO, directly influencing international health policy.
• 2023–Present: Medical Lead Coordinator, Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies Inc. She directs the medical team at an integrative, rural non-profit clinic, managing complex pediatric cases with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
• 2023–Present: Postdoctoral Scholar, T32 Fellowship, Oregon Health & Science University. This prestigious fellowship supports her advanced research into the gut-brain-immune axis in pediatric health.
• 2023–Present: Mentor, National University of Natural Medicine. Supervises and trains the next generation of researchers in analyzing and interpreting complex fecal metabolomic data from pediatric clinical trials.
• 2021–2023: Resident Naturopathic Doctor, UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. This residency provided intensive clinical training within a leading academic integrative health center.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast‘s academic foundation was meticulously constructed to support her dual identity as both a clinician and a scientist. Her education began with a deep dive into the biological mechanisms of the brain and nervous system, which provided the scientific language to later investigate the principles of naturopathic medicine with precision and clarity. This deliberate academic journey reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence.

This comprehensive training allows her to navigate the worlds of conventional and integrative medicine with equal fluency. Therefore, her qualifications are essential to her success in designing and executing research that is respected by both disciplines.

• T32 Postdoctoral Scholar | Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (2023–Present): A highly competitive, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded training position for promising researchers, focused on her work in pediatric psychoneuroimmunology.
• Resident Naturopathic Doctor | UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, Irvine, CA (2021–2023): Completed a rigorous postdoctoral clinical residency at a major university, specializing in integrative approaches to patient care.
• Naturopathic Doctor (ND) | National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR (2016–2020): Earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine, providing her with a comprehensive education in evidence-based natural therapies and holistic patient management.
• Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience | Allegheny College, Meadville, PA (2012–2016): Established a strong foundation in the sciences with a degree focused on the complexities of the brain and nervous system.

Pioneering Research in Pediatric Integrative Medicine

Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast is a leader in the scientific investigation of integrative therapies for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research is centered on untangling the complex relationships of the gut-brain-immune axis. She employs cutting-edge techniques, including microbiome and metabolomic analysis, to understand how nutritional interventions can create measurable biological changes and improve clinical outcomes in children with conditions like ADHD.

Her work is published in respected, peer-reviewed journals, contributing vital data to the field. For instance, her upcoming publication in *Gut Microbes* details specific changes in the gut microbiome following micronutrient supplementation in children with ADHD. This type of research provides the mechanistic evidence needed for healthcare providers to confidently incorporate nutritional strategies into treatment plans. Beyond this, her contributions to a placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry* further solidify the evidence for this approach.

The research conducted by Hayleigh K. Ast is not merely academic; it is translational. By identifying the biological pathways through which integrative therapies work, she helps move these treatments from the margins to the mainstream of pediatric care. Her leadership in clinical trial operations, from protocol development to data interpretation, ensures the highest standards of scientific quality in all her projects.

Leadership in Global Health and Policy

Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast extends her impact beyond the clinic and laboratory through her significant leadership in international health organizations. Her active involvement in professional committees is crucial for setting standards, guiding research priorities, and advocating for the integration of naturopathic medicine into global health frameworks. This work is essential for the continued professionalization and recognition of the field.

Her most prominent role is with the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF), an organization that represents the naturopathic profession globally. Through this work, she directly engages with major international health bodies to provide evidence-informed guidance.

• Co-Chair, Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, World Naturopathic Federation (WNF): In this critical position, Dr. Ast leads an international team of clinicians and scientists to develop a formal evidence map on naturopathic interventions relevant to antimicrobial resistance. This project is a direct contribution to the World Health Organization (WHO), supporting its global efforts to combat one of the most pressing public health threats of our time. This work directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on evidence-based contributions to global public health.

Connect with Dr. Ast

To further explore the innovative research and clinical work of Dr. Hayleigh K. Ast, you can access her professional profiles and publication records through the links below. These platforms provide detailed information about her ongoing projects, scientific contributions, and leadership activities in the field of pediatric integrative medicine.

Official Profile at OHSU: View Professional Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

ResearchGate Profile: View Publications