John Finnell, ND, MPH, LAc
Veterans Whole Health Program Director
Bio
Dr. John Finnell is a naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and public health researcher with a multidisciplinary background spanning environmental engineering, integrative medicine, and health systems innovation. He currently serves as the Whole Health Program Manager at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System—becoming the first naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist to lead a Veterans Affairs Whole Health flagship program.
Dr. Finnell holds degrees in chemistry, environmental engineering, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and public health. His clinical and research training includes a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and an MPH in epidemiology from the University of Washington. His research contributions have focused on complementary and integrative health (CIH) utilization, vitamin D, and functional rehabilitation, with a commitment to advancing evidence-informed practice and policy.
His career path—from environmental chemist for the EPA to directing doctoral programs at CIH institutions—reflects a commitment to systems thinking, sustainability, and patient-centered care. Dr. Finnell brings a pragmatic, data-driven lens to integrative medicine and continues to work at the intersection of clinical care, implementation research, and health equity.
