Melissa Naslund to serve as “western” wellness advocate for SMHS students

The UND Departments of Family & Community Medicine and Psychiatry & Behavioral Science are excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Melissa Naslund as “western” wellness advocate for UND medical students. Dr. Naslund, a Ph.D.-level mental health professional and director of behavioral science at the UND Center for Family Medicine in Minot, will provide health and wellness education and supportive services to third- and fourth-year medical students in the western part of the state. As time allows, this service may be expanded to residents, staff, and faculty. While not a treatment provider for students, she will be a liaison/resource for them in finding necessary behavioral healthcare. She will be based in Minot, but expects to travel the state.

Dr. Naslund will continue her role as director of behavioral science and increase to full-time with her additional wellness advocate duties. Her position will be maintained within the Department of Family & Community Medicine, but she will work closely with Dr. Andy McLean and Michelle Montgomery in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science. Montgomery’s role as Grand Forks-based wellness advocate will continue.

“I am excited to expand my role of support and wellness promotion to UND medical students,” Dr. Naslund said. “I believe professionals who serve people also need to be supported. We all deserve to achieve our goals and live a life that allows for personal, physical, emotional, and psychological wellness.”

Students, faculty, and staff may contact Dr. Naslund at melissa.naslund@UND.edu, 701.858.6775.