Portland, OR—July 15, 2009—American College of Healthcare Sciences has hired Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, to serve as Academic Dean effective July 1, 2009. Dr. Staruch will oversee all aspects of the College's educational programs and new course and program development to better meet the growing demand for accredited, online holistic health education.

The development of this new position marks a period of expansion for ACHS, and follows the College's official name change from the Australasian College of Health Sciences to the American College of Healthcare Sciences on May 1, 2009. This transition from Australasian to American College celebrates the College's 20th anniversary of operations in the United States and better represents the College's long-term goals as an Institute of Higher Learning in the U.S.

Dr. Staruch, who started her work in medical research in 1978, will work with College President Dorene Petersen and Vice President Erika Yigzaw to expanded course offerings, including a Bachelors of Science with a major in Complementary Alternative Medicine expected to launch fall 2009 and several career-training and graduate certificate programs. "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Staruch to this new position," says Dorene Petersen. "Dr. Staruch is a terrific addition to help ACHS move forward with expanding holistic health course offerings that will provide our students with the opportunity to have meaningful, healthy careers and lifestyles."

Dr. Staruch has more than 30 years' experience in the healthcare field. Before graduating from the National College of Natural Medicine in 1997, Dr. Staruch worked in medical research for both the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Cornell University Medical College. As a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Staruch has maintained a naturopathic practice in Oregon focused on women's health and allergies, and has been a member of ACHS faculty for more than six years.

American College of Healthcare Sciences is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (503) 244-0726, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.