Kenmore, Wash. (April 26, 2011) — 10,000 people. That is the size of some small towns or universities. In her career, one amazing woman has helped prepare that many women, couples and siblings for childbirth. For this and her numerous other achievements, Bastyr University will confer an honorary degree upon Penny Simkin, PT.

Simkin, the namesake for Bastyr University’s Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations, is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education and labor support since 1968. She will receive an honorary Doctor of Natural Health Arts and Sciences degree at commencement on June 20, 2011, to recognize her significant global contributions to childbirth education and humane care in childbirth.

“Penny Simkin’s name is synonymous with the effort to improve women’s experience of childbirth,” said Annie Kennedy, director of the Simkin Center. “For Penny to be a member of the Bastyr University family is a tremendous honor, and it is only fitting that we return that honor by recognizing her at this year’s graduation ceremony.”

In addition to a nearly 50-year childbirth-education and labor-support practice, Simkin has authored many books and articles, including the new edition of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide. She also is co-founder of Doulas of North America International, a member of the editorial staff of the journal Birth and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University.

ABOUT THE SIMKIN CENTER
The Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University trains birth and postpartum doulas, and childbirth and lactation educators. The Simkin Center has educated and inspired leaders in the childbirth vocations since 1988. For more information, please visit www.simkincenter.bastyr.edu.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation’s first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The University’s teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, offers quality health care to the greater Seattle community while providing essential clinical training for students. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.Bastyr.edu or www.BastyrCenter.org.