Dr. Dennis Godby ND, MA

Founder and Naturopathic Doctor

WHY I USE WALKING LONG DISTANCES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

47 years ago, August 10, 1978, while an exercise physiology student at Oregon State University, I embarked on a 37 day, 1,420 mile solo run from Corvallis, Oregon to Calgary, Canada, carrying only a sleeping bag, tent and small backpack, to promote exercise and nutrition.

At the time, there was little knowledge among the general public about these two critical lifestyle factors in being healthy, and long distance events, for a cause, were rare. Little did I know that I would still be doing these long distance events when most people my age are set to retire.

About Dr. Dennis Godby, ND, MA

Dennis Godby, ND, MA, is a California-licensed Naturopathic Doctor, nationally recognized health equity advocate, and founder of Walk USA for Health Equity—a five-year, cross-country movement making health equity visible so ZIP codes and discrimination no longer determine who gets to be healthy. The movement is culminating in an effort to create one of the largest public events for health equity and naturopathic medicine in American history, bringing together clinicians, students, patients, faith communities, and advocates in a highly visible call for a healthier and more just future.

For more than four decades, Dennis has combined social justice advocacy, naturopathic medicine, and long-distance endurance journeys to bring attention to some of society’s most urgent challenges. Before attending medical school, he earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies with an emphasis in Social Justice from Maryknoll School of Theology and taught Religious Studies and social justice at Catholic high schools. His commitment to justice was further shaped through work connected to Central American refugees and the Sanctuary Movement during the 1980s in the United States and Central America. Throughout his career, he has been guided by a commitment to stand with the underdog and to “walk in the shoes of the other”—believing that healing begins when we recognize the humanity and dignity of every person.

In 1978, while studying exercise physiology and nutrition at Oregon State University, he completed a 1,420-mile run from Oregon to Canada promoting exercise and nutrition awareness. In 1984–1985, he ran across the United States advocating for non-intervention in Central America and support for refugees. In 2011, he, his two sons, and nephew completed The Run: Moving Natural Medicine Forward, a transcontinental run advancing public awareness of naturopathic medicine.

In 2022, Dennis launched Walk USA for Health Equity, walking from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, toward Seattle, Washington, in annual legs while continuing to practice at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center. The final 2026 leg from Bozeman to Seattle will culminate in a major public gathering on Seattle’s waterfront, bringing together naturopathic doctors, students, patients, faith communities, and advocates from across the country.

Dennis believes movements change culture, and culture changes policy. Through thousands of miles walked, countless media interviews, and community organizing efforts nationwide, he has challenged the naturopathic profession—and the nation—to think bigger about visibility, unity, public engagement, and the moral imperative of health equity.

He is the recipient of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians “True Grit” Award and California’s first Naturopathic Doctor of the Year award. Dennis is also the author of Health for All: A Journey Towards Health Equity.

As the closing keynote speaker for the 2026 AANP Convention, Dennis brings a message of courage, participation, unity, and possibility—calling on the naturopathic profession to become a more visible force for healing, justice, and transformation in America.