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In recent years, discussions about health and wellness have increasingly embraced a whole person approach, aligning with the principles of integrative health and medicine. But what does it truly mean to transition to Whole Health, and how can we achieve this shift?
For decades, many healthcare professionals have worked within a system that primarily focuses on disease management. However, this traditional model has often failed to deliver optimal outcomes. In the United States, for example, healthcare spending remains high, yet life expectancy lags behind that of other nations.
According to the National Academies of Medicine, Science, and Engineering, as well as the Surgeon General, there is an urgent call for a transformation to Whole Health. This is not merely a reactionary stance to a system in crisis but an exciting opportunity to realign with integrative principles that focus on well-being rather than simply addressing the absence of disease.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) advocate for a broader perspective on well-being, emphasizing aspects like purpose and meaning in life. Rather than focusing solely on treating illnesses, Whole Health fosters a sense of belonging, personal purpose, and enhanced quality of life.
The transformation to Whole Health is not about making incremental improvements to a broken system but about fundamentally redefining its purpose. The current healthcare system predominantly aims to diagnose and manage diseases, whereas the Whole Health model empowers individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The VA’s implementation of Whole Health principles provides a practical model for this transformation. It emphasizes the need for systems that support well-being through five core elements:
This approach is not merely about integrating different components of change but about creating a cohesive system designed to cultivate whole-person well-being.
To lead this transformation, healthcare professionals need a deep understanding of Whole Health concepts and care models, along with the ability to drive large-scale change. The Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), led by Dr. Tracy Gaudet, is designed to meet this need.
Developed in partnership with the architects of the VA’s Whole Health initiative and Cornerstone Collaboration for Societal Change, the program is at the forefront of Whole Health transformation in the U.S. It is designed for working healthcare professionals who seek to catalyze change in their organizations and communities while also experiencing their own Whole Health transformation.
By joining this program, participants gain the expertise and leadership skills necessary to shape the future of healthcare. They will be equipped to create systems that prioritize well-being and empowerment over mere disease management.
Dr. Tracy Gaudet was a keynote speaker at the 2024 AIHM Bringing Whole Health to Life Conference, where she presented on the topic, The Transformation to Whole Health. Her presentation offered insights into this evolving movement and key steps for systemic change.
Watch the full video presentation on the SCU YouTube channel: The Transformation to Whole Health.
If you are a healthcare professional ready to lead the future of medicine, explore the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program and become a driving force for transformation in the healthcare system.
Learn more and apply today: SCU Doctor of Whole Health Leadership Program.
Additionally, those interested can participate in an upcoming webinar, where they will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Tracy Gaudet and gain deeper insights into how the program is shaping the future of Whole Health.