SCU Occupational Therapy Faculty Bring Global Insights Back from 19th WFOT Congress

SCU Occupational Therapy Faculty Bring Global Insights Back from 19th WFOT Congress Faculty from Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Occupational Therapy program recently represented SCU at the 19th World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the profession’s leading international gatherings for occupational therapy education, research, practice, and collaboration. “The World Federation of OT Conference is where leaders in the occupational therapy profession come together and share their expertise and knowledge to help promote the profession and move the profession forward,” said Heather Thomas, PhD, OTR/L, DipACLM, Program Director of SCU’s Doctor [...]

How SCU Student Services Supports Whole Health and Student Wellness

How SCU Student Services Supports Whole Health and Student Wellness At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), the concept of Whole Health is not confined to the classroom; it’s built into the student experience. On a typical week, students might step away from their academic schedules to participate in a yoga session, a stress management workshop, or a community-building activity. These offerings, often part of initiatives like Wellness Wednesday, reflect a broader effort to support students as individuals, not just learners. Extending Whole Health Beyond Academics As an integrative, Whole Health university, SCU emphasizes the connection between [...]

By |2026-04-29T15:54:50+00:00April 30, 2026|Front Page News, SCU News|

SCU Ayurveda Program Director Serves as Chair of the International Delegates Assembly at International AYUSH Conference in Dubai

SCU Ayurveda Program Director Serves as Chair of the International Delegates Assembly at International AYUSH Conference in Dubai Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) continues to expand its global presence in integrative and Whole Health education, as Ayurveda Program Director Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil took on a leadership role at the 3rd International AYUSH Conference & Expo 2026 in Dubai. Held at the Dubai World Trade Center, the conference brought together more than 2,000 delegates from over 30 countries, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders focused on advancing evidence-based traditional and integrative healthcare systems. “Being represented at [...]

By |2026-04-28T16:03:49+00:00April 29, 2026|AYUR-Organic, Front Page News, SCU News|

From Reading DNA to Rewriting Life: How Genetics Is Transforming Medicine

From Reading DNA to Rewriting Life: How Genetics Is Transforming Medicine For most of modern history, medicine has focused on managing disease after it occurs. But that has begun to change. Advances in genetics and genomics are helping move healthcare toward something far more powerful: the ability to understand, predict, and in some cases directly address the biological causes of disease at their source. To understand why this moment matters, it helps to start with the basics... What is DNA? Every cell in your body contains DNA, the molecule that carries the instructions for how your body grows, develops, [...]

Yoga May Offer Cost-Effective Solution for Knee Osteoarthritis, New Study Finds

Yoga May Offer Cost-Effective Solution for Knee Osteoarthritis, New Study Finds A new study led by Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Research Director Dr. Steffany Moonaz provides compelling evidence that yoga may be a cost-effective and clinically beneficial option for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA)—a condition affecting millions worldwide and a leading cause of disability. In a randomized controlled trial of 117 adults aged 40 and older with clinically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis, researchers compared a structured yoga program to a traditional strengthening exercise regimen over 12 weeks, with follow-up outcomes assessed at 24 weeks. In addition to [...]

By |2026-04-28T15:23:11+00:00April 23, 2026|Front Page News, SCU News|

The Future of Integrative, Whole-Person Healthcare: 5 Trends Shaping the Next Decade

The Future of Integrative, Whole-Person Healthcare: 5 Trends Shaping the Next Decade Healthcare is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in modern history. Advances in technology, growing research in lifestyle medicine, and increasing recognition of the mind-body connection are reshaping how healthcare professionals approach patient care. For decades, healthcare systems have largely focused on diagnosing and managing disease. Today, however, healthcare leaders increasingly recognize that improving long-term health outcomes requires a broader approach—one that emphasizes prevention, personalization, and whole-person well-being. According to Tracy Gaudet, MD, Executive Director of the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program at Southern [...]

By |2026-04-02T15:34:21+00:00April 3, 2026|Front Page News, SCU News|

SCU Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tori Reccord Earns CCSP Certification in Sports Medicine

SCU Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tori Reccord Earns CCSP Certification, Expands Sports Medicine Expertise Faculty at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) continue to advance their expertise to better support student learning and patient care. Dr. Tori Reccord, a faculty member in SCU’s Doctor of Chiropractic program, recently earned the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) credential—an advanced certification that recognizes specialized training in sports medicine, injury management, and performance optimization. Her achievement reflects both a personal commitment to the field and SCU’s broader focus on preparing students for diverse, real-world clinical pathways. In this Q&A, Dr. Reccord shares [...]

By |2026-03-27T23:02:20+00:00March 24, 2026|DC-Organic, Front Page News, SCU News|

SCU Research Highlights the Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga for Children

SCU Research Highlights the Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga for Children Laughter yoga is a structured mind–body practice that combines intentional laughter with breathing and gentle movement to improve children’s emotional and physical well-being. In classrooms and pediatric settings alike, stress and anxiety among children are rising. But what if something as simple — and scientifically measurable — as laughter could help? New research led by Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Özüm Erkin, PhD, MSc, suggests it can. What Is Laughter Yoga? Although the name might suggest something lighthearted or informal, laughter yoga [...]

By |2026-03-27T23:03:14+00:00March 10, 2026|Front Page News, SCU News|

What Is a White Coat Ceremony and Why Does It Matter in Healthcare Education?

What Is a White Coat Ceremony and Why Does It Matter in Healthcare Education? Every year, hundreds of SCU students participate in White Coat Ceremonies as they transition from classroom learning to supervised clinical training. These ceremonies are more than just tradition. They have a rich history rooted in the same whole-person approach to care that SCU embraces as an Integrative, Whole Health University. What Is a White Coat Ceremony? A White Coat Ceremony is a meaningful rite of passage that formally welcomes students into a healthcare profession. During the ceremony, students receive their first white coats and [...]

By |2026-03-27T23:04:03+00:00March 4, 2026|Front Page News, SCU News|

Why Mentorship Matters: How Supportive Work Environments Shape the Journey from OT Student to Certified Hand Therapist

Why Mentorship Matters: How Supportive Work Environments Shape the Journey from OT Student to Certified Hand Therapist Becoming a healthcare professional involves more than completing coursework or accumulating clinical hours. Long-term success depends on the quality of mentorship, professional support, and workplace culture that shape a clinician’s early career. For Emily Grullón, OTR/L, OTD, CHT, a Certified Hand Therapist and faculty member at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), those factors were instrumental in her own professional development—and now inform how she prepares future occupational therapists for practice. Dr. Grullón explored these themes during her presentation, From [...]

By |2026-03-27T23:04:52+00:00February 20, 2026|Front Page News, OTD-Organic, SCU News|
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