PhD Mind-Body Medicine

Each student pursuing their PhD in Mind-Body Medicine can choose one of three specializations, emphasizing different ways of incorporating mind-body practices and developing and studying programs of integrative care.

 

Research: Studies show that a whole person approach to health – taking a person’s mind, body, and spirit into account and developing an integrative approach to optimal functioning of all three may yield far better results for many of the most intractable health problems of the 21st century. These integrative approaches have to be rigorously researched, effectively developed, and carefully tested. The Research Specialization will put you in the forefront of this effort.

Practice: Integrative medicine is the cutting edge of healthcare. It represents a new level of intellectual breadth and personal depth, and requires a process of training that emphasizes treating the patient as a whole person, rather than a set of symptoms, and working with the mind and spirit as well as the body. The Practice Specialization will give current and aspiring healthcare professionals expert knowledge of cutting-edge research and validated treatments, and how to apply them, as well as an intensive and transformative experience of mind-body and nutritional approaches.

 

Healthcare Systems: The healthcare system – as well as its therapeutic interventions – is in need of transformation. New structures must be created in hospitals, clinics, and community-based programs which integrate mind-body practices, nutrition, and complementary and conventional therapies in a supportive environment. The great majority of Americans want to make use of these empowering and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The Healthcare System Specialization will connect you to leaders in the field who will help you to learn to develop these innovative and necessary programs.