What Value-Based Care Means for Integrative and Whole Person Medicine

The U.S. health care system is in the middle of a long and complicated shift.

For decades, doctors, hospitals, clinics, and health systems have largely operated under a fee-for-service model. In that model, providers are generally paid each time they deliver a service, such as an office visit, lab test, imaging scan, procedure, or hospital stay.

That structure helped build much of modern American health care. It created a clear way to reimburse providers, supported access to specialized services, and allowed health systems to be paid for the work they performed.

But it also created a persistent challenge. When payment is tied mainly to the number of services delivered, the system can unintentionally reward volume over outcomes. More visits, tests, procedures, and referrals can generate more payment, even when the best care may involve prevention, coordination, lifestyle support, early intervention, or helping patients avoid complications and chronic disease before they happen.

That is why value-based care has become one of the most important conversations in U.S. health care.

For Melissa Nagare, DC, L.Ac, Vice President for 性爱视频 Health, Chief Clinical and Whole Health Officer at Southern California University of Health Sciences, value-based care is about connecting health care decisions to what patients actually want and need and responsibly managing resources to decrease waste so that people who need care can get it.

That idea is at the center of the national movement from volume to value. The question is no longer only, 鈥淲hat service was provided?鈥� Increasingly, health care leaders, payers, clinicians, and patients are asking, 鈥淒id the care improve health, function, experience, and long-term well-being in a meaningful and cost-effective way?鈥�

Why the Shift Matters

The scale of the issue is significant. According to the (CMS), U.S. national health expenditures grew 7.2 percent in 2024 to $5.3 trillion, or $15,474 per person, and accounted for 18 percent of the nation鈥檚 gross domestic product.

At the same time, fee-for-service remains deeply embedded in the health care system, particularly in outpatient and ambulatory care. Under this model, providers are often reimbursed based on what was done, not necessarily whether the intervention improved the patient鈥檚 outcome.

Nagare said that creates a fundamental disconnect.

鈥淭he fee-for-service model dominates outpatient, ambulatory care, and it creates a fundamental problem: providers are rewarded for the volume of services delivered, not the outcomes achieved,鈥� Nagare said. 鈥淎 provider receives the same payment whether their treatment helped the patient, hurt the patient, or had no effect at all.鈥�

That does not mean fee-for-service is always inappropriate. In many situations, it works. When a patient needs emergency care, surgery, diagnostic testing, or a specialist consultation, fee-for-service creates a straightforward way to pay for a specific service.

The challenge is that many of today鈥檚 most pressing health needs do not fit neatly into a single appointment, test, or procedure.

Chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, mobility limitations, behavioral health concerns, stress-related conditions, and complex health needs often require more than one intervention. They require time, trust, prevention, follow-up, behavior change, care coordination, and a better understanding of what matters most to the patient.

Value-based care attempts to better support that kind of care by tying payment and accountability more closely to quality, outcomes, safety, patient experience, and cost-effectiveness.

CMS has stated a goal of having all people with Traditional Medicare in a care relationship accountable for quality and total cost of care by 2030. As of January 2025, that 53.4 percent of people with Traditional Medicare were in an accountable care relationship with a provider.

Where Whole Health Fits

In integrative medicine and Whole Health, the shift toward value-based care is especially relevant.

Integrative medicine begins with a broader understanding of health. It recognizes that a person鈥檚 well-being is shaped not only by symptoms or disease, but also by physical, behavioral, emotional, social, environmental, and, at times, spiritual factors. It asks clinicians and care teams to look beyond the immediate diagnosis and consider the person鈥檚 goals, context, barriers, strengths, and daily life. Whole Health takes this one step further by recognizing that treatment using these integrative approaches is only part of the equation. Whole Health systems not only include integrative treatment, but also programs and opportunities to help people explore their meaning and purpose and feel empowered and equipped to pursue that meaning and purpose.

Nagare said a Whole Health approach cuts against the limitations of fee-for-service (FFS) in several important ways.

First, it shifts the focus toward whatever each person holds most dear. When patients understand what they want their health for, they often have stronger internal motivation to pursue their own well-being.

Second, Whole Health equips people with practical self-care tools, including nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, stress management, relationships, environment, and other areas that influence health outside the clinic.

鈥淭hese aren鈥檛 billable services under FFS, but they drive real outcomes,鈥� Nagare said.

That distinction is important. A health care system built only around billable services may struggle to fully support the factors that help people improve and sustain their health over time. A value-based system, by contrast, is designed to emphasize whether care helps patients function better, prevent complications, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life.

The Veterans Health Administration has become one of the most visible examples of Whole Health implementation in the United States. The VA reported that Veterans with chronic pain who used Whole Health services had a threefold reduction in opioid use compared with those who did not. Opioid use among comprehensive Whole Health users .

Nagare pointed to the VA as an important example of how Whole Health can produce measurable outcomes, including decreased opioid use, which she described as the kind of result that a value-based system should recognize and support.

The Role of Integrative Care

Integrative and Whole Health care can play an important role in helping patients manage chronic conditions, improve function, prevent complications, and pursue better long-term well-being.

Nagare said the key is that these approaches treat the whole person, not just the symptom.

鈥淲hole Health empowers and equips people to pursue what matters most to them,鈥� Nagare said. 鈥淲hen people have clarity about their meaning and purpose, what they want their health for, they develop intrinsic motivation to take care of themselves.鈥�

Integrative health supports this from the clinical side by emphasizing the patient-provider relationship, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit, and drawing from appropriate disciplines in an evidence-informed and coordinated way.

For someone managing a chronic condition, that can change the conversation. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, the care team can discuss the patient鈥檚 goals, preferences, daily routine, stressors, support system, and barriers to care. That creates an opportunity for shared decision-making and care plans that patients are more likely to follow.

Nagare said many of 性爱视频鈥檚 disciplines, including chiropractic, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, are aligned with the goals of high-value care because they can support outcomes such as improved function, pain management, mobility, prevention, and quality of life, often at lower cost compared with more intensive interventions.

She offered acute low back pain as one example. A patient who receives chiropractic care may experience improvement over several visits within a few weeks. Another patient may enter a pathway that includes imaging, specialist referral, prescription medication, and a longer timeline. In value-based terms, Nagare said, the question is whether the outcome can be achieved effectively, safely, and at a lower cost to the health care system.

That is where integrative and whole-person care can become especially relevant. The goal is not simply to add more services. The goal is to identify the right care, at the right time, in the right combination, based on what will help the patient achieve the best possible outcome.

Asking What Matters to The Patient

One of the most important ways Whole Health changes care is by shifting the starting question.

Instead of asking only, 鈥淲hat is the matter with the patient?鈥� Whole Health also asks, 鈥淲hat matters to the patient?鈥�

Nagare said that question can fundamentally change how care is delivered and how success is measured.

鈥淚f we aren鈥檛 asking people what matters to them, we鈥檙e just guessing, or defaulting to what the doctor thinks the goal should be,鈥� Nagare said.

She recalled a patient with low back pain who was frustrated after being told she needed to lose weight and should swim. The recommendation did not fit the patient鈥檚 life. She did not know how to swim and had no desire to learn.

What mattered most to the patient was not missing work. Her back pain was causing absences, those absences were creating stress, and the stress was leading to overeating. A more effective care plan included mindfulness to help her distinguish stress from hunger, along with chiropractic and acupuncture care and targeted exercises she could do at her desk or at home.

鈥淭hat care plan worked because it was built around her life, not a generic prescription,鈥� Nagare said.

This is a critical point for value-based care. If success is measured only by symptom reduction, part of the patient鈥檚 story may be missed. If success also includes function, participation, satisfaction, and progress toward what matters most to the patient, then the care team can measure outcomes in a more meaningful way.

Nagare said Whole Health clinics can reflect this broader view by asking patients not only about symptoms, but also how satisfied they are with the things that matter most to them, how regularly they are engaging in those things, and how well they are functioning in those areas.

Preparing Future Health Professionals

The movement toward value-based care also has important implications for health care education.

Future clinicians will need strong technical and clinical skills. But they will also need to understand outcomes, quality, prevention, care coordination, patient experience, and the larger systems that shape health.

They will need to work across disciplines. They will need to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. They will need to understand how to support behavior change, build trust, and help patients connect care plans to their own goals.

Nagare said students and future providers should seek educational experiences that emphasize these areas. She also pointed to continuing education opportunities, professional conferences in integrative medicine and health, motivational interviewing training, and the VA鈥檚 publicly available Whole Health resources as ways to deepen their preparation.

The larger message is clear. A health care system that increasingly emphasizes value will require providers who can think beyond the delivery of an isolated service.

They will need to ask whether the care improved the patient鈥檚 outcome. They will need to understand what the patient wanted to achieve. They will need to consider whether the care plan was sustainable, coordinated, evidence-informed, and meaningful.

性爱视频鈥檚 Role in The Future of Care

Value-based care is generating significant attention across the health care system, but Nagare said it is important to be honest about where things stand.

It is not yet the norm. The U.S. still operates largely within a fee-for-service environment, and many services continue to be reimbursed based on volume rather than value.

Still, Nagare said the shift is necessary.

鈥淭he current system is unsustainable, and the evidence supporting high-value integrative and Whole Health approaches continues to grow,鈥� she said.

For 性爱视频, that creates an important opportunity.

As health care continues to evolve, the future will require providers who understand that the goal is not simply to deliver a service. The goal is to help patients achieve outcomes that matter to them in ways that make sense for the broader health care system.

鈥溞园悠碘�檚 role in this is to train the next generation of providers who understand that the goal isn鈥檛 just to deliver a service,鈥� Nagare said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 to deliver an outcome that matters to the patient at a cost that makes sense for the system.鈥�

That perspective aligns directly with integrative and whole-person medicine. It recognizes that health is not only the absence of disease, and care is not only the completion of a billable encounter. Health is shaped by function, purpose, behavior, relationships, environment, access, and the patient鈥檚 ability to participate in the life they want to live.

Value-based care is often discussed as a payment model. But its deeper significance is the question it asks of the health care system: What should care be designed to achieve?

For integrative and whole-person medicine, the answer is clear. Care should help people heal, function, prevent illness, manage complexity, and pursue what matters most in their lives.

That is the future value-based care is trying to build. It is also the future Whole Health has been preparing for.

Key Phrase: What Matters Most

性爱视频 Eastern Medicine Students Deepen Global Perspective Through Exclusive China Exchange Experiences

Students from the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) recently participated in two international experiences in China, gaining new perspectives on Eastern Medicine, cultural tradition, clinical practice, and the role of community in health.

The experiences included the 性爱视频 Exchange Program in China (Shanghai and Sichuan) in April 2026, a cultural exchange and international learning opportunity, and a November 2025 academic experience at , which included classroom learning and hospital observation.

Unlike general study-abroad opportunities, these trips were made available specifically to selected 性爱视频 students through invitations, formal agreements, and relationships connected to the university鈥檚 Eastern Medicine programs. For students, the significance was not only the travel itself, but the access to cultural, academic, and clinical settings that helped connect their 性爱视频 education to the places and traditions where many Eastern Medicine practices originated.

鈥淭hese are experiences students may not otherwise be able to have in the United States,鈥� said Dr. Jenny Yu, Dean of 性爱视频鈥檚 Eastern Medicine Department. 鈥淭he purpose of studying abroad is for students to broaden their vision and experience something that helps them understand the medicine, the culture, and the doctor-patient relationship in a deeper way.鈥�

Students selected for these opportunities go through an application process and are expected to be in good academic and student standing. Because space is limited, the program also recognizes students who are engaged in the 性爱视频 community, including those who contribute through leadership, service, or campus involvement.

Ani Zakarian, an 性爱视频 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine student, said the selection process reflects the department鈥檚 emphasis on student engagement.

鈥淭his program really likes to see that students are involved on campus with the school,鈥� Zakarian said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of been a way to let students know, 鈥榃e see you鈥檙e working hard, and you鈥檙e involved in this school, and we want to give you this opportunity to go and expand your knowledge.鈥欌��

A Cultural Exchange Across Shanghai and Sichuan

The April 2026 性爱视频 Exchange Program in China took students through Shanghai and Sichuan Province, where they experienced Chinese culture, hospitality, food, natural landscapes, and traditional practices in daily life.

The program was made possible through support from the Chinese American Foundation and invitations from partner schools in China, including Shanghai Information Technology College, Shanghai Trade School, and Shanghai Material Engineering School. Unlike a traditional clinical internship, the April trip was designed as a cultural and international learning experience.

For students, the opportunity carried special meaning because of the selective nature of the program and the chance to represent 性爱视频 internationally.

鈥淚 was really excited for the opportunity,鈥� said Shelby Wasson, an 性爱视频 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine student. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to travel to China to explore the culture that I鈥檓 learning so much about, but it鈥檚 completely different to travel with my classmates who also have the same interest and to explore the culture in a different way.鈥�

Wasson described the experience as 鈥渋ncredibly privileged鈥� and said traveling with classmates and representatives from Chinese schools gave students access to an experience they likely would not have had on their own.

Lauren Dredd also described the trip as an honor.

鈥淚t was a great honor and privilege to be able to represent 性爱视频 and be in such a small, intimate group,鈥� Dredd said. 鈥淎ll the things that we got to do and experience were super well thought out.鈥�

Students said one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was seeing how concepts they study at 性爱视频 appear in daily life, particularly through food, herbs, relationships, and community.

Wasson said she was struck by how herbal medicine and wellness practices were woven into meals and social gatherings.

鈥淲e learn them in the form of medicine, and we apply them in the form of capsules and granules from the clinic,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淗owever, we were exposed to the way medicine is taken, at least in the rural areas of China, which is through diet.鈥�

She said the shared meals and community-based experiences helped her better understand the cultural context of Eastern Medicine.

鈥淲e can learn about that in class, and we can hear that in lecture, but to experience that, that鈥檚 going to shape my practice,鈥� Wasson said.

Jennifer Echeagaray said visiting an herbal pharmacy was one of the moments that connected most directly to her education.

鈥淏eing able to walk through their pharmacy and seeing the raw herbs and seeing how they鈥檙e preserved over time, it just felt like traditional Chinese medicine is so widely adopted and very ingrained in the Chinese culture,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was beautiful to see how these herbs were appreciated and respected in China.鈥�

The April trip also exposed students to hospitality, language, traditions, and landscapes that many said they will carry with them personally and professionally. Students traveled through cities, villages, mountainous areas, and natural sites, including Tibetan communities in Sichuan Province. Students also received support from translators throughout the trip, which helped them engage more deeply with local hosts and daily interactions.

For Wasson, one of the most memorable moments took place in Kangding, a town in western Sichuan. After dinner, students joined community members in a city square for Tibetan dancing.

鈥淓veryone from the town is coming to this place, and they鈥檙e all dancing,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no certain skill required, no certain dress or anything. Everyone and anyone is joining.鈥�

She said the moment reflected a broader sense of connection.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an integrative society, and not just at meals, but in every aspect,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭o see that not only are meals shared together, but everything can be shared together, and it鈥檚 not an isolated experience.鈥�

Dr. Blake Daniels, an 性爱视频 faculty member who accompanied students on the April trip, said it was his first time visiting China.

鈥淕etting to be there and actually experiencing it and seeing what it鈥檚 like, it was eye-opening,鈥� Daniels said. 鈥淒efinitely something I鈥檓 going to remember forever.鈥�

Academic Learning and Hospital Observation at TUTCM

The November 2025 trip to Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine offered students a different type of experience, with a greater focus on academic learning and hospital observation.

Through 性爱视频鈥檚 relationship with TUTCM, students observed how Eastern Medicine is taught and practiced in China, including how acupuncture, herbal medicine, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, and other healthcare services may be integrated within hospital-based care.

For students, seeing acupuncture practiced in a hospital setting was especially impactful.

Wasson, who previously worked as a nurse, said the experience allowed her to compare healthcare systems and see how acupuncture could be incorporated into a broader clinical environment.

鈥淚t was great to be able to see how many departments were integrated together,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭he acupuncturist could send them to one department for some infrared therapy before their treatment. They could send them for X-ray, then bring the X-ray back. The acupuncturist would review the films with the patient present, check the pulse, and then put them into one of their own pods.鈥�

She said the experience showed her that patient care did not have to be isolated.

鈥淭hat was really great to see how many departments were integrated together,鈥� Wasson said.

Zakarian said the TUTCM experience changed how she viewed herbal medicine, especially after hearing from an herbalist who described treating a serious liver condition.

鈥淚 think a lot of times in our program, when we鈥檙e learning herbology, it鈥檚 like, 鈥極h my gosh, why am I learning this?鈥欌�� Zakarian said. 鈥淏ut hearing her experience and hearing that she was able to confidently treat somebody with a disease that is very scary to treat was very inspiring. It made me want to go back and study my herbs a lot more.鈥�

Destiny Davis said observing stroke acupuncture protocols was especially meaningful.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e seeing how the patients are coming in, and you see how concerned their family members are,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淏ut the doctor is very confidently inserting, doing the protocol, with that knowledge that this is something that works.鈥�

Joseph Brown III said studying at TUTCM helped turn classroom learning into something more tangible.

鈥淪tudying in Tianjin solidified for me the importance of compassion, patience, and communication in patient care,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淪eeing a healthcare system outside of the USA opened my eyes to broader possibilities as a future practitioner. TUTCM transformed what I had been studying into something real, practical, and inspiring.鈥�

Bringing the Experience Back to Practice

For many students, the two experiences in China helped reshape how they think about their future roles as practitioners.

Wasson said the trips showed her that Eastern Medicine is not limited to treatments, formulas, or techniques. It can also include lifestyle, relationships, community, and daily practices that support health.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to ask my patients if they鈥檝e danced lately,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to ask them if they鈥檝e shared meals with people lately. I鈥檓 going to encourage different ways that they can integrate Chinese medicine into their life.鈥�

Zakarian said the trips reminded her of the importance of connection and community in healing.

鈥淚 want to bring that back to the school, also to the students,鈥� Zakarian said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to go through this program alone.鈥�

For Dr. Yu, that reflection captures the broader value of 性爱视频鈥檚 international opportunities.

鈥淭hese experiences help students see more than a technique or a treatment,鈥� Dr. Yu said. 鈥淭hey help students understand the culture, the patient relationship, and the way Eastern Medicine can be part of a larger approach to health.鈥�

For 性爱视频鈥檚 Eastern Medicine students, the trips offered more than international travel. They provided access to meaningful cultural, academic, and clinical learning experiences while demonstrating how academic commitment, clinical preparation, and engagement in the 性爱视频 community can open doors to opportunities that shape students鈥� understanding of their future profession.

Where Passion Meets Purpose: 性爱视频 Celebrates Match Day 2026

A Q&A with Stephanie Gandomi on the milestone that launches careers and reflects the future of genetic counseling

Every spring, aspiring genetic counselors across the country wait for one defining moment: Match Day.

For applicants, it is the culmination of years of preparation, academic work, volunteer experience, interviews, and personal reflection. For graduate programs, it marks the arrival of a new cohort of students who will help shape the future of the profession.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences, Match Day 2026 was both a celebration and a milestone for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. This year, 性爱视频 welcomed 12 matched students into the incoming cohort, joining 12 students in the program鈥檚 current cohort. The result reflects a competitive admissions cycle and the program鈥檚 continued focus on building a close, engaged learning community.

Stephanie Gandomi, Program Director for 性爱视频鈥檚 Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, reflects on what Match Day means for applicants, programs, and the future of a field that continues to grow in importance across healthcare.

For readers who may not be familiar, what is Match Day in genetic counseling, and why is it such an important milestone?

Stephanie Gandomi: Match Day is the culmination of a highly structured, nationwide process by which students who aspire to become genetic counselors are paired with accredited graduate programs.

The process is administered by the . Applicants submit materials, interview with multiple programs, and then submit a ranked preference list of the programs they would most like to attend. Programs simultaneously submit their own ranked lists of preferred applicants. A computer algorithm then generates the matches that best satisfy both sides.

The significance of Match Day cannot be overstated. For students, it represents the answer to years of undergraduate preparation, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, and the emotional investment of applications and interviews. It is the moment when their future becomes concrete.

For programs, Match Day reflects the results of recruitment efforts, faculty commitment, and the program鈥檚 reputation within the field. It signals who will fill seats in classrooms, clinics, and laboratories and, ultimately, who will go on to serve patients and families navigating some of the most complex and emotionally charged moments of their lives.

Match Day is also a marker of the health and vitality of genetic counseling as a profession. The number of applicants and matched students each year tells a story about where the field is headed and how it is perceived by the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What does Match Day represent for 性爱视频鈥檚 Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program specifically?

Gandomi: 性爱视频鈥檚 MSGC program is rooted in a commitment to integrative, patient-centered health sciences education. We do not just train genetic counselors. We work to form professionals who understand that their work exists at the intersection of science, story, and whole-person healthcare.

For our program, Match Day marks the moment when students commit to 性爱视频, and we commit to them. That commitment includes an education rooted in clinical excellence, research literacy, reflective practice, and deep respect for the communities they will serve.

Each cohort brings new energy, perspectives, and potential to advance the field and carry our mission forward.

Match Day also reaffirms our place within the broader landscape of genetic counseling education. It validates the investments our faculty, staff, clinical partners, and accreditation bodies have made in building a program that attracts and shapes exceptional students.

What can you share about this year鈥檚 Match Day results for 性爱视频?

Gandomi: We are thrilled to share that Match Day 2026 was an outstanding success for our program.

This year, 12 students matched with 性爱视频 and will join the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program鈥檚 incoming cohort. They will join a program community that also includes 12 students in our current cohort.

Our incoming students reflect the breadth and depth of talent entering the genetic counseling field. They come from diverse academic backgrounds, including biology, psychology, public health, and education. They also bring a range of lived experiences that will enrich our classroom conversations and clinical training.

Applicant interest in 性爱视频鈥檚 program continues to grow. We received a highly competitive pool of applications this cycle, reflecting both the program鈥檚 rising reputation and the surging national interest in genetic counseling as a profession.

Among this year鈥檚 incoming cohort, we are proud to see students with prior experience in pediatric clinics, cancer centers, reproductive health settings, and genetics research laboratories. Several incoming students also have backgrounds in advocacy and community health work, which aligns with our program鈥檚 emphasis on serving underserved and diverse populations.

As Program Director, what was your reaction when you saw this year鈥檚 Match results?

Gandomi: Gratitude. That is the word that comes to mind first.

Every year, I am humbled by the caliber of students who choose to invest their time, energy, and trust in our program. Seeing the results come in on Match Day is one of those rare professional moments that never loses its power, no matter how many times you have experienced it.

This year, I felt an added sense of excitement because our matched students are thoughtful, curious, compassionate, and driven. They asked hard questions during their interviews and exhibited the kind of intentionality that shows they understand genetic counseling is not just a career, but a calling.

What excited me most was not only the match results themselves. It was what happened after.

Our inaugural cohort, who never cease to impress me with their creativity and drive, immediately reached out to welcome the incoming students. They built connection right after Match Day and offered their support. That kind of community does not happen by accident. It happens when you have the right people, and we are fortunate to have them in both cohorts.

What qualities stood out among the students who matched with 性爱视频 this year?

Gandomi: Several qualities came through clearly and consistently across our incoming cohort.

First and foremost: empathy.

Every student who stood out during our process demonstrated a genuine capacity for sitting with patients, families, and challenging situations. Genetic counseling often means delivering difficult information that changes lives. The ability to do that with grace, honesty, and care is foundational.

Second, intellectual curiosity. The best genetic counselors are lifelong learners. Our incoming students demonstrated an eagerness not just to know the answers, but to ask better questions. They were candid about what they did not yet know and enthusiastic about the learning ahead.

Finally, resilience. Many of our incoming students have navigated significant challenges personally, academically, and professionally. That resilience will serve them well in a field that demands both technical precision and emotional endurance.

How does Match Day reflect the growing interest in genetic counseling as a profession?

Gandomi: The numbers speak clearly: genetic counseling is one of the fastest-growing allied health professions in the United States, and Match Day statistics reflect that momentum year over year.

The demand for genetic counseling services has accelerated dramatically with advances in genomic medicine. As genomic information becomes increasingly central to medical care across specialties, the need for skilled professionals who can interpret, communicate, and contextualize that information has never been greater.

We see this growth reflected not just in raw application numbers, but in the diversity of pathways students are pursuing.

Genetic counselors are no longer working exclusively in traditional prenatal or oncology settings. They are embedded in cardiology clinics, neurology departments, primary care practices, and biotechnology companies. They are shaping policy, leading research, and building telehealth platforms.

The breadth of interest we see among applicants mirrors the expanding scope of the profession itself.

Match Day is, in many ways, a reflection of the field鈥檚 future. Looking at our incoming cohort this year, that future looks bright, diverse, and deeply committed to the patients and families who need this specialty most.

How does 性爱视频鈥檚 approach to genetic counseling education prepare students to serve patients, families, and communities?

Gandomi: Our curriculum is built on the conviction that excellent genetic counseling requires both scientific mastery and humanistic depth.

We integrate foundational coursework in medical genetics, genomics, and laboratory methods with equally rigorous training in psychosocial counseling theory, communication skills, cultural humility, and ethics. This is how genetic counseling works in clinical practice.

Our clinical training partnerships span a range of specialties and settings, from major academic medical centers and children鈥檚 hospitals to community clinics and telehealth platforms. We intentionally place students in environments that reflect the diversity of patients they will serve.

We want our graduates to be prepared not just for the cases in the textbook, but for the full complexity of real human lives.

We also place strong emphasis on reflective practice. Students engage in regular supervision, case consultation, and structured self-reflection throughout their training. We believe that the capacity for self-awareness, including understanding one鈥檚 own biases, emotional responses, and communication patterns, is a critical skill for all healthcare professionals.

What message would you like to share with the students who matched with 性爱视频 and are preparing to begin this next chapter?

Gandomi: We are thrilled to have you at 性爱视频.

You have chosen a profession that matters profoundly, and you have chosen a program that will push you, support you, and believe in you. We have been waiting for you.

The road ahead will be challenging in all the best ways. You will be asked to hold knowledge and uncertainty simultaneously. Lean into that growth. Trust your cohort and faculty. We are here not just to teach you, but to learn from you.

And trust yourselves. You earned this match. The patients and families you will serve one day are fortunate that you chose this path.

The State of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in 2026

By Dr. Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc.

In 2026, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are experiencing a period of meaningful growth and maturation. The field has evolved well beyond being viewed solely as an alternative therapy and is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of integrative healthcare. Patients, providers, and health systems are seeking safe, evidence-informed approaches to address pain, stress-related conditions, women鈥檚 health, digestive disorders, and overall well-being.

The profession itself is also advancing through stronger research, improved clinical standards, and closer collaboration with conventional medicine.

Integration Into Modern Healthcare Is Expanding

One of the most significant developments in recent years is the growing integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare settings. Hospitals, community clinics, Veterans Affairs systems, and multidisciplinary pain programs are increasingly incorporating acupuncture as part of comprehensive care models.

This shift reflects a broader transformation in healthcare that prioritizes team-based and patient-centered approaches. Acupuncture is no longer positioned on the margins. It is now being recognized as a complementary modality that can enhance outcomes and improve patient experience.

Research Is Strengthening Credibility and Adoption

The expanding body of research has played a critical role in advancing the field. Studies focusing on chronic pain, neurological recovery, mental health, oncology support, and quality-of-life outcomes continue to build a stronger evidence base for acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

As more high-quality studies, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines include acupuncture, particularly in pain management and supportive oncology care, physicians and insurers are increasingly open to incorporating it into standard care protocols.

Research is also helping define best practices, appropriate referrals, treatment frequency, and measurable outcomes. While continued research is needed, especially in whole-systems Chinese medicine models which focuses on whole person care rather than just isolated symptoms or organs, the progress made so far has significantly elevated the credibility of the profession.

Patient Demand Is Driving Growth

Another key factor shaping the field is growing patient demand.

Today鈥檚 patients are looking for care that goes beyond symptom management. They are seeking treatments that address root causes, are low-risk, affordable, and support overall health and wellbeing. Many are also searching for non-pharmacologic solutions to manage pain, stress, insomnia, and chronic conditions.

Healthcare providers are recognizing this shift. Acupuncture is increasingly seen as a valuable complement to conventional care. It can improve patient satisfaction and, in many cases, reduce reliance on medications or more invasive interventions.

As healthcare continues to move toward prevention and whole-person care, acupuncture aligns naturally with these priorities.

The Role of Education in Advancing the Profession

As the field grows, the importance of high-quality education and training becomes even more critical.

鈥淓xcellence in healthcare begins with excellence in education.鈥�

Strong academic programs ensure that practitioners are clinically competent, ethically grounded, and prepared to work within modern healthcare systems. Today鈥檚 practitioners must not only master traditional theory and techniques but also develop a strong understanding of anatomy, safety, evidence-informed practice, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered communication.

Public awareness is equally important. Patients should understand the level of training their practitioners have received. The difference between comprehensive professional education and minimal training can significantly impact the quality of care and safety.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Looking ahead, the opportunities for acupuncture and Chinese medicine are substantial.

The field is positioned for broader insurance coverage, greater inclusion in team-based care, expanded roles in pain management and preventive medicine, and continued growth in public demand for holistic approaches to health. There is also strong potential for innovation in research, technology-enabled practice, and community-based care delivery models.

At the same time, challenges remain.

Reimbursement limitations, variations in state regulations, and ongoing public misunderstanding of the profession continue to impact growth. Ensuring that patients seek care from properly trained practitioners is also an ongoing concern. Continued investment in rigorous research will be essential to support long-term advancement.

Another important challenge will be maintaining the depth and philosophy of Chinese medicine while integrating effectively into modern healthcare systems. It is important to honor the tradition and embrace the modern.

Preparing the Next Generation of Practitioners

The future of acupuncture and Chinese medicine will depend on practitioners who can bridge tradition and innovation. These clinicians must respect the roots of the discipline while engaging confidently in contemporary healthcare environments.

Institutions like Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) play an important role in shaping that future. By emphasizing integrative, evidence-informed, and collaborative care models while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional principles, 性爱视频 is preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Through strong academics, hands-on clinical experience, and interdisciplinary education, the next generation of practitioners will not only deliver high-quality care but also contribute to redefining the future of healthcare.

Dr. Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc. – Dean, College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences

Dr. Jenny Yu holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Southern California. In addition to having over 20 years in private practice and teaching experience, Dr. Yu is also a published author of several peer-reviewed journal articles, two books on Herbal Medicine, and lectures in professional conferences.

Dr. Yu has played a leading role in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into mainstream U.S. healthcare. Under her leadership, 性爱视频 became the very first entry-level doctoral degrees in TCM to be recognized in California, and one of the first two to be ACAHM-accredited in the United States鈥攁nd 性爱视频 has become a hub for global collaboration with China鈥檚 most prestigious universities.

性爱视频 Occupational Therapy Faculty Bring Global Insights Back from 19th WFOT Congress

Faculty from Southern California University of Health Sciences鈥� Doctor of Occupational Therapy program recently represented 性爱视频 at the 19th World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the profession鈥檚 leading international gatherings for occupational therapy education, research, practice, and collaboration.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� said Heather Thomas, PhD, OTR/L, DipACLM, Program Director of 性爱视频鈥檚 Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

性爱视频 was represented by OTD faculty members Heather Thomas, PhD, OTR/L, DipACLM; Karen Keptner, PhD, OTR/L, Capstone Coordinator; and Brett Buford, OTD, OTR/L, MA(OT), BS, Assistant Professor. Thomas presented two poster sessions, and Keptner presented one titled, Occupational Adaptation in Action: An Innovative Assessment Approach to Student Wellbeing, and a Lightning Talk titled, Exploring Sensory Modulation in Adult Occupational Therapy Practice. Buford presented a poster session titled 鈥淶ooming around the world: Strategies to spice up your virtual or hybrid learning spaces.鈥�

For Thomas, the value of WFOT extended beyond the presentations. The conference gave faculty a broader view of where occupational therapy is heading globally, including emerging conversations around chronic conditions, mental health, telehealth, artificial intelligence, and lifestyle medicine.

鈥淭o be able to be at a conference like this, where we see what some of the things coming down the pipeline for our profession are, so that we can better prepare our students for the future of OT, means a lot,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e setting our students ahead of the curve by being able to bring back this information from a global level.鈥�

Whole Health and Lifestyle Medicine

One of the strongest takeaways from the Congress, Thomas said, was the growing global emphasis on lifestyle medicine and whole-person approaches to care. That focus aligns closely with 性爱视频鈥檚 identity as an Integrative, Whole Health University and with the OTD program鈥檚 curriculum.

鈥淥ur OTD program in particular has been utilizing Whole Health before it was a big thing at 性爱视频,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淥ur students learn about lifestyle medicine, which is a component of Whole Health, and that has been part of our program since we first started.鈥�

Thomas said occupational therapy has long centered on what matters most to each person, a principle that closely mirrors Whole Health鈥檚 emphasis on person-centered care.

鈥淭his term Whole Health, and the fact that other professions are now saying, 鈥榃hat matters to you?鈥� is something that occupational therapists have always done,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淥ur job is to look at what those daily things are that you do every day that are important to you and that you want to be able to do.鈥�

性爱视频鈥檚 OTD program is one of the few universities in the country to offer students a partial academic pathway in lifestyle medicine, giving graduates a head start toward board certification in lifestyle medicine.

Trends Shaping the Future of OT

Among the major themes Thomas identified from the Congress were chronic condition management, the renewed importance of occupational therapy in mental health, the growing use of artificial intelligence, and the expansion of telehealth.

鈥淎ddressing chronic conditions is one of them. Mental health is the other,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淥Ts have been working in mental health since 1917, but the importance and resurgence of the need for OTs to be working in the mental health arena, that was a takeaway.鈥�

Artificial intelligence was another major topic. Rather than replacing occupational therapists, Thomas said AI is being explored as a tool to support practice, education, and access to information.

Telehealth also stood out, particularly in expanding access in rural communities where patients may have limited access to hospitals, clinics, or outpatient services. Thomas said this reinforced the value of 性爱视频鈥檚 OTD curriculum, which includes a full telehealth course.

Presenting Emerging Scholarship

Dr. Thomas鈥� poster examined the emerging role occupational therapy may play in supporting integration practices following legally administered psilocybin-assisted therapy, with a focus on helping clients translate therapeutic insights into sustainable routines, roles, and meaningful daily participation.

The poster, titled 鈥淭he Role of OT in Psilocybin Integration Using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework,鈥� was co-presented by Thomas and 性爱视频 OTD alumna Gal Elkayam, OTR/L. The presentation analyzed how the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition, can be applied to psilocybin integration, particularly in helping individuals build routines, modify habits, improve occupational engagement, and support long-term behavior change.

A Global Perspective for 性爱视频 Students

For Thomas, one of the most valuable aspects of WFOT was learning from occupational therapists working in different countries and cultural contexts.

She cited an example from Japan, where occupational therapists helped develop a dementia-focused restaurant concept known as the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders. The initiative gives people living with dementia an opportunity to work in a restaurant environment, while customers understand that their orders may not arrive exactly as requested. Thomas said the concept promotes meaning, purpose, social inclusion, and greater public understanding of dementia.

鈥淗earing about what other OTs are doing in other countries helps us shift our curriculum,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just educating students in this little, tiny bubble of what鈥檚 happening in Southern California. We are now educating students on a global level.鈥�

性爱视频鈥檚 participation in WFOT also supports the university鈥檚 growing visibility within the occupational therapy profession and creates opportunities for future collaboration in research, capstone projects, guest lectures, and faculty partnerships.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really good for 性爱视频鈥檚 name to be out there,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淎s we grow, for us to be at the forefront of people鈥檚 minds as a Whole Health institution, and by other leaders in the profession seeing us there, hearing about us, seeing us present, is really important.鈥�

Through its participation in the 19th WFOT Congress, 性爱视频鈥檚 OTD faculty brought a global perspective back to the classroom, reinforcing the university鈥檚 commitment to Whole Health, innovation, evidence-based practice, and preparing future occupational therapists to meet the evolving needs of individuals and communities.

How 性爱视频 Student Services Supports Whole Health and Student Wellness

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频), the concept of Whole Health is not confined to the classroom; it鈥檚 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 性爱视频

As an integrative, Whole Health university, 性爱视频 emphasizes the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Student Services plays a central role in translating that philosophy into practice.

鈥淎t 性爱视频, Student Services brings Whole Health to life in the student experience,鈥� said Shelby Gugel, Associate Vice President of Student & Alumni Services. 鈥淲e support students not only academically, but also emotionally, socially, professionally, and personally.鈥�

Through services such as tutoring, counseling, disability support, life coaching, peer mentoring, and career development, the department provides a framework designed to support students throughout their academic journey.

A Broader Definition of Student Wellness

Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, 性爱视频 defines student wellness through a wider lens.

鈥淪tudent wellness means looking at the whole student, not just the academic experience,鈥� Gugel said.

That approach is reflected in how programs and services are designed鈥攊ntentionally addressing academic, emotional, physical, social, and professional needs. From orientation onward, students are introduced to this model as a core part of their experience.

Programs Designed for Connection and Balance

Programs like Wellness Wednesday were developed in response to the demands of graduate and professional education, where academic rigor can often overshadow personal well-being.

Offerings have included yoga, sound baths, fitness classes, nutrition demonstrations, and workshops focused on burnout prevention and test-taking anxiety, as well as hands-on activities that encourage connection and community.

鈥淭hese programs help students feel more connected鈥� and more equipped with practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance,鈥� Gugel said.

Student Services has also expanded programming to support specific populations, including parent support groups for students balancing academic and family responsibilities.

Support Systems for Real-World Challenges

In addition to co-curricular programming, 性爱视频鈥檚 Student Assistance Program provides access to a wide range of services designed to address challenges beyond the classroom.

Available at no cost to students and their household members, the program includes:

• Short-term counseling
• 24/7 mental health support
• Life coaching
• Financial consultation and legal referrals
• Medical advocacy and life management resources

鈥淭hese services help students navigate stress, anxiety, and other life demands that can affect their well-being and academic success,鈥� Gugel said.

Connecting Care to the Student Experience

Access to 性爱视频 Health reinforces this model by making care accessible within the university environment.

鈥淲hen students have access to services that reflect the Whole Health model, they are better able to care for themselves while also deepening their understanding of what it means to care for others,鈥� Gugel said.

This connection between personal well-being and professional development is a defining element of the student experience.

Preparing Future Healthcare Professionals

For students preparing to enter healthcare fields, the experience goes beyond theory.

鈥淔uture healthcare professionals need more than technical knowledge. They need lived experience with what it means to care for the whole person,鈥� Gugel said.

By integrating support systems, wellness programming, and community engagement into daily student life, 性爱视频 helps students develop habits鈥攕uch as self-awareness, empathy, and resilience鈥攖hat will shape their future practice.

An Embedded, Not Add-On, Approach

What distinguishes 性爱视频鈥檚 model is its consistency across the student journey.

鈥淲hole Health is not treated as an add-on. It is embedded into the student experience,鈥� Gugel said.

That integration extends from orientation through graduation and includes partnerships with institutions such as USC, UCLA, and UC San Diego, offering students additional opportunities to develop leadership skills and cultural competency.

A Proactive Model for Student Success

At 性爱视频, student support is designed to be proactive rather than reactive.

鈥淲e do not wait until students are struggling to think about well-being,鈥� Gugel said.

By embedding resources, programming, and support systems into the student experience, the university ensures that students are equipped not only to succeed academically, but to carry a comprehensive understanding of care into their future roles as healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Whole Health at 性爱视频?

Whole Health at 性爱视频 is an integrative approach that emphasizes the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. It is a core part of the university鈥檚 philosophy and is reflected in both academic programs and the student experience.

How does Student Services support student wellness at 性爱视频?

Student Services supports student wellness through a range of programs and resources, including academic support, counseling, life coaching, peer mentoring, career services, and wellness programming designed to promote balance, resilience, and connection.

What is Wellness Wednesday at 性爱视频?

Wellness Wednesday is a recurring program that offers students opportunities to participate in activities such as yoga, fitness classes, stress management workshops, and community-building events that support overall well-being.

What is the Student Assistance Program?

The Student Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services to students and their household members, including short-term counseling, 24/7 mental health support, life coaching, and resources for financial, legal, and personal challenges.

How does 性爱视频 Health benefit students?

Access to 性爱视频 Health allows students to experience integrative care firsthand, supporting their personal well-being while reinforcing the principles of Whole Health they are learning in their academic programs.

Why is student wellness important for future healthcare professionals?

Student wellness is essential because it helps future healthcare professionals develop self-awareness, resilience, and empathy鈥攓ualities that are critical for providing patient-centered, Whole Health care.

What makes 性爱视频鈥檚 approach to student wellness unique?

性爱视频鈥檚 approach is unique because Whole Health is fully integrated into the student experience. Wellness support is not treated as an add-on but is embedded into services, programming, and the overall campus culture from orientation through graduation.

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

Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) 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 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.

鈥淏eing represented at a global conference of this scale is both an honor and a responsibility,鈥� Dr. Kizhakkeveettil said. 鈥淔or 性爱视频, it reflects our growing role as a leader in integrative and Whole Health education and signals that our work is both academically rigorous and globally relevant.鈥�

Leading International Collaboration in Integrative Health

Dr. Kizhakkeveettil served as Chair of the guiding discussions among experts from more than 15 countries. The Assembly focused on moving beyond presentations to develop shared frameworks for advancing integrative healthcare globally.

鈥淢y primary goal as Chair was to create genuine dialogue鈥攏ot simply a platform for presentations, but a structured space where practitioners and researchers could arrive at shared frameworks,鈥� she said.

The Assembly included six thematic panels addressing key global health priorities, including mental well-being, lifestyle-related diseases, integrative best practices, and sustainable healthcare systems.

From Dialogue to Action: Global Initiatives Launched

A central outcome of the Assembly was the release of a draft White Paper titled 鈥淎YUSH Interventions for Mind and Body Health,鈥� designed to address gaps in prevention, long-term care, and community-based healthcare delivery.

According to Dr. Kizhakkeveettil, the white paper emphasizes principles foundational to AYUSH systems鈥攕uch as lifestyle regulation, personalization, and self-care鈥攁nd translates them into an evidence-informed framework aligned with modern public health priorities.

鈥淭his work reflects a pathway for strengthening healthcare delivery in ways that are culturally grounded, scalable, and focused on prevention,鈥� she explained.

In parallel, a Global Practitioners鈥� Survey was launched to collect real-world data on clinical practices, challenges, and opportunities across international settings. The goal is to use these insights to inform future policy development, education models, and clinical standards within integrative healthcare systems.

Together, these efforts represent a shift toward building a more structured, evidence-informed foundation for integrating traditional medicine into global healthcare systems.

Connecting Ayurveda and Modern Science

Dr. Kizhakkeveettil also delivered a plenary presentation on Ayurvedic Rasayana and cellular aging, exploring how traditional concepts align with modern scientific understanding of aging.

Rasayana focuses on promoting cellular vitality and longevity鈥攑rinciples that correspond with key biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial decline, and telomere shortening.

When applied in clinical contexts, these approaches may support improved energy, immune function, cognitive health, and overall resilience鈥攁reas of increasing importance as healthcare systems respond to aging populations and chronic disease.

鈥淚n chronic disease management, Rasayana takes a systems-based approach, helping regulate underlying drivers such as inflammation and immune dysregulation rather than just managing symptoms,鈥� she said.

This perspective reflects a broader shift toward preventive, patient-centered care models that emphasize long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

Faculty Scholarship Highlights Clinical Applications

性爱视频鈥檚 presence at the conference also included contributions from Ayurveda faculty member Jayagopal Parla, who presented on evidence-informed strategies for addressing autoimmune and metabolic disorders using classical Ayurvedic frameworks.

His work demonstrated how traditional herbal classifications described in the Charaka Samhita can be applied in modern clinical contexts, supporting personalized and integrative approaches to care.

A Growing Role in the Future of Healthcare

For Dr. Kizhakkeveettil, one of the most important takeaways from the conference is the increasing global recognition of integrative, prevention-focused care as a necessary evolution in healthcare systems.

鈥淭he discussions highlighted how traditional systems can complement modern biomedical science by addressing the root mechanisms of aging and chronic disease,鈥� she said.

She emphasized that the future of healthcare will require approaches that extend beyond symptom management to focus on Whole Health, prevention, and long-term health outcomes.

鈥淭he future is not about replacing one model with another鈥攊t鈥檚 about intelligently integrating the best of all systems.鈥�

Dr. Kizhakkeveettil鈥檚 work at the International AYUSH Conference highlights 性爱视频鈥檚 commitment to advancing Whole Health education and to contributing to global conversations about more sustainable, patient-centered models of care.

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.聽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…

Genetics 101

Every cell in your body contains DNA, the molecule that carries the instructions for how your body grows, develops, and functions. These instructions are organized into genes鈥攕pecific segments of DNA that act like individual recipes or instruction sets for making proteins, the molecules that carry out most of the body鈥檚 essential tasks. Genes influence everything from visible traits like eye color and height to less visible processes such as immune function, metabolism, and how your body responds to medications.

Even small genetic variations can increase the risk of disease鈥攐r directly cause it. For decades, scientific progress centered on identifying these variations and helping patients manage their impact. Today, we are moving beyond identifying risk toward the possibility of eliminating it at its source.

At the center of this shift is CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA. Often described as a biological 鈥渇ind and replace鈥� system, CRISPR can locate a specific genetic sequence, cut it at an exact point, and enable the removal, repair, or replacement of genetic material.聽Originally discovered as part of a bacterial defense mechanism, CRISPR has rapidly become one of the most powerful tools in modern biology.

鈥淔or the first time, we鈥檙e not just studying the genetic basis of disease鈥攚e鈥檙e beginning to intervene at that level,鈥� says Dr. Dan Handley, Program Director of 性爱视频鈥檚 Master鈥檚 in Genetics & Genomics program. 鈥淭hat fundamentally changes what鈥檚 possible in medicine.鈥�

From Lab Innovation to Real-World Medicine

Thanks to breakthroughs like CRISPR, gene editing is beginning to reach patients. Treatments for conditions like sickle cell disease, for example, are being developed by modifying a patient鈥檚 own cells so they function properly. Similar approaches are being explored for inherited blindness, where gene therapies aim to restore vision, and for certain cancers, where a patient鈥檚 immune cells can be reprogrammed to better recognize and attack tumors. This marks a pivotal transition鈥攆rom genetics as a research tool to a foundation for therapy.

Building on this momentum, medicine is becoming increasingly individualized. As our ability to read and interpret DNA improves, researchers can design treatments tailored to a single patient鈥檚 biology鈥攑articularly for rare diseases that lack standardized options. The result is a new model of care, designed around the individual rather than the statistical norm.

鈥淎s these technologies become more advanced, the human side of care becomes even more important,鈥� says Stephanie Gandomi, Program Director of 性爱视频鈥檚 Master鈥檚 in Genetic Counseling program. 鈥淧atients aren鈥檛 just receiving information鈥攖hey are making complex, deeply personal decisions based on that information.鈥�

This evolution is also reshaping how we think about chronic disease. Many conditions still require lifelong treatment that manages symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. Gene-based approaches point to a different model: one-time or infrequent interventions that could permanently alter how the body regulates certain processes. Early work in areas such as cholesterol regulation offers a glimpse of what that future may look like.

From Single Genes to Complex Systems

Not all breakthroughs involve changing DNA鈥攎any are about understanding it more deeply.

New sequencing technologies can analyze longer and far more complex stretches of DNA than ever before, helping diagnose conditions that previously went unexplained for years. We now understand that conditions like cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders are shaped by vast networks of genes interacting with each other and with the environment. As our ability to analyze increasingly complex genetic data grows, so does our understanding of how these diseases develop鈥攁nd how they might be treated.

For patients, this means faster answers and more targeted care. For clinicians and researchers, it enables a more sophisticated view of disease.

Another promising area is epigenetics, which focuses on how genes are turned on or off. Rather than altering the DNA sequence itself, scientists can adjust gene activity鈥攎ore like using a dimmer switch than flipping a switch on or off. This approach may offer a more flexible and potentially reversible path to treatment.

Beyond Medicine鈥攁nd Accelerating Forward

The impact of genomics extends well beyond healthcare.

In agriculture, for example, gene-editing tools are being used to develop crops with improved nutrition, greater resilience, and fewer harmful compounds鈥攁ll while maintaining productivity. Scientists are engineering drought-resistant wheat, rice varieties that can withstand flooding, and crops with enhanced vitamin content to address global nutritional gaps. At the same time, gene editing is being used to reduce allergens in foods like peanuts and to eliminate naturally occurring toxins, making the food supply safer and more accessible.

Genomics is also beginning to shape areas like environmental science and public health. Researchers are using genetic tools to track the spread of infectious diseases in real time, monitor biodiversity, and even engineer microorganisms that can help break down pollutants or capture carbon more efficiently.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is accelerating discoveries across the field. AI systems can analyze vast amounts of genetic data鈥攊dentifying patterns that would be impossible for humans to detect and predicting how specific genetic changes may affect the body. These tools are already being used to identify new drug targets, model how diseases develop and progress, and design more precise therapies鈥攃ompressing timelines that once took years into months.

Taken together, these developments reflect a larger shift: genetics is becoming a foundational technology, influencing everything from how we identify and treat disease to how we produce food, understand ecosystems, and respond to global challenges.

Preparing for What Comes Next

As genetics becomes more deeply integrated in our world, the demand for skilled professionals is growing rapidly.

Programs like 性爱视频鈥檚 Master of Science in Genetics & Genomics prepare graduates to help identify and translate these scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications across research and clinical settings. Others, like 性爱视频’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC), prepare students to help individuals and families understand their unique genetic makeup, assess potential health risks, and navigate life-changing choices with confidence.

鈥淭he pace of discovery is accelerating, but progress depends on people who know how to apply these tools responsibly,鈥� says Dr. Handley. 鈥淭raining the next generation is just as important as the technology itself.鈥�

鈥淕enetic information can be incredibly powerful, but it can also be overwhelming,鈥� says Gandomi. 鈥淕enetic counselors help patients understand not just the science, but what it means for their lives and their choices.鈥�

We are entering a moment in which DNA is no longer just something we read. It is something we can thoughtfully and precisely influence.聽That shift has profound implications. It changes how we think about disease, how we design treatments, and how we prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Genetics and Modern Medicine

What is DNA?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It acts like a blueprint, directing how organisms grow, develop, and function.

DNA is found in nearly every cell and is organized into structures called genes. These genes influence traits such as appearance and growth, and they also affect how living organisms process nutrients, respond to their environment, and carry out essential biological processes.

What is the difference between genetics and genomics?

Genetics focuses on individual genes and how they influence specific traits or conditions. Genomics looks at all of a person鈥檚 genes together and how they interact with each other and the environment to impact overall health.

How is genetics transforming modern healthcare?

Advances in genetics are helping shift healthcare from a one-size-fits-all approach to more personalized care. By understanding a patient鈥檚 genetic profile, providers can better predict disease risk, tailor treatments, and, in some cases, address underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms.

What is precision medicine?

Precision medicine is an approach to healthcare that uses genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information to customize treatment for each patient, allowing care to be tailored to the individual rather than the average patient.

What does a genetic counselor do?

Genetic counselors help patients understand genetic testing results, assess health risks, and make informed decisions about their care. They also provide guidance and support as patients navigate complex medical and personal choices.

Are genetic treatments available today?

Some genetic-based treatments are already being used in clinical settings, particularly for rare diseases. While many therapies are still in development, the field is rapidly advancing and expanding into more areas of healthcare.

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

A new led by Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) Research Director Dr. Steffany Moonaz provides compelling evidence that yoga may be a cost-effective and clinically beneficial option for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA)鈥攁 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 clinical outcomes, the study included a cost-effectiveness analysis over a three-month period, evaluating both healthcare and broader societal impacts.

The findings come at a critical time, as healthcare systems globally face rising costs associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Knee osteoarthritis alone places a significant burden on both patients and healthcare infrastructure, with costs expected to grow substantially in the coming decades.

Addressing a Growing Healthcare Challenge

Knee OA not only impacts mobility and quality of life, but it also contributes to increased healthcare utilization, lost productivity, and early retirement. Traditional treatment guidelines emphasize exercise and weight management as first-line approaches, yet patient adherence to structured strengthening programs can be inconsistent due to accessibility challenges, physical limitations, and personal preferences.

Dr. Moonaz鈥檚 research explores whether yoga鈥攁 mind-body practice integrating movement, breathwork, and relaxation鈥攃an serve as a viable alternative that meets both clinical and economic demands.

Comparing Yoga to Traditional Exercise

The study builds on prior randomized controlled trial data comparing yoga and strengthening exercise programs for individuals with knee OA. Over a 12-week period, both groups experienced similar reductions in knee pain. However, by 24 weeks, participants in the yoga group demonstrated slightly greater improvements in:

• Physical function
• Symptom management
• Overall quality of life

These findings suggest that yoga not only matches traditional exercise in effectiveness but may offer added benefits in long-term patient outcomes.

Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness

What sets this study apart is its focus on economic value鈥攁n increasingly important factor in healthcare decision-making.

Using a cost-utility framework, researchers analyzed outcomes based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs, and broader societal impacts such as productivity loss.

鈥淐linical effectiveness is essential. We don鈥檛 want to spend limited resources on treatments that aren鈥檛 going to improve biopsychosocial outcomes for patients,鈥� said Dr. Moonaz. 鈥淚n reality, though, we must also consider cost-effectiveness, because even a clinically effective treatment might not provide sufficient benefits to justify the resources it requires. Ideally, we want to optimize both so that patients receive the best possible outcomes with the most efficient use of resources.鈥�

She added that knee osteoarthritis represents a particularly high-burden condition, making cost-effectiveness a critical factor when comparing treatment options with similar clinical benefits.

The results indicate:

• Yoga delivers comparable clinical outcomes to strengthening exercise
• Participants experienced slightly better quality-of-life improvements
• Yoga may provide strong value for money, particularly when factoring in societal costs

The study utilized established economic evaluation methods, including incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and net monetary benefit (NMB), ensuring alignment with international health economics standards.

Implications for Healthcare Systems

As healthcare systems navigate limited resources and increasing demand, cost-effective, patient-centered interventions are essential.

This research suggests that integrating yoga into care pathways for knee osteoarthritis could:

• Expand access to treatment options
• Improve patient adherence and engagement
• Reduce overall economic burden on healthcare systems

鈥淵oga itself is a whole-person intervention,鈥� Dr. Moonaz explained. 鈥淢any people think of the poses and how they can improve physical function, but yoga is actually much more than that. It offers movement, breathwork, mindfulness, relaxation, and community support to help break the stress-pain cycle and improve well-being across multiple domains.鈥�

She noted that offering yoga alongside traditional approaches like physical therapy provides patients with more options to manage their condition in ways that align with their preferences and needs.

鈥淐linical effectiveness alone is not enough to guide real-world decisions,鈥� the study notes. 鈥淯nderstanding value for money is essential for allocating limited healthcare resources and supporting patient-centered care.鈥�

Advancing Whole Health at 性爱视频

This study reflects 性爱视频鈥檚 commitment to advancing integrative, evidence-informed approaches to healthcare. By examining both clinical outcomes and economic impact, Dr. Moonaz鈥檚 work highlights how Whole Health strategies can deliver meaningful benefits for patients while addressing broader system-level challenges.

鈥淭he favorable findings for both clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness suggest that clinicians may want to offer yoga as an option for patients,鈥� Dr. Moonaz said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important, however, that programs are designed specifically for individuals with arthritis to ensure safety and effectiveness.鈥�

She added that as evidence continues to grow, healthcare payers may also begin to consider covering evidence-based yoga programs to expand access and improve patient outcomes.

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鈥攐ne 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 California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频), achieving meaningful improvements in health outcomes requires a fundamental shift in how healthcare systems think about care.

鈥淭he most important shift that healthcare professionals and healthcare systems must embrace in the next decade if we are to truly see significant improvements in health outcomes and costs is understanding that what is needed is an entirely new paradigm,鈥� Gaudet explains. 鈥淥ur current healthcare approach is starting from the wrong place鈥攖he system often begins with the disease or the problem, rather than the person and what matters most to them.鈥�

As healthcare begins to make that transition from a disease-centered model to a person-centered model, Integrative, Whole Health approaches are gaining momentum. The following trends highlight what鈥檚 shaping the future of patient care.

1. Personalized Healthcare Is Replacing One-Size-Fits-All Medicine

One of the most exciting developments in modern healthcare is the rise of personalized medicine. Instead of relying on standardized treatments for every patient, healthcare providers increasingly use data and technology to tailor care to the individual.

Factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, environmental influences, and digital health tracking can now help clinicians develop personalized strategies for improving health.

Wearable health technologies, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, are already enabling individuals and providers to monitor sleep patterns, stress levels, heart rate, and physical activity. These insights can help healthcare providers identify early health risks and develop personalized wellness strategies.

2. Preventive Care and Lifestyle Medicine Are Becoming Central to Healthcare

Two closely related鈥攂ut distinct鈥攆orces are transforming healthcare: a renewed emphasis on preventive care and the rapid rise of lifestyle medicine.

Preventive care focuses on identifying risks early and intervening before disease develops, through screenings, vaccinations, and proactive clinical guidance. At the same time, lifestyle medicine is gaining traction as an evidence-based approach that addresses the root causes of many chronic conditions by supporting changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress.

Research continues to show that conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain mental health challenges are strongly influenced by daily behaviors. While preventive care helps detect and mitigate risk, lifestyle medicine equips patients with the tools to make sustained changes that improve long-term health outcomes.

Rather than waiting until illness develops, healthcare professionals are increasingly combining these approaches鈥攊dentifying risk earlier and empowering patients to adopt healthier habits that can prevent or even reverse disease.

鈥淚f we want to help people optimize their health and wellbeing鈥攁nd minimize the impact of chronic conditions and mental health issues鈥攚e need to change the conversation,鈥� explained Gaudet.

Together, these shifts reflect a broader movement toward healthcare models that prioritize wellness, resilience, and long-term quality of life.

3. Interprofessional Healthcare Teams Are Improving Patient Outcomes

Healthcare challenges are rarely solved by a single discipline alone. The future of healthcare will increasingly depend on interprofessional collaboration, where professionals from multiple healthcare fields work together to support patient health.

Interprofessional healthcare teams may include practitioners specializing in:

• conventional medical care (primary care, nursing, and specialties)
• chiropractic care
• acupuncture and Eastern medicine
• physical and occupational therapy
• behavioral and mental health
• nutrition and lifestyle coaching
• and more

By working collaboratively, healthcare providers can address the full range of factors that influence health鈥攊ncluding physical, emotional, behavioral, and environmental dimensions鈥攚hile also honoring each patient鈥檚 individual goals, values, and preferences.

At 性爱视频, this philosophy is embedded in the educational experience. Students learn alongside and from peers across healthcare disciplines, developing not only the clinical knowledge, but also the communication and collaboration skills needed to partner with patients and deliver truly comprehensive, whole-person care.

4. Mind-Body Medicine Is Gaining Scientific Support

Growing research continues to highlight the connection between mental and physical health. Stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being can influence immune function, inflammation, sleep quality, and chronic disease risk.

As a result, mind-body medicine is becoming an increasingly important component of modern healthcare. Approaches such as mindfulness, therapeutic movement, yoga therapy, and stress management are now widely used to help patients improve quality of life and manage chronic conditions.

The Research Department at Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) is actively exploring the connection between mental and physical health through ongoing studies in integrative care and whole-person health. Growing evidence shows that mind-body approaches can help patients develop practical tools to manage stress, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. These approaches reinforce the understanding that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected and essential to long-term health outcomes.

5. Healthcare Leadership Will Drive System Transformation

While clinical innovation is important, the future of healthcare also depends on leaders capable of transforming healthcare systems. Healthcare organizations increasingly need professionals who understand how to implement Whole Health strategies across hospitals, clinics, and community health systems.

鈥淎 Whole Health System expands the purpose of healthcare beyond disease management to helping people live their most meaningful lives,鈥� Gaudet says. 鈥淚ts approach empowers and equips the whole person, shifting healthcare from a medicalized, expert-driven model to one that is proactive, community-based, and guided by what matters most to the individual.鈥�

Programs such as 性爱视频鈥檚 Doctor of Whole Health Leadership are designed to prepare healthcare professionals to lead this transformation and implement patient-centered healthcare models that prioritize prevention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic wellness.

Preparing the Next Generation of Whole Health Leaders

The transformation of healthcare is already underway. Advances in technology, research, and patient-centered care are redefining how healthcare professionals approach prevention, treatment, and wellness.

Integrative, Whole Health models鈥攆ocused on personalized care, prevention, interprofessional collaboration, and the connection between mind and body鈥攁re becoming essential for improving long-term health outcomes.

At 性爱视频, this shift is not theoretical鈥攊t is embedded in how future professionals are educated and trained. Students in every discipline learn to apply the university鈥檚 Integrative Whole Health philosophy, combining rigorous, evidence-based practice with a broader understanding of human health and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is integrative healthcare?

Integrative healthcare is an approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary practices to create care plans tailored to each person鈥檚 unique health needs, preferences, and goals.

What is the Whole Health approach?

The Whole Health approach places people鈥攏ot conditions鈥攁t the center of care. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or disease, it considers the full range of interconnected factors that influence a person鈥檚 overall quality of life鈥攊ncluding physical, mental, and emotional health; personal values and purpose; relationships; social and economic conditions; and the environments in which people live.

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating, and in some cases reversing chronic disease by addressing its root causes. It focuses on sustainable changes in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connection. Rather than relying solely on medications, lifestyle medicine helps individuals build daily habits that support long-term health and well-being.

What is Interprofessional Collaboration?

Interprofessional collaboration is a team-based approach to healthcare in which professionals from different disciplines work together to support patient care. By combining diverse expertise鈥攕uch as medical, therapeutic, behavioral, and lifestyle perspectives鈥攖hese teams can develop more comprehensive, coordinated, and effective care plans that address the full range of a patient鈥檚 needs.