Samantha Doran
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Research Mentor School/College/Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System / NonUM
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors:
Abstract
Developing practices in health that focus on individualized care is critical in order to improve health outcomes for individuals. This approach, known as “Whole Health” in the Veteran Affairs Health System, considers eight primary areas that compose the Circle of Health (insert footnote). This research study analyzes the quantitative and qualitative data generated from a nationally-distributed survey, with over 100 unique responses from students, veterans, healthcare workers, and community members. An analysis of these responses yields how each demographic feels about their personal experiences related to the aspects of Whole health, their understanding and awareness of this branch of medicine, and their view on improvements for their communities that would support one of more aspects of integrative medicine. This study contributes to the growing body of research assessing the familiarity and future beneficial practices of integrative medicine in these populations. In order to address the identified barriers to Whole Health practices, a student organization was created that focuses on promoting nutritional eating for college and university students.
