We are only as well as our communities.
I am passionate about supporting individuals and groups to live vibrant, deeply meaningful lives, and I've done this through multiple pathways--as a health journalist, an RN specializing in behavioral health and lifestyle medicine, a professor of graduate students at CIIS, author, presenter, national board member, and finally, as a medical anthropologist, investing the ways that
communities around the world support each other's well-being.
One of the most lasting lessons I've gleaned from travels abroad is the Kiswahili word Harambee...which means "we all pull together." It's often used as a slogan for tribal pride, civic achievement, hospital care--even sports teams throughout Africa. To me, it signifies that we're only as well as our communities...that the personal sense of belonging, well-being is built on a foundation of collective well-being.
The most reliable paths blend an appreciation for mind-body-spirit modalities, together with accessible and competent health care, and committed, and vigorous self-care. And all of that needs to be held in a cauldron of engaged and lively community support.
Communities must recognize the value of the common good in order for individual well-being to flourish.
Ethnographic Research on Integrative Medicine Collaboration
I've examined the art and science of healing traditions around the world, and have conducted a long-term ethnographic study of attempts by integrative medicine practitioners to include various modalities and alternative systems in one practice in the U.S.
Most people remain confused about what type of integrative health therapy will benefit or reverse their ailments. For example, with over 50 different kinds of healing methods available today, people wonder if they should try herbs instead of drugs for migraines, acupuncture instead of IVF for fertility, or chiropractic instead of orthopedic surgery for their chronic back pain.
As a medical anthropologist, and RN specializing in integrative health and behavioral medicine, and journalist, I’ve traveled the world and realized that good medicine is the one that works for you, no matter if it’s alternative, complementary or conventional. With over 25 years experience in the health field, I’m committed to finding the safest, most reliable and scientifically valid approaches.
At California Institute of Integral Studies, I serve as Professor and Department Chair of an M.A. degree program in Integrative Health Studies, which includes a Certificate in Wellness Coaching, Certificate in Guided Imagery, and Certificate in Patient Navigation. The master's program prepares integrative health practitioners and masters level health coaches to be leaders in the field.
communities around the world support each other's well-being.
One of the most lasting lessons I've gleaned from travels abroad is the Kiswahili word Harambee...which means "we all pull together." It's often used as a slogan for tribal pride, civic achievement, hospital care--even sports teams throughout Africa. To me, it signifies that we're only as well as our communities...that the personal sense of belonging, well-being is built on a foundation of collective well-being.
The most reliable paths blend an appreciation for mind-body-spirit modalities, together with accessible and competent health care, and committed, and vigorous self-care. And all of that needs to be held in a cauldron of engaged and lively community support.
Communities must recognize the value of the common good in order for individual well-being to flourish.
Ethnographic Research on Integrative Medicine Collaboration
I've examined the art and science of healing traditions around the world, and have conducted a long-term ethnographic study of attempts by integrative medicine practitioners to include various modalities and alternative systems in one practice in the U.S.
Most people remain confused about what type of integrative health therapy will benefit or reverse their ailments. For example, with over 50 different kinds of healing methods available today, people wonder if they should try herbs instead of drugs for migraines, acupuncture instead of IVF for fertility, or chiropractic instead of orthopedic surgery for their chronic back pain.
As a medical anthropologist, and RN specializing in integrative health and behavioral medicine, and journalist, I’ve traveled the world and realized that good medicine is the one that works for you, no matter if it’s alternative, complementary or conventional. With over 25 years experience in the health field, I’m committed to finding the safest, most reliable and scientifically valid approaches.
At California Institute of Integral Studies, I serve as Professor and Department Chair of an M.A. degree program in Integrative Health Studies, which includes a Certificate in Wellness Coaching, Certificate in Guided Imagery, and Certificate in Patient Navigation. The master's program prepares integrative health practitioners and masters level health coaches to be leaders in the field.
|
|
|
|