Mind-Body Medicine, Specialization in Healthcare Practice, Ph.D.

Transforming the Practice of Healthcare

Integrative medicine represents a new level of intellectual breadth and personal depth in healthcare. It requires training that emphasizes treating the patient as a whole person, rather than as a set of symptoms, and working with the mind and spirit as well as the body. The Healthcare Practice Specialization for the doctoral degree in Mind-Body Medicine gives currently licensed and aspiring holistic health professionals expert knowledge in their field. This specialization also prepares graduates to work in integrative health and wellness coaching, wellness education, health promotion, and stress management services.

Designed for licensed health care professionals as well as individuals pursuing careers in health coaching and wellness education, this curriculum involves extensive evidence-based research to support a comprehensive range of mind-body skills used in the field of integrative medicine.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the PhD Degree in Mind-Body Medicine will be able to:

1. Evaluate methodologies and/or conduct independent research to investigate contemporary issues in lifestyle and wellness.

2. Explain the influence of biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.

3. Interpret the values, ethical principles, and practice standards that are paramount for multidisciplinary practitioners and researchers.

4. Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and informed practices/interventions in integrative medicine.

5. Apply published research and critical thinking skills in academic papers, presentations, and/or communications.

6. Develop reflective practices and/or model adaptive skills in integrative healthcare and wellness.

7. Demonstrate multicultural competencies and diversity awareness, and support health equity and social justice in healthcare systems.

Requirements

Specialization Requirements Overview

Students selecting the Healthcare Practice doctoral specialization will complete 18 credits in specialized coursework including coursework in mind-body science (psychophysiology), the application of information science to healthcare decisions (health informatics), and will choose options in areas such as biofeedback, hypnosis, spirituality and health, energy medicine, and consulting skills. As part of their required coursework, they may complete a Saybrook University certificate in biofeedback, hypnosis, integrative wellness coaching, or integrative and functional nutrition.

MBM 5525 - Grant Writing 3 credit(s)
OR:
MBM 5569 - Consulting Skills 3 credit(s)
MBM 5533 - Health Informatics: The Science of Healthcare Information 3 credit(s)
MBM 5625 - Intermediate Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s)
OR
MBM 5627 - Intermediate Training and Education in Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
OR
COA 5632 - Intermediate Coaching 3.0 credit(s)
MBM 5640 - Psychophysiology 3 credit(s)
IFN Nutrition Elective 3 credits
MBM 5635 - Spirituality and Health 3 credit(s)
OR
MBM 5645 - The Human Energy Field and Energy Medicine 3 credit(s)

Specialization Credits: (Years 1-4) 18

Specialization Requirements for 2017-2018 Academic Year approved by CIMHS Degree Program Committee.

NOTES:

The degree completion time for a student following the default course sequence will average between 4 ½ to 5 ½ years. Some students may complete degree requirements in fewer terms and some may require more terms to complete the degree.
A listing of acceptable CIMHS courses and electives is available in the Saybrook Catalog. Students may also choose an elective from the required courses in other specializations.
This is a structured cohort program and the sequence of courses is different for students who start in the fall than for students who start in the spring.

Learning and Career Outcomes

Licensed healthcare professionals who complete this degree will strengthen their already existing careers, utilizing integrative approaches to treatment and a variety of mind-body skills. Practice specialization graduates are prepared to excel in integrative medicine, holistic nursing, and a variety of allied health professions. Graduates without healthcare licenses will be prepared to work in the private practice of coaching and stress management, and as consultants and employees in corporate and medically based health promotion and wellness programs.

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