Doctor of Whole Health Leadership

Click on the image above to see our Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program in action.

What Sets Our Program Apart?

LED BY LEADERS

Not only is the DrWHL the first and only program of its kind, but it’s also led and taught by some of the leading minds and influencers in our nation’s Whole Health transformation. The Executive Director of the program (Tracy Gaudet, MD) was Founding Executive Director of the National Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation at the Veterans Administration, leading the Whole Health initiative that is now considered the model for our nation to emulate. Dr. Gaudet plays a hands-on role in guiding the program and mentoring students in this selective, intimate program. The founding Program Director (Lauri Phillips, RDN, LD) formerly served as Associate Director for Whole Health System Development at the Veterans Health Administration and as Senior Director of Whole Health Nutrition at the Whole Health Institute. She and Dr. Gaudet are also Co-Founders of Cornerstone Collaboration for Societal Change, the nation’s leaders in Whole Health transformation.

TEACHING SYSTEMS-LEVEL CHANGE

As the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine said in a 2023 consensus study, a national transition to Whole Health will require “a seismic culture shift in attitudes, structures, processes, and policies.” Our DrWHL curriculum is specifically built to prepare a new generation of leaders with the skills they need to lead that radical change. We’ll prepare you to:

• Build a case for Whole Health transformation and lead your organization in implementing it
• Advocate for Whole Health locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Consult with professional associations, accreditors, clinics, government agencies, and others interested in adopting Whole Health
• Speak and publish on issues relevant to Whole Health
• And more

PERSONALLY TRANSFORMATIVE

In addition to fueling systems-level change, our DrWHL program is intended to be life-changing on a personal level as well.

While your online coursework provides expert knowledge in Whole Health and transformational leadership, the program also offers meaningful opportunities to nurture your own well-being. Students in the U.S. Track participate in four in-person weekend intensives that foster deep connection, reflection, and experiential learning. Students in the Non-U.S. Track are welcome, but not required, to attend these intensives. Students in the Non-U.S. Track complete two non-credit courses that explore Whole Health principles and group facilitation skills. These experiences empower students to have a personal Whole Health experience, engage in self-reflection that deepens self-awareness and supports personal growth, and gain practical self-care tools.

Throughout the program, you’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded change agents and practice relationship-building skills that are essential for leadership and meaningful human connection. In courses and optional group meetings, you’ll have opportunities to connect with fellow students and faculty, sharing insights, offering support, and building lasting relationships.

Finally, your Capstone Project allows you to begin making a difference right now through a project that reflects your personal values. Whether you choose to design a pilot program, conduct a research study, or launch an advocacy or policy initiative, you can create a project that aligns with your professional interests and contributes meaningfully to the advancement of Whole Health.

Who is This Program For?

Our DrWHL program is designed for healthcare professionals who are passionate about leading the transformation to Whole Health, including:

• Administrators and educators with a master’s degree or higher and at least three years of leadership experience in a healthcare-related field.
• Licensed clinicians or practitioners with a master’s degree or higher, or at least 30 graduate-level credit hours beyond a baccalaureate.
• Other professionals who are deeply interested in Whole Health and would like to be considered based on their unique experience and aspirations.  Anyone committed to Whole Health and system change is encouraged to apply.

We view the personal and professional diversity of our students and faculty as a vital asset. Our inaugural cohort, which began the program in Fall 2024, includes an ethnically and professionally diverse group of mid-to-late-career change leaders. This dynamic group of mid-to-late-career professionals includes clinicians, such as MDs, RNs, a Nurse Practitioner, an Occupational Therapist, and a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as leaders from long-term care, integrative health, hospitals, the private sector, Veterans Affairs, and integrative medicine education.

SCU Video Series

Doctor of Whole Health Leadership