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

91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) 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 SCU, 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

SCU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 SCU鈥檚 commitment to advancing Whole Health education and to contributing to global conversations about more sustainable, patient-centered models of care.

SCU Introduces Online, Self-Paced Ayurveda Short Courses for Learners Everywhere

Responding to growing interest in integrative and preventive approaches to health and wellness, 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) today announced the launch of Ayurveda Short Courses, a new collection of fully online, self-paced offerings designed to make one of the world鈥檚 oldest healing systems accessible to learners everywhere.

Available for purchase through a simple e-commerce model, these short courses remove traditional barriers to university education while maintaining the rigor and expertise of SCU, a recognized leader in Ayurvedic medicine and integrative, whole-person health education. Learners can enroll without a formal application process and complete coursework on their own schedules.

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic Medicine (or 鈥淎yurveda鈥�) is based on the principle that three fundamental energies, known as doshas, govern all biological and psychological functions鈥攁nd that maintaining harmony and balance in the doshas is essential to physical and mental wellbeing.

鈥淎yurvedic Medicine is one of the oldest traditional health care systems that views a human being as an interconnected unity of body, mind, senses, and spirit, living in constant relationship with nature and community,鈥� said Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, Program Director of SCU鈥檚 Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine. 鈥淚ts principles remain highly relevant today because they emphasize individualized, preventive, and lifestyle-based care 鈥� aligning with current needs for whole-person wellness.鈥�

A Flexible, Accessible Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine

SCU鈥檚 Ayurveda Short Courses are:

• 100% online
• Self-paced, allowing learners to progress on their own schedule
• Designed to be completed by the required course end date
• Available for purchase without a formal application and admissions process

This flexibility and convenient access make the courses ideal for busy professionals, wellness practitioners, students, and lifelong learners looking to expand their knowledge without disrupting work, family, or personal commitments.

鈥淭he courses allow Ayurveda to meet modern learners where they are, blending timeless wisdom with flexible, technology-enabled formats that support real-life application 鈥� whether in daily routines, clinical practice, or community health,鈥� Dr. Kizhakkeveettil said.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no lengthy application process because we wanted to lower barriers and invite curiosity. The model allows people to experience the value of Ayurveda directly and makes foundational wisdom available to anyone motivated to improve their health 鈥� not only those pursuing formal professional training.鈥�

Start with a Free Introduction to Ayurveda

For those new to Ayurveda or unsure where to begin, SCU offers a free Introduction to Ayurveda course, providing a welcoming first step.

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 need any background, special vocabulary, or prior training to get started,鈥� Dr. Kizhakkeveettil said. 鈥淥nly an open mind and a willingness to observe your own body, mind, and daily habits with kindness and curiosity. Even a few simple insights about what to eat, when to eat, and daily routines can begin to shift how you feel in everyday life.鈥�

Ayurveda Foundations Courses

Once the free Introduction to Ayurveda course is completed, those wishing to continue their Ayurvedic journey may proceed to take two additional foundational courses:

Introduction to Ayurveda 鈥� Part II

Designed for beginners and wellness enthusiasts, this course expands upon the foundational Ayurvedic principles introduced in the free Part 1 course. Learners will explore how Ayurveda supports well-being through the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth), the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and the dynamic relationship between body, mind, and environment. Participants will gain insight into their unique constitution (Prakriti) and the role of mental health in achieving harmony.

Introduction to Sanskrit

This course begins with the basics of how to read and write the Sanskrit alphabet Devanagari. Students learn to write their names, simple words, and sentences in Sanskrit. Students also learn to count in Sanskrit, basic conversational phrases, and some grammar rules. By the end of this course, students will have the basic foundation needed to pursue further study in Sanskrit鈥攐ne of the world鈥檚 most ancient and influential languages.

Nutrition and Daily Living Courses

Ayurveda and Daily Life

This course introduces the core Ayurvedic lifestyle practices that support health and disease prevention. Learners examine the influence of the mind and emotions on overall well-being, and gain practical knowledge of Ayurvedic codes of conduct, daily routines, seasonal practices, and nighttime habits designed to support long-term health and balance.

Ayurvedic Nutrition and Meal Planning

This course introduces core concepts of Ayurvedic nutrition, including the six tastes (Rasa), the importance of seasonal and constitution-based eating, and the role of digestion (Agni) in overall health. Participants learn how to identify foods that support their unique constitution (Prakriti) and to create personalized meal plans grounded in Ayurvedic principles. Ideal for anyone seeking an understanding of holistic nutrition and using food as a medicine for long-term vitality and harmony.

Mind-Body Connections Courses

Yoga for Pain Management

This course introduces safe, gentle, and therapeutic yoga practices specifically designed to alleviate physical discomfort and improve quality of life. Open to individuals of all fitness levels, the course combines mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to promote physical ease and emotional balance. Participants will leave with practical tools to integrate yoga into their daily routines for sustainable pain management and wellness.

Ayurveda & Mental Health

This course explores the mind (Manas), emotions, and consciousness from an Ayurvedic lens, providing practical tools to achieve mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience. Participants learn how the doshas influence mental health, how diet and lifestyle impact the mind, and how to apply meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness to support overall well-being. Ideal for anyone seeking holistic approaches to enhance mental health and cultivate inner peace.

To explore more about available courses or enroll today, visit website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are SCU鈥檚 Ayurveda Short Courses?

SCU鈥檚 Ayurveda Short Courses are online, self-paced educational offerings designed to introduce learners to the principles and practices of Ayurvedic Medicine. The courses blend ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with practical, real-world applications for modern health and wellness.

Who can enroll in the Ayurveda Short Courses?

Anyone can enroll. These short courses are open to the public and do not require a university application, transcripts, prior experience, or on-campus attendance. They are suitable for beginners, wellness professionals, students, and lifelong learners.

Are the Ayurveda Short Courses fully online?

Yes. All Ayurveda Short Courses are 100% online, allowing learners to access course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.

Are the courses self-paced?

Yes. The courses are self-paced, meaning learners can progress through the material on their own schedule. Each course must be completed by the required end date, but learners have flexibility in how and when they study.

How do I enroll in an Ayurveda Short Course?

Enrollment works like a standard e-commerce purchase:

1. Visit the Ayurveda Short Courses website
2. Select the course you want
3. Add it to your shopping cart
4. Complete checkout online

Once payment is successful, you are immediately enrolled and can begin learning.

Do I need to apply to the university to take these courses?

No. These short courses do not require a traditional university application, transcript submission, or admission process. They are designed to be accessible and easy to start.

Is there a free Ayurveda course available?

Yes. SCU offers a free Introduction to Ayurveda course, which allows learners to explore foundational concepts and experience the online learning format before enrolling in paid courses.

Do the Ayurveda Short Courses offer academic credit?

No. The Ayurveda Short Courses are non-credit, non-degree offerings. However, they may serve as an introduction or pathway for learners interested in pursuing SCU鈥檚 certificate programs in Ayurvedic studies.

What topics are covered in the Ayurveda Short Courses?

Topics include:

• Foundations of Ayurvedic Medicine
• Ayurvedic approaches to diet and nutrition
• Daily lifestyle practices (Dinacharya)
• Mind鈥揵ody wellness
• Yoga for pain management
• Ayurveda and mental health

Each course emphasizes practical skills learners can apply immediately in daily life.

How long do I have access to the course materials?

Learners receive access to course materials for a defined enrollment period, allowing ample time to complete the course at their own pace within the required timeframe.

Who developed the Ayurveda Short Courses?

The courses were developed by faculty from SCU鈥檚 Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine and are led by experienced educators and practitioners in Ayurvedic Medicine and Whole Health.

Where can I learn more or enroll?

To explore available courses or enroll, visit:

SCU President Dr. John Scaringe Delivers Commencement Message on Compassion to the Class of 2025

At 91性息港 of Health Sciences鈥� 2025 Commencement Ceremony, University President Dr. John Scaringe delivered a heartfelt and deeply personal address centered on one essential principle: compassion.

Speaking to graduates poised to enter the healthcare professions, Dr. Scaringe reminded the Class of 2025 that while clinical knowledge and technical expertise are critical, it is compassion 鈥� expressed through presence, dignity, and action 鈥� that ultimately defines meaningful leadership and healing.

Through personal stories drawn from his own life, Dr. Scaringe illustrated that compassion is not simply an abstract value or 鈥渟oft skill,鈥� but a courageous, active choice to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments. His message resonated strongly with SCU鈥檚 mission to educate healthcare leaders who care for the whole person 鈥� body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Scaringe鈥檚 Commencement Speech

Today is truly a remarkable day for you, your families, your faculty, and let’s be honest, it’s also a remarkable day for anyone who no longer has to hear, 鈥淚 can’t, I have to study.鈥� You and your loved ones have waited a long time for this moment. Commencement ceremonies often invite big themes such as success, purpose, and, in our case, the future of healthcare.

But before we discuss any of that, I want to begin somewhere a little simpler, somewhere human. Somewhere, far from the clinics, the classroom, or accreditation reports. I want to start in a high school locker room. When I was a senior in high school, at the end of a senior tournament, I wrestled my final match, and I lost.

Now, if you’ve ever been 17, you are absolutely certain that the entire universe is paying attention to your every move. You know exactly what that felt like. So, I walked into the locker room, and I sat by myself. I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t hurt. I was simply disappointed. The kind that feels enormous right at that age, because most disappointments do.

A few minutes later. My father walked in. He didn’t tell me to shake it off. He didn’t give me a pep talk. He didn’t offer a replay of the footage of what I should have done, what I didn’t do, and what I could have done. He didn’t even give me that classic dad line of, 鈥淪omeday you’ll laugh at this,鈥� because he knew I wasn’t going to be laughing anytime soon.

He sat down next to me. Quiet, present, and even though the disappointment didn’t go away, something else happened. I didn’t feel alone anymore. Years later, I realized what he offered that day. It wasn’t advice, it wasn’t encouragement. It wasn’t even problem-solving. It was compassion. The quiet kind that doesn’t just fix the moment.

He doesn’t try to fix that moment, but he chooses to be in that moment with you, and that simple act has stayed with me throughout my life. Compassion is often confused with empathy. They’re related, but they’re not exactly the same.

For example, empathy is seeing someone on the side of the road on a rainy day fixing their flat tire, and you say to yourself. Oh, that poor son of a gun, that must be awful. Compassion is stopping, getting out, and helping them fix that flat tire. Compassion is movement. In other words, empathy feels, compassion moves.

Empathy understands the moment, and compassion enters it. And in healthcare, that is all the difference. Your patients won’t just need your knowledge. They won’t just need your technical expertise. They will need your presence, your willingness to step in the moment with them. That shift from feeling to doing is where healing begins in your career.

You will meet people on some of their hardest days鈥攑eople who feel vulnerable, afraid, confused, and overwhelmed. Two patients may walk in with the same diagnosis but carry entirely different stories. Compassion is what helps you treat the story as much as the symptoms. It shows up in small and often unnoticed ways when you take a moment longer to listen.

When you ask a question that nobody else has thought to ask, and when you acknowledge a fear, rather than rush past it. When you offer dignity in a time when someone feels exposed, not because the moment was any less painful, but when your presence says simply, you matter. Compassion doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence.

Presence is often the most healing thing you can offer. Whether or not you see yourself as a leader today, compassion will make you a leader. Leadership isn’t about authority. Leadership is the courage to act, to care, to advocate for someone who has no voice, to slow down when the world tells you to speed up, and to speak out when something isn’t right.

There will be days when you’re tired and rushed and stretched so thin that the easiest path is not the compassionate one. Those are the moments that define a career, not the easy decisions, the meaningful ones. Compassion is not a soft skill. It is a courage in everyday form.

A few months ago, I delivered my mother’s eulogy. It was one of the hardest moments in my life, but when I finished speaking, I did feel something unexpected: comfort, not because it was any less painful, because believe me, it wasn’t. But, because compassion had surrounded her during her final years from my brothers who were with her nearby in New York, from her caretakers, and from other loved ones. All from people who treated her with dignity.

Dignity when she needed it the most. In that moment, I understood clearly that compassion doesn’t erase pain, it doesn’t fix everything, but it does connect us when we need it the very most, and that connection can be transformational. So, as you step off the stage today into your professional lives, here is my hope for you.

Let your empathy become passion. Let your compassion become action. Let your presence be part of the healing you provide. Show up for people, not perfectly, but fully. Listen with patience, advocate with courage. Lead with your heart. Compassion isn’t something you add to healthcare. Compassion is healthcare, and when you lead with it, you will not only transform the lives of others. You will transform on your own as well.

I often think back to that moment in the locker room with my dad. He didn’t take away my disappointment. He didn’t change the outcome. He showed up. That’s compassion. Not fixing everything, not having the perfect words, just choosing to be there.

As you enter your profession, you will have countless opportunities to show up in moments, big and small, seen and unseen. Do it with courage, do it with humanity. Do it with passion.

Congratulations, graduates. Good luck and Godspeed.

Watch the full 2025 Commencement Ceremony, including President Scaringe鈥檚 address:

91性息港 of Health Sciences graduates 517 new healthcare professionals in 2025

91性息港 of Health Sciences听(SCU) hosted its annual commencement ceremony on Monday, December 15, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach conferring health science degrees to 517 graduates of the Class of 2025.

The commencement ceremony is available for on-demand viewing

The Class of 2025 represents the broad variety of SCU鈥檚 academic programs, with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Medical Sciences programs each having their first graduating class. SCU鈥檚 class of 2025 has the following numbers of graduates in each respective program:

• 153 Doctor of Chiropractic graduates
  鈥� 124 Master of Science in Medical Science graduates
  鈥� 48 Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 47 Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program graduates
  鈥� 36 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduates
  鈥� 23 Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling graduates
  鈥� 22 Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduates
  鈥� 21 Ayurveda Health Counselor Certificate graduates
  鈥� 16 Ayurveda Practitioner Certificate graduates
  鈥� 14 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine graduates
  鈥� 10 Doctor of Medical Sciences graduates
  鈥� 2 Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 1 Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine graduate

Dr. John Scaringe, President of 91性息港 of Health Sciences, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, challenging the graduates to lead with compassion as they step into their professional careers.

Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Scaringe emphasized that compassion goes beyond simply understanding another person鈥檚 struggle, reminding graduates that 鈥渆mpathy feels, but compassion moves.鈥� He encouraged students to view compassion as an active choice. One that requires presence, courage, and a willingness to show up for others during moments of vulnerability.

Throughout his remarks, Dr. Scaringe highlighted the critical role compassion plays in healthcare, noting that while knowledge and technical expertise are essential, they are not enough on their own.

鈥淐ompassion doesn鈥檛 require perfection. It requires presence,鈥� he said, underscoring the importance of truly being there for patients and treating not just symptoms, but the person behind the diagnosis. He also reframed compassion as a form of leadership, describing it as 鈥渃ourage in everyday form,鈥� especially during moments when taking the compassionate path may be the most challenging.

As he concluded, Dr. Scaringe left graduates with a powerful reminder that compassion is not an optional trait in healthcare, but a foundational one. 鈥淐ompassion isn鈥檛 something you add to healthcare 鈥� compassion is healthcare,鈥� he said, encouraging graduates to carry that mindset forward as they begin their careers and work to transform the lives of others through whole-person, human-centered care.

The ceremony also featured a reflective and inspiring commencement address from Dr. Russell Greenfield, a nationally recognized physician leader in Whole Health who has spent his career advancing human-centered models of care across healthcare systems nationwide. Dr. Greenfield has served in senior leadership roles with the Veterans Health Administration, the Whole Health Institute, and Novant Health鈥檚 Weisiger Cancer Institute, and continues to work directly with patients while helping communities build whole-person approaches to care.

In his remarks, Dr. Greenfield framed the healing professions as a sacred calling rooted in service, humility, and presence. He reminded graduates that true healing begins not with fixing problems, but with honoring lives, stating, 鈥淵ou see people not as problems to be fixed, but as lives to be honored.鈥� Drawing from personal experience and long-standing traditions within the healing arts, he encouraged graduates to approach their work with gratitude and compassion, even in the smallest moments of care.

As he concluded, Dr. Greenfield offered the Class of 2025 a message of reassurance and purpose, emphasizing that meaningful impact does not require grand gestures. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not your responsibility to heal the world鈥� and yet, odds are very good that you will,鈥� he said.

His words reinforced SCU鈥檚 commitment to Whole Health and left graduates with a powerful reminder that through humility, service, and presence, they are uniquely prepared to help shape the future of healthcare.

Graduating Master of Science: Physician Assistant program student Jamie Gabriel was named the SCU Class of 2025 valedictorian. She delivered a powerful and personal address that reflected perseverance, balance, and service in healthcare.

A full-time captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and a nontraditional student, Gabriel shared how returning to school later in life was driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and setting an example for her family.

In her remarks, Gabriel emphasized the importance of whole-person care and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to see beyond diagnoses and data points. 鈥淥ur patients don鈥檛 come to us as symptoms or lab values. They come as people with stories, fears, hopes, and dreams,鈥� she said, underscoring the integrative approach that defines SCU鈥檚 educational philosophy. She also highlighted the need for balance鈥攏ot only in patient care but also in clinicians鈥� own lives鈥攔eminding graduates that personal well-being is essential to providing meaningful, compassionate care.

Gabriel closed by challenging the Class of 2025 to lead with accountability and service. 鈥淟eadership in healthcare is not about authority. It is about the responsibility of service to others,鈥� she said, encouraging graduates to step confidently into the roles they are prepared to fill and help shape the future of healthcare through humility, balance, and purpose.

SCU鈥檚 听2025 Alumni of the Year Whole Health Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Valerie Johnson. Dr. Johnson embodies the spirit of this award through her pioneering leadership in integrative, whole-person healthcare. As one of the first chiropractors employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she has been instrumental in shaping the role of chiropractic in federal healthcare and advancing the VA Whole Health model.

Dr. Johnson鈥檚 commitment to inclusivity and diversity shines through the welcoming, collaborative environments she fosters for patients, colleagues, and learners. Through her compassion, advocacy, and clinical excellence, Dr. Johnson has redefined what integrative chiropractic can achieve.

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award was presented to Doctor of Chiropractic graduate George Zakhary for his leadership in contributing to the campus community, advocating for their chosen profession, and providing community service.

Photos and videos from the commencement ceremony can be viewed on SCU鈥檚 social media channels: , , and .

Integrative Care and AKI: A Case of Kidney Recovery

A 71-year-old man with acute kidney injury pursued acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Chinese herbal medicine alongside conventional care. His labs and fatigue improved鈥攔aising optimism and fresh research questions.

When a 71-year-old patient arrived exhausted and newly diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI), standard guidance focused on preventing more damage, not reversing it. He chose an integrative path of acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Chinese herbal medicine for over 12 months. According to a new case report by 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) student authors John Krueger and Michael Robles, his kidney markers moved in the right direction, and so did his energy.

After conventional evaluation, the patient opted to add a structured integrative plan. Over a year of regular visits, his labs showed:

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen): 鈫� 63%
• Creatinine: 鈫� 49%
• eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): 鈫� 67%
  He also reported less fatigue, a key symptom in kidney dysfunction.

AKI is typically managed with hydration, medication review, and close monitoring, which are aimed at limiting harm rather than improving renal function. This case suggests integrative therapies might complement standard care and, in some situations, support recovery.

鈥淭hese results suggest that integrative therapies may offer measurable support for renal recovery in AKI patients,鈥� write John Krueger and Michael Robles. 鈥淲hile more research is needed, this case underscores the importance of exploring holistic, patient-centered approaches alongside conventional care.鈥�

The study concludes that interprofessional collaboration between conventional and integrative practitioners could offer more comprehensive care options for patients facing acute kidney challenges.

Discover more about current and past SCU Clinical and Health Services Research at scuhs.edu/chsr

SCU鈥檚 Summer IPE Week Brings Together Over 200 Students from Eight Different Academic Programs

A record-breaking week of immersive, team-based learning prepares future healthcare professionals to lead in integrative, whole-person care.

From July 28, 2025, to August 1, 2025, the SCU Center for Interprofessional Education hosted Summer IPE Week on campus. The week brought together more than 200 students for hands-on learning that strengthened teamwork, communication, and whole-person care across health disciplines.

Students from eight programs worked side by side:

• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Chiropractic
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Accelerated Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Master of Science in Medical Science

Faculty designed activities that mirrored real clinical settings, so students could practice skills they will use with patients and teams.

鈥淚PE at SCU is where integrative, whole health comes to life,鈥� said Karina Madrigal, EdD, MA, Dean of Interprofessional Education. 鈥淥ur model is bold, inclusive, and transformative鈥攂ringing together students from both complementary and conventional medicine.鈥� She noted that interprofessional education is an institutionalized system embedded across more than 15 academic programs. Students learn with, from, and about one another, and they graduate ready to practice in team-based care settings. SCU鈥檚 model blends Eastern and Western care traditions to match how modern health systems operate and to prepare graduates to lead in integrative care.

Students rotated through team scenarios that required clear roles, shared decision-making, and direct communication with patients and caregivers. Sessions focused on three high-impact skills:

• Identifying system failures and contributing to a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement
• Handing off patients in a structured way to support safe care transitions
• Speaking with patients, families, and the care team in plain language to align on goals

These scenarios matched the pace and pressure of real practice, so teams could learn, adjust, and improve in the moment. Among the highlights was SCU鈥檚 signature care coordination simulation, which brought multiple disciplines together to co-manage complex cases in real time.

Pre- and post-assessments showed gains across IPEC core competencies: Values and Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, and Teams/Teamwork. The results also aligned with SCU鈥檚 鈥淟earning in Action鈥� measure, which tracks applied skills. 鈥淭he data confirm that our model not only changes what students know鈥攊t changes how they think and work,鈥� said Madrigal.

Skills from IPE Week translate directly to clinics and community sites. Students practiced structured handovers that reduce errors. They clarified the scope and responsibility so teams can respond faster. They used shared care plans that keep the patient and family at the center. As a result, students left not only with greater confidence, but with a strengthened ability to work across disciplines 鈥� ready to lead and collaborate as part of interprofessional teams united by a shared goal: advancing integrative, whole-person health and improving outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.

Collaboration starts early at SCU. Students experience interprofessional learning from their first year, so teamwork becomes second nature. By the time they enter clinical placements, they already know how to listen across disciplines and keep care plans aligned with patient goals.

This year鈥檚 Summer IPE Week set a new bar for participation and impact. It showed how SCU鈥檚 interprofessional model helps students grow as clinicians and as teammates. It also showed how a campus community can come together around a shared aim: to deliver whole-person care for every patient in every setting.

Learn more about Interprofessional Education at SCU and how our programs prepare students for team-based practice.

SCU’s Ayurvedic Medicine Program Makes History with National Accreditation

91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) has achieved a historic milestone. Its Ayurvedic Medicine Department, led by Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, has become the first program in the country to receive accreditation from the newly established .

This is a big deal for SCU, its students, and the future of Ayurvedic medicine in the U.S., establishing SCU as a pioneer in Ayurvedic education and setting a gold standard for academic excellence and clinical training. As the AAC President said, “SCU has demonstrated not only a commitment to these standards but also a shared vision for advancing the field of Ayurveda in the United States.鈥�

Here’s a glimpse at what makes our Ayurveda programs special:

• Honors the Traditional While Embracing the Modern鈥擮ur programs not only teach wide-ranging Ayurvedic principles and practices, but also Western medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and more鈥攅quipping students with more tools to improve patient care and confidently navigate conventional healthcare environments.
• Strong Clinical Training Our students have the opportunity to practice what they’re learning during clinical rotations at our own SCU Health Clinics that serve 40,000+ patients per year and are equipped with expansive herbal pharmacies and advanced diagnostic imaging technology. Working under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners they gain hands on experience treating patients in an integrative, whole health setting.
• International Learning Opportunities–We offer our Ayurvedic students life-changing opportunities to participate in (optional) trips to India to see and experience traditional healing practices firsthand, thanks to our affiliations with esteemed Indian organizations such as听听,听, and听.
• Research-Based Education SCU updates its courses regularly to include the latest evidence-based best practices. 听We believe this not only equips students to achieve superior patient outcomes but also prepares them to communicate and collaborate more effectively with conventional healthcare professionals.

Now that SCU has received this top recognition, the university has big plans. In May 2025, it will launch a new Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach Certification Program that will not only equip students with an understanding of fundamental Ayurvedic principles but also motivational coaching skills to inspire behavioral change. SCU also plans to offer short courses for the public to learn about Ayurvedic nutrition, self-care, and wellness.

Dr. Anu sees a bright future for Ayurveda in the U.S., saying:
“With rising demand for personalized, natural, and preventive healthcare, Ayurveda has the potential to become a mainstream component of integrative medicine in hospitals, wellness centers, and academic institutions.鈥�

For students already in the program, this accreditation confirms that they are receiving a top-tier education. For those considering enrolling, there has never been a better time to join.
“This is an exciting time to be part of SCU’s program,鈥� said Dr. Anu. “You will gain hands-on experience, and the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact on holistic healthcare.鈥�
If you’re ready to start your journey in Ayurvedic Medicine, visit www.scuhs.edu to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil Appointed Chair of the APHA ICTHP Section

91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, PhD, BAMS, MAOM, LAc, FAIHM, C-IAYT. and Program Director of SCU’s Ayurveda Medicine Department, has been appointed Chair of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Section on Integrative, Complementary, and Traditional Health Practices (ICTHP).

With deep expertise and decades of experience in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, yoga, public health, and integrative medicine, Dr. Kizhakkeveettil hopes to lead the ICTHP section into a future of expanded advocacy, education, and collaboration.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Kizhakkeveettil served as Chair-Elect of the ICTHP, and served on the boards of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, and the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission. The appointment is not only a personal milestone for Dr. Kizhakkeveettil but also a proud moment for SCU, reflecting the university’s dedication to supporting leaders who drive transformative change in healthcare.

Learn More About SCU’s Ayurveda Medical Program here.

About APHA

The APHA, with its remarkable 150-year legacy, is one of the oldest and most influential public health organizations in the United States. Its ICTHP section is a vibrant community of over 500 professionals, including health practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and advocates, all dedicated to advancing traditional, complementary, and integrative healing practices. These practices range from Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to yoga, meditation, and nutritional therapies.