Mind-body approaches are particularly important in another way. By their very nature they put high value on, and teach the power of self-awareness and self-care. In so doing, they help shape the new integrative model of healthcare - one in which treatment is balanced with teaching; in which prevention and self-care are given as much respect as procedures and pharmacological interventions.

In order for students to understand the potential of mind-body approaches, as well as apply them in clinical practice, we believe that they should experience these approaches themselves. It is not enough to hear about mind-body medicine and to read and comprehend the scientific basis for its efficacy. Rather, for students to appreciate their patients' capacities for self-awareness and self-care, students should experience and realize their own abilities.

To that end, the Mind-Body Medicine Program, supported by faculty, contributors, and facilitators alike, takes medical, graduate and nursing students through a series of exercises used to promote overall well-being, stress management, empathy, self-awareness and self-care. Each exercise focuses on achieving certain goals listed here.

Because it remains unclear how to qualify and quantify benefits gained from these experiences, there is also a research component to this integration. Using statistical and qualitative analysis, attempts are made to discover, qualify, and quantify these changes. Combined with the courses, the research will aid in fine-tuning the course to better serve those who partake in the experience of mind-body medicine.