MSPA 5065 - Body, Mind and Spirit I

1 credit hour

The Body Mind and Spirit Seminar is a four-course series (Fall session 1 and 2 and Spring session 1 and 2) that exposes students to foundational topics in whole-person and patient-centered care. Core themes include professionalism, cultural humility, social determinants of health, health care delivery systems, public health, interprofessional collaboration, mental health, diversity, and inclusion. The course series will also emphasize the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances—the equipping students with tools to address the root causes of chronic illness. Students build skills in communication, health literacy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, patient and provider wellness, and medical ethics. The course also prepares future PAs to navigate sensitive issues such as breaking bad news, end-of-life care, and social justice while promoting resilience and compassion.