SCU Now

Host Anthony Sarinana shares updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences, including the expansion of SCU’s accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program to the Phoenix Metro location in Tempe as a two-year online hybrid program starting August 30, 2027, with applications open and clinical education through 500+ sites nationwide. The episode also highlights back-to-school tips from Dr. Nick Poirier on backpack weight, posture, and reducing “tech neck,” plus how SCU’s Tactical Sports Medicine Clinic is using diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, featuring Dr. Michael Fanning’s RMSK certification and a firefighter case leading to referral and CT imaging. Additional segments explore healthcare’s shift toward prevention and whole-person factors, a new COMPASS framework on chronic pain and PTSD co-developed by Dr. Stephanie Moonaz, and how SCU’s OTD program prepares occupational therapists to apply lifestyle medicine in everyday routines.00:00 Welcome to SCU Now00:23 DPT Program Expands01:47 Backpack and Tech Neck02:54 Ultrasound in Tactical Clinic04:21 Prevention Future of Care05:52 COMPASS Pain and PTSD06:32 OT Lifestyle Medicine07:51 Closing

SCU Now: Value-Based Whole Health, Conscious Care, and Stress RecoveryHost Anthony Sarinana shares updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences on healthcare trends and recent SCU articles. The episode explains the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care and why it aligns with integrative and whole person medicine, emphasizing patient goals, prevention, and care coordination. It highlights Melissa Nagare's perspective on whole health and SCU’s preparation of graduates to deliver patient-centered outcomes. Dr. Douglene Jackson, SCU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy doctoral capstone coordinator, discusses workforce wellbeing and her Conscious Care Framework after delivering the Dr. Lela Llorens  Lecture at AOTA Inspire 2026, addressing burnout and values-aligned practice. The episode also summarizes SCU articles on stress biology with Dr. Russell Greenfield and on “doing nothing” with Dr. Anupama "Dr. Anu" Kizhakkeveettil, outlining simple practices like movement, breathing, sleep routines, and intentional stillness.00:00 Welcome to SCU Now00:21 Value-Based Whole Health02:27 Conscious Care and Burnout04:31 Why Stress Feels Worse06:28 The Power of Doing Nothing08:45 Wrap Up and Closing

Host Anthony Sarinana shares updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences, including SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, celebrating Match Day 2026 as 12 students matched to join the incoming cohort, bringing diverse academic and clinical backgrounds. SCU occupational therapy faculty returned from the 19th World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in Bangkok after presenting on student wellbeing, sensory modulation, virtual/hybrid learning, and emerging practice areas, with takeaways on lifestyle medicine, AI as a supportive tool, and telehealth for rural access. Eastern Medicine students in the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program participated in two learning experiences in China—an April 2026 exchange in Shanghai and Sichuan, and a November 2025 program at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine—deepening understanding of clinical practice and culture. The episode also highlights Dr. Jenny Yu’s article on the mainstream growth of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, driven by patient demand, team-based care, research, and reimbursement efforts.00:00 Welcome to SCU Now00:22 Genetic Counseling Match Day02:20 OT Faculty at Global Congress04:32 Eastern Medicine Study Abroad06:57 State of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in 202609:25 Wrap Up

In this episode of SCU Now, host Anthony Sarinana shares updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences, including research led by Dr. Steffany Moonaz finding that a 12-week structured yoga program produced similar—and sometimes slightly better—improvements than strengthening exercises for 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis, while also offering strong healthcare cost value. We also cover SCU Ayurveda Program Director Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil leading the International Delegates Assembly at the 2026 International AYUSH Conference in Dubai, where a draft white paper explored AYUSH approaches for prevention, chronic disease management, and long-term wellness, alongside SCU faculty presentations linking Ayurveda with modern science. We then highlight the growing demand for genetic counselors as genomic technologies expand, featuring insights from Dr. Dan Handley and Stephanie Gandomi, and conclude with SCU Student Services' whole-student support and Wellness Wednesday programming.00:00 Welcome to SCU Now00:21 Yoga for Knee Arthritis01:20 AYUSH Conference Highlights02:40 Genomics and Counseling Careers04:43 Whole Health Student Support05:48 Closing

Host Anthony Sarinana shares the April episode of SCU Now with updates from Southern California University of Health Sciences, highlighting an SCU blog article on five trends shaping integrative whole-person healthcare, including a shift from “what’s the matter” to “what matters,” personalized and proactive care, prevention and lifestyle medicine, interprofessional collaboration, and the mental-physical health connection, featuring insights from Dr. Tracy Gaudet. The episode also covers SCU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, welcoming its first cohort for an immersive lab on the Whittier campus using a flipped-classroom model emphasized by Dr. Craig Ruby. Research updates include an SCU study led by Dr. Özüm Erkin on laughter yoga for children, showing reductions in stress, anxiety, test anxiety, and emotional distress. Faculty news spotlights Dr. Tori Record earning the CCSP designation, and a feature explains the white coat ceremony’s role in reaffirming compassion and responsibility in healthcare.00:00 Welcome to SCU Now00:21 Future of Whole Health02:40 DPT Immersive Lab03:53 Laughter Yoga Research05:06 Faculty Sports Medicine06:04 Why White Coats Matter07:04 Closing

In this episode, host Anthony Sarinana recaps SCU’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, celebrating more than 600 new healthcare professionals and one of the largest graduating classes in the university’s history. The episode highlights the first-ever graduating cohorts from SCU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Medical Science programs—marking a major step forward in preparing clinicians for patient-centered, team-based care.Listeners will hear powerful reflections from commencement speakers, including SCU President Dr. John Scaringe, who emphasized that compassion is not an accessory to healthcare—but its foundation. The episode also features insights from keynote speaker Dr. Russell Greenfield, who spoke on humility, service, gratitude, and the responsibility healthcare professionals carry to honor the lives they serve.A deeply personal moment comes from 2025 Valedictorian Jamie Gabriel, whose journey as a Los Angeles County Fire Department captain, mother, and Physician Assistant graduate underscores resilience, balance, and sustainability in healthcare leadership.Beyond commencement, the episode also explores how SCU continues to expand access to Whole Health education through innovative offerings—including the university’s Ayurvedic Medicine Short Courses. Designed for healthcare professionals and lifelong learners alike, these flexible programs provide focused training in Ayurvedic principles, integrative health practices, and person-centered care—reflecting SCU’s commitment to making Whole Health education accessible beyond traditional degree pathways.Looking ahead, the episode previews another major academic milestone: the launch of the Rice–Davis Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Psychodynamic Psychology beginning Fall 2026, expanding SCU’s mental and behavioral health education through a depth-oriented, Whole Health–aligned approach.🎓 In this episode:Highlights from SCU’s 2025 Commencement CeremonyMessages on compassion, service, and Whole Health leadershipA valedictorian story rooted in resilience and balanceAn overview of SCU’s Ayurvedic Medicine Short CoursesA preview of the new PsyD program launching Fall 2026For more stories and full coverage, visit scuhs.edu and follow SCU on social media.

In this December episode of SCU Now, host Anthony Sarinana brings you the latest updates, milestones, and national recognition shaping the future of Southern California University of Health Sciences.We begin with a major academic achievement as SCU earns Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE for its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, marking a significant step forward in expanding Whole Health education and preparing the next generation of physical therapists.From there, we spotlight SCU’s growing global research impact, including Dr. Robb Russell’s international presentation in Rio de Janeiro on identifying inflammatory back pain in chiropractic settings, and Dr. James Whedon’s nationally featured Medicare research examining the safety, cost, and effectiveness of chiropractic care for older adults with neck pain.You’ll also hear about SCU’s leadership on the national stage, as Provost Dr. Tamara Rozhon joins the Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education at the National Academies—helping shape the future of healthcare education nationwide.The episode highlights national media recognition as Dr. Steffany Moonaz shares her expertise on exercise and knee osteoarthritis in The New York Times, reinforcing the power of movement-based, patient-centered care.We close with a compelling integrative clinical case study demonstrating how acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Chinese herbal medicine supported recovery following acute kidney injury—underscoring the impact of Whole Health, interprofessional care.Whether you’re a student, alumnus, faculty member, or healthcare professional, this episode showcases how SCU continues to lead, innovate, and move healthcare forward.

Welcome to SCU Now, your monthly news recap from Southern California University of Health Sciences! This month, host Anthony highlights major developments, including SCU's integration with the Pacific College of Health and Science's Chicago and San Diego campuses, groundbreaking research on the safety of chiropractic care for older adults, and student success at the 2025 Cal Chiro Quiz Bowl. Additionally, SCU's Anatomy Lab inspires future health professionals through guided tours. To read more about these stories, visit SCUHS.edu and stay updated with the latest from SCU, and don't forget to subscribe!

In the latest episode of 'SCU Now,' host Anthony covers Southern California University of Health Sciences' recent recognition as a 2025 Great College To Work For, highlighting the institution's dedication to a supportive and inclusive culture. The episode also features insights from Dr. Tracy Gaudet on whole health leadership, Dr. Stephanie Moonaz's contributions at the National Juvenile Arthritis Summit, and the launch of SCU's inaugural Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program. Additionally, the episode discusses the benefits of SCU's Summer IPE week, where students from various health programs engage in collaborative clinical scenarios, emphasizing the importance of interprofessional education and integrative care.

In this edition of SCU Now, we highlight the recent news and achievements from Southern California University of Health Sciences. Key updates include the expansion of the Doctor of Chiropractic program to Phoenix, Arizona, in January 2026, becoming the first chiropractic degree program in the Southwest. Executive Dean Dr. Nick Poirier and SCU Provost Dr. Tamara Rozhon discuss the significance of this expansion. Other highlights include a Q&A with Executive Dean Dr. Nick Poirier, Mohammad Hadadzadeh's research on the health impacts of space tourism, Dr. Martin Gallegos' award for excellence in teaching and commitment to health justice, the Student American Black Chiropractic Association's chapter of the year award, and Dr. Aly Cohen's work on detoxification is also featured. Read more in-depth on these stories on the SCU website at www.scuhs.edu