Health Promotion Trends In Medical Wellness
Health promotion has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with notable changes in both academia and professional practice. Dr. Robert Karch, founder and department chairman of American University’s internationally acclaimed health promotion program, shares his insights on these trends and their role in the medical wellness model.
The Evolution of Health Promotion
Growth and Maturation
Dr. Karch explains that health promotion has matured both as a profession and an academic discipline. In progressive companies today, various departments such as HR, safety, food services, medical facilities, and union representatives collaborate under the umbrella of worksite health promotion programs. This interdisciplinary approach was not common in the early days.
“As an academician, my challenge has been monitoring this maturation process closely and making appropriate adjustments to our curricula to be sure our students are prepared for the marketplace,” Karch notes. For example, the curriculum in 1980 focused on business and exercise science. Today, it includes policy, communications, global health, and courses on specific and timely topics, reflecting the broader scope of health promotion.
Integration of Real-World Scenarios
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Karch appreciates being at a progressive university that embraces a multidisciplinary approach. His involvement in contractual, advisory, and health promotion-related business activities has allowed him to bring real-world scenarios into the classroom, securing significant external funding for research and student work-study opportunities.
Qualities of Successful Health Promotion Graduates
Leadership and Unselfishness
Dr. Karch is proud of the leadership roles many of his graduates have assumed. He emphasizes that successful health promotion professionals exhibit qualities such as caring for people and an unselfish desire to help individuals achieve optimal health.
“In my opinion, if those qualities are missing, health promotion is the wrong career for that person to pursue,” he asserts. These values are reinforced throughout the program, preparing graduates to understand the past, anticipate future trends, and make necessary adjustments for the future of the industry.
Challenges in U.S. Healthcare Delivery
Cost, Quality, Access, and Education
Dr. Karch identifies several key challenges in U.S. healthcare: cost, quality, access, and affordability of services. However, he highlights education as a multifaceted issue of particular concern.
“If health promotion is going to continue to grow and have the powerful influence on total health that so many of us believe it can, then there is a compelling need to develop progressive educational programs in more universities to prepare both undergraduate and post-graduate health promotion professionals,” he explains. Broadening the educational scope for medical students to include a deeper understanding of total health beyond the physical is crucial. Additionally, educating the general population empowers people to manage their own health effectively.
Incorporating CAM Interventions
Emerging Science and Curriculum Adaptations
Dr. Karch explains that the curriculum at American University is continually updated to reflect emerging science supporting new and alternative approaches to health. The management and strategic planning components of the curriculum emphasize the importance of including a broad array of services in health promotion programs.
Differences Between Foreign and Domestic Clients
Global Health Challenges
Dr. Karch acknowledges the obvious differences between foreign and domestic clients, such as culture, climate, language, and time zones. However, he notes minimal differences in health status and disease states.
“Unfortunately, during the past several decades, there has been a global unification of such health issues as cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, stress, depression, and hypokinetic activity,” he observes. This similarity means that health promotion challenges are quite similar, especially in workforce settings. While considering approaches used in other regions can be beneficial, it is essential to localize specific programmatic initiatives. The International Institute for Health Promotion at American University, along with partnerships worldwide, facilitates learning and sharing best practices to address these challenges.
Health promotion has seen significant advancements over the years, evolving into a multidisciplinary field that integrates various aspects of wellness. Dr. Robert Karch’s insights highlight the importance of adapting curricula to meet the needs of a changing marketplace, addressing global health challenges, and preparing future health promotion professionals. By continuing to evolve and embrace new approaches, the field of health promotion can effectively enhance total health and well-being worldwide.
