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 Now

00:21 Yoga for Knee Arthritis

01:20 AYUSH Conference Highlights

02:40 Genomics and Counseling Careers

04:43 Whole Health Student Support

05:48 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 Now
00:21 Future of Whole Health
02:40 DPT Immersive Lab
03:53 Laughter Yoga Research
05:06 Faculty Sports Medicine
06:04 Why White Coats Matter
07:04 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 Ceremony
• Messages on compassion, service, and Whole Health leadership
• A valedictorian story rooted in resilience and balance
• An overview of SCU’s Ayurvedic Medicine Short Courses
• A preview of the new PsyD program launching Fall 2026

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