I’m through the first of four modules of the Integrative Health Coaching Training Program at Duke Integrative Medicine (DIM) and I’m very impressed so far. The strongest impression was left by Tracy Gaudet, the program director (pictured above). This woman is just bursting with passion and enthusiasm for bringing a holistic paradigm into the mainstream of healthcare. Don’t take my word for it though, just check out this in-depth interview on NPR.

I also found this little piece from the local news, which gives a feel for what’s going on at DIM:

The health coach training is divided into four modules, spaced about a month a part, each lasting four full days. In this first module we learned all about the philosophy and research behind DUKE’s practice of integrative medicine. The building itself was designed and built in accordance with this holistic vision, and it has the feel of a retreat center as opposed to a medical facility. The waiting room features a “water wall,” which is basically a glass wall with water flowing down the sides, and every room in the place has a view of the surrounding woods. They have an on-site chef who fed us gourmet, healthful lunches everyday. The food was incredible, and would easily translate into a thirty dollar meal at a nice restaurant.

The participants in the training are very impressive as well. It’s a really diverse group, with folks from all over the country, and some from over seas. Many are nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals, but I also met a New York City Firefighter, a dancer from Thailand, a health educator from the middle east, and a whole bunch of other interesting people. It was an intense four days, with lots of information to process and several opportunities to practice the skills we’re learning. We’ll also be practicing our skills via weekly conference calls between modules.

Anyway, it’s been a great experience so far and I’m looking forward to the second module in late February.

What exactly am I going to do with this training, when it’s all said and done? I’m still pondering that one…