Transformative Wellness: Embracing Nutrition, Movement, and Mindful Communication

The campus groups American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) and the Sports Medicine Club worked together to conduct a lifestyle medicine discussion, aiming to enhance the ongoing, supplementary education of future compassionate, patient-centered healthcare providers. Michael Ladewski, D.O., a Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) alumnus (CCOM ’05), returned to his former institution to share valuable perspectives on lifestyle medicine with aspiring medical professionals. Lifestyle medicine focuses on data-supported strategies for implementing lifestyle changes in patients, including a diet rich in whole foods and plant-based options, sufficient sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, social interaction, and avoiding harmful substances.

Dr. Ladewski pointed out that these components of lifestyle medicine “are all crucially important in synergy.” He further noted that assisting patients with lifestyle modifications requires collaboration with other healthcare practitioners such as dietitians and physical therapists.

“It’s beneficial to deepen our understanding of lifestyle medicine and its significance to patients alongside the value of exercise and nutrition, quitting smoking, and all aspects of their overall health and coexisting conditions (a patient dealing with two or more medical issues). It provides greater context to the lecture-based courses. You also gain insights by genuinely listening to the doctors who work in the clinic daily, so you’re prepared for what lies ahead,” remarked medical student and ACOFP treasurer Marwa Sahloul (CCOM ’27).

Dr. Ladewski additionally emphasized the necessity for physicians to engage in difficult discussions with their patients while being sensitive to their feelings, particularly for those who are overweight or obese. “I typically inform them that their weight is not healthy, and I’m here to help them improve their health,” he said, noting that such tough discussions also extend to other matters like high blood pressure and tobacco use. He stressed that conversations concerning unhealthy habits should be fact-based and not aimed at shaming the patient, but rather to assist them in embracing a healthier lifestyle.

 

 

Medical student Drashti Sikligar (CCOM ’28), who is part of the ACOFP, addressed the significance of Dr. Ladewski’s guidance on how to converse with patients who may be overweight or obese and collaborate on a plan with them. “I appreciate the emphasis on stating the facts. Discussing such challenging topics is tough,” she expressed.

Marwa added, “We learned to present our suggestions in a manner that makes patients feel at ease and not affronted. There exists a delicate balance in how to discuss these matters with patients.”

Dr. Ladewski stressed, “Some individuals modify their behaviors long enough, whether regarding diet or exercise, achieving consistency that allows new habits to form. Those are the individuals who succeed.”

The medical students valued the opportunity to learn more about pursuing fellowships in lifestyle medicine. Experiences like this enable them to gain insights from accomplished healthcare professionals, particularly alumni with comparable backgrounds, aiding them in the choices they face throughout their healthcare career paths.

“Participating in various discussions provides us with the chance to delve deeper into each specialty and hear about roles and personal narratives,” stated medical student and ACOFP member Spencer Mackovitch (CCOM ’28).

“It’s beneficial to hear insights from different specialties about their work and how one can navigate that path. We discover various expectations along our journey,” Marwa added.

Midwestern University consistently provides further educational opportunities, like the lifestyle medicine discussion, for students across diverse healthcare disciplines to equip them for their future roles as doctors and other professionals.