Holistic: Embracing a "Whole Person"​ Approach (to Medicine and Life)

Holistic approach, holistic medicine, holistic physicians, holistic patient care, holistic applications, holistic admissions...

Thinking about these terms led me to consider the definition of word "holistic." Merriam-Webster defines holistic as "of or relating to holism" and defines holistic medicine as "attempts to treat both the mind and the body."

The next question that I considered when reading the definition of holistic was regarding the alternative to "being holistic". In other words, should there be anything other than a holistic approach to people, whether they be friends, family, patients, physicians, or students/trainees? Shouldn't we always consider people in their entirety? Body, mind, and spirit?

The "buzzword" holistic is now used to remind us that people are more than simply one of their "parts" (e.g. symptoms, thoughts, words, bodies, actions). Recently, the concept of holism has come to the forefront again in academia and in the healing art of medicine. There is renewed awareness that high school, premedical, and medical students are more than their grades, SATs, MCATs, and/or USMLE/COMLEX scores. Similarly, there is an awareness that patients should be appreciated as more than their specific clinical presentation. Each person, whether student, friend, physician, family member, or patient, comes with a rich history that makes each a unique individual, shaped by their genetic composition, socio-ethnocultural background, and external environmental influences.

If considering medical education specifically, the term holistic has been seen to hold a special place and is now discussed consistently in both the undergraduate and graduate medical education arenas. For example, as we again have reached the time when premedical students begin completing their applications for medical school, it has been a reminder for both applicants and medical school admission committees to embrace holism. Each of the organizations sponsoring these application processes is clear in their intent to look at applicants in their entirety, not only considering grades and exam scores, but also individual backgrounds, accomplishments, and the vital qualities of effective communication, professionalism, and kindness. Examples of such a focus on holistic review is as follows:

• The AAMC states that medical student and residency application processes will involve a "holistic review which considers the 'whole' applicant".

• AACOM similarly has addressed their holistic approach to applicant selection through a new initiative titled the AACOM Holistic Admissions Research Project.

• TMDSAS has provided information in articles through the TXHES regarding their focus on holistic applicant review.

Hence, as admissions committees embrace holism, applicants now also have the valuable opportunity to share their individual wholeness! For individuals applying to medical school, consider what makes you unique and share your story! (If you need help, feel free to reach out to me :)).

Similarly to medical school admissions, as Class of 2023 medical students prepare for the upcoming residency application process(es), it is important for residency applicants to remember that the lens for residency matching has expanded to encompass humanism, professionalism, communication skills, and individual unique backgrounds and experiences. This is hopefully good news for most students and an opportunity for all medical students to shine during the process!

Finally, as we continue to open our hearts and minds to really "see" our current and future healers in their entirety of body, mind, and spirit, the process for admissions and matching should become more "effective" in truly selecting trainees that will be compassionate, bright, and caring physicians. In turn, they will hopefully practice medicine by treating their own patients as "whole" human beings. Holism is an excellent reminder to truly listen to others, see them as whole, and creating meaningful connections. By doing so, I believe we can create more understanding, and also perhaps greater peace and happiness, for all.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like guidance regarding medical school admissions or residency matching. I am happy to help.

Wishing you all the best in all that you pursue, always,

Take care and be well,

Dr. Rupal Vora