Academic Consortium Chief Executive Officer Announced, Whole Health Collaborative for the Underserved Introduced
CONTACT: Dale West
269.264.9261
info@imconsortium.org
Samantha Simmons, MPH, an accomplished leader in the field of integrative medicine, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health. The Academic Consortium is comprised of 76 of the world’s most prestigious academic medical centers and health systems, representing thousands of researchers, educators and clinicians dedicated to whole health and health equity.
As President of the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine from 2008-2021, Ms. Simmons followed a strong commitment to health policy advocacy and stakeholder collaboration in whole person care for underserved populations, leading development of Whole Health in the States (WHITS) Initiative.
The WHITS Initiative, now in partnership with the Academic Consortium, currently supports efforts in six pilot states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Vermont) and Washington, DC to create consensus and implementation strategies that increase access to evidence-based nonpharmacologic treatments and provide high quality, comprehensive pain care for underserved populations.
Academic Consortium Chair, Francoise Adan, MD, notes that Ms. Simmons “demonstrates the exceptional management leadership, unique experience, and working knowledge of this developing field that we know will help advance members’ shared vision toward integrative medicine and health.
“The Whole Health in the States initiative is one example of the impact her addition to our leadership team will have on our strategic partnerships and advocacy on behalf of optimum health and well-being for all people, everywhere.”
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What is Integrative Medicine and Health: Integrative medicine and health reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
Who we are: The Academic Consortium is the organizational home for the major academic health centers and health systems in North America that have programs in integrative medicine and health. The Academic Consortium was founded in 1999 by eight academic health centers (Duke University, Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California, San Francisco, University of Arizona, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, and the University of Minnesota). Now, with more than 70 institutional members, the Academic Consortium represents thousands of scientists, educators, clinicians, and other health professionals who share an interest in the field of integrative medicine and health.
Our Vision: A transformed healthcare system promoting integrative medicine and health for all.
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