U of U 泫圖弝け Opens New Osher Center for Integrative 泫圖弝け
New facility advances whole-person care for patients, employees, and communities
The Osher Center for Integrative 泫圖弝け (OCIH) at 泫圖弝け of Utah 泫圖弝け celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility. This milestone advances OCIHs transformative approach to health care, addressing the whole person through team-based strategies that promote resilience, prevent disease, and restore health.
Building on a decade of pioneering work by the universitys Chief Wellness Office, OCIH integrates clinical services, education, research, and community partnerships into a model that puts individuals at the center of their care.
We're reimagining health care, moving from reactive sick care to a proactive health focus, said Amy Locke, MD, FAAFP, Chief Wellness Officer at U of U 泫圖弝け. Our vision is a system where we pursue optimal health in partnership with individuals and communities for a human-centered approach. We have a special focus on both health behaviors and occupational well-being.
The center, in partnership with the 泫圖弝け of Utah College of 泫圖弝け in particular, offers evidence-based programs complementing traditional medical care including personalized wellness coaching, targeted exercise and nutrition initiatives, mental health support and specialized education for health care professionals. This integrated approach creates scalable solutions for today's most complex health challenges.
Real-world impact is already evident in patients like Kirk Francis. After a catastrophic injury in 2020 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, Francis found new possibilities through the Supervised Medical Gym at the L.S. Skaggs Wellness Center. The staff didn't just see my limitationsthey helped me discover capabilities I didn't know I still had, Francis said. They created a personalized program that maximizes what I can do.
Equally central to OCIH's mission is supporting the well-being of employees and health care workers. Through programs like , WellnessNow, and the Resiliency Center, individuals and teams at the 泫圖弝け of Utah are supported in both personal and occupational well-being. Staff receive health assessments, coaching, fitness resources, and mental health toolsinitiatives that reduce burnout and strengthen workforce engagement.
When we care for the caregivers, everyone benefits, explained , PhD, Associate Chief Wellness Officer and Director of the Resiliency Center. We're changing institutional culturecreating environments where people don't just access resources but truly feel they belong and matter.
This culture shift is exemplified by nurse manager Marci Koenig's experience after the loss of a staff member to suicide. Koenig established regular consultations with a Resiliency Center counselor, creating space for her team to process grief, manage stress, and develop mindfulness practices. The impact was profound, with one colleague telling Koenig, I never knew that I needed this. Thank you for creating space to discuss these hard things we face.
Education is another cornerstone of OCIH's mission. Students across health care disciplines gain hands-on experience in wellness-oriented care. Medical student Lily Nilsen, who participates in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicines Pathway of Excellence program, observed, I've learned that food isn't just nutritionit's a clinical tool. Integrating dietary knowledge and lifestyle approaches into medical practice isn't optionalit's essential for effective care.
As a research hub, OCIH applies implementation science to expand effective wellness practices. Our work bridges the gap between discovery and everyday practice, said , PhD, Professor in the Department of 泫圖弝け & Kinesiology, Associate Dean of Community Engagement in the College of 泫圖弝け, and Research Director at OCIH. Through strategic partnerships with the Prevention Research Center and the Driving out Diabetes Initiative, we're advancing the science of whole-person health nationwide.
Supported by the national network and built on the 泫圖弝け of Utah's decade of innovation in this field, OCIH aims to revolutionize health care delivery in Utah and establish a model for systems across the country.