About the Individualized Wellness Prescription Program

The extra credit individualized Wellness Prescription Program pairs an MSI and MSII to role-model patient and osteopathic physician joining together to "seek health", cooperatively together they will develop an osteopathic holistic wellness program that includes an individualized fitness prescription (physical exercise program, flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises, and nutrition in a manner that incorporates both the four osteopathic tenets and OMT. Note however that the wellness prescription should not be restricted to somatic aspects but should consider recommendations to improve the health of the whole patient. For example, some scheduled time away from the books and with the family emphasizes the health of the patient through the ‘body unit’ concept.

“Social and cultural factors play a central role in preventing illness, maintaining good health, and treating disease," states acting National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Ruth Kirchstein.  Kirchstein emphasized that research has shown that individuals' social environment, their family, neighborhood, schools and workplaces, have a "profound impact on health."  In an attempt to learn the endless amounts of knowledge, students frequently under emphasized or even ignored their own social health.

Objectives For the Individualized Wellness Prescription Program

First year objectives of the extra credit portion of this program are to:

1)Recognize that the osteopathic approach to healthcare is to "seek health" and is based upon applying the osteopathic philosophy.

2)Experience an individualized prescription and provide a peer insight into the compliance process.

3)Experience the "patient" role in receiving OMT and provide peer feedback about their technique.


Second year objectives of the extra credit portion of this are to:

1) Improve the wellness of the "patient" by providing them with an individualized wellness prescription.

2) Learn how to record your palpatory diagnosis and treatment.

3) Develop the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the formulation of a wellness prescription for this patient and future patients.

In each wellness prescription, pertinent positives should be noted from a screening H&P and any recent assessments. This data will be coupled with information gained from the osteopathic neuromuscular exam.

About the Extra Credit Option

Before writing the wellness prescription, contemplate the benefits of a doctor-patient team approach. If the patient has input, they are more likely to work toward the goals set. Also, thought should be given as to how to encourage the patient to meet wellness goals. The busy schedule of medical school (like the schedule of an executive) is something that must be addressed to make this type of prescription workable.

In order to receive 1 point extra credit both students must complete 3-4 visits minimum, one initial, at least one interim visit and one follow up. The MS I must fill out the PDF forms below and bring them whenever the meet with the MSII. The MSII must present a SOAP note for each visit and must perform OMT a minimum of two encounters as part of the prescription. You may do a focused or a complete history and physical exam, however for extra credit only the wellness and fitness components are necessary as well as issues pertinent to indications and contraindications for OMT. At the end of your meetings, make a copy of these forms for yourself and turn in the originals as a "chart" to Suite307A.

How will progress be evaluated? For example, biweekly blood pressure checks may help to evaluate the progress of a patient using aerobic exercise and nutrition to lower their blood pressure. The pertinent positives from the SeekHealth review of systems screening H&P (including any pertinent past medical screens and fitness assessments), the results from your osteopathic musculoskeletal exam and flexibility screen, and the completed wellness prescription will all be turned in to Suite 307A Rowland Hall for review. Turning in the wellness prescription will allow feedback to assure that the prescription is comprehensive. Turning in preliminary and follow-up notes (including OMT treatment) will help to determine if you are recording information appropriately. However, implementation and follow-up will be left to the beneficiary and your doctor-patient relationship. Do note that the OMM fellows have scheduled time to be available to answer questions relative to this activity.

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