The Time Has Come: Holistic Medicine

photo of young

January 29, 2021

Over the last two decades, there has been a shift toward a more holistic approach to patient treatment.  Wellness is a booming industry, and research shows that there is a strong trend in the healthcare sector towards Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine.  Lifestyle Medicine is defined by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) as “the use of a whole food, plant-predominant dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connection as a primary therapeutic modality for treatment and reversal of chronic disease.” 

The ACLM reports more than 400% growth in membership in the past four years.  700 physicians, registered nurses, and PhD/Master’s-level health practitioners are now ACLM diplomates.  The ACLM suggests that while rates of chronic disease have reached an all-time high, many of the costliest conditions could be treated more effectively with an Integrative/Lifestyle Medicine approach. 

A 2019 article from the Midland Reporter-Telegram makes a strong case for investment in this combined approach:  “Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based approach shown to prevent, treat and reverse disease.  It treats the underlying cause of disease rather than its symptoms that are too often addressed with ever-increasing quantities of pills and procedures.  It is important to delineate the distinction that lifestyle medicine is not just preventive medicine, but it offers therapeutic lifestyle interventions for the treatment and reversal of existing chronic diseases.”

Many Lifestyle Medicine practitioners are osteopathic doctors, and Gray’s job postings data calls attention to osteopathy as a highly desirable skill.  An osteopathic physician uses both conventional medicine and osteopathic manipulation, focused on relieving pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system. 


GrayData:  Job Postings for Physicians by Skill

Gray Data on Job Posting for Holistic Medicine

Gray Associates

Gray Associates, Inc. provides the best available data, software, and facilitated processes to help higher education institutions make high-stakes decisions regarding academic programs, pricing, and locations.

About Gray DI

Gray DI provides data, software and facilitated processes that power higher-education decisions. Our data and AI insights inform program choices, optimize finances, and fuel growth in a challenging market – one data-informed decision at a time.

Related Posts
Subscribe to Our Blog

Don’t miss our latest research and insights

Related Posts

Gray Data

Trends in New College Program Announcements for March 2025

March 2025 brought a wave of new program announcements from colleges and universities — and with them, a clear view of where higher education is heading next. From healthcare and business to cybersecurity and technology, institutions are aligning new offerings with workforce needs while expanding access through online and flexible formats. Explore what these latest announcements reveal about shifting priorities, emerging trends, and the future direction of academic programs.

Read More
Gray Data

Business Analytics Master’s: Boom or Bust?

Should you launch, grow, or rethink your Business Analytics master’s program? Recent data reveals surging student demand, strong career outcomes, and signs of sustained growth. But there’s a catch: regional market saturation could limit your success if not carefully assessed. Discover how national trends, employment metrics, and competitive intensity intersect—and what your institution can do to stand out in this fast-growing, high-stakes program space.

Read More
Gray Data

Higher Education’s Hottest New Program Announcements: What Trended in 2024

Explore the innovative programs colleges and universities are offering in 2024 to meet shifting student interests and workforce demands. From advancements in healthcare and technology to addressing critical societal needs, institutions are expanding their offerings in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Public Health, and Environmental Science. Discover the most notable new programs that are equipping learners with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world—and see what’s next on the horizon for higher education.

Read More