Ruth Q. Wolever, PhD, NBC-HWC

Bio:
Ruth Q. Wolever, PhD, NBC-HWC is a Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Director of the Vanderbilt Health Coaching Program. A clinical health psychologist and nationally-board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC), Ruth has over 30 years of experience training and mentoring medical and allied health professionals in behavioral medicine, emotional health and coaching. Her expertise includes designing, implementing, and evaluating mind-body interventions for medical patients and those at risk for chronic disease.

Internationally recognized for her expertise on health coaching and mindfulness, Ruth studies health coaching, mindfulness-based approaches to self-regulation and lifestyle change. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NCCIH, Office of Women’s Health, NHLBI, NIDCD, and NIDDK), United States Air Force, United States Department of Defense, Coalition for Better Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, industry, and philanthropy. She has co-authored over 90 papers and academic chapters as well as 360 peer-reviewed and invited presentations. Ruth is a founding Director and was the inaugural President of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). She has also served as Chair of the Certification Commission since its inception. 

Ruth is particularly interested in the intersection of patient empowerment, mindfulness, and inter-professional training in serving patients with chronic conditions.

Personal Statement & Approach:
A team of people with different perspectives and strengths is almost always the best way forward, and the only way to solve the huge problems in health care. The caveat is that all team members and particularly the team leaders must listen to each other deeply.

I've been in this work since before "Integrative Medicine" existed, starting in 1994. My approach is informed by the science of the mind-body connection and the power of interpersonal relationship and communication in healing.

Supporting the growth of others through deep connection with them, whether they are patients, trainees, or team mates, feeds my passion.