Hemangi Mavadiya, MPH, RD, a doctoral candidate in the PhD in Public Health degree program at UCI Public Health, recently completed the Academic Integrative Medicine Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate Program offered by the UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. In the span of six months, Mavadiya completed this comprehensive program, featuring 48 hours of virtual training along with rigorous reading assignments. The program, certified through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching, has officially made her a board-eligible Health and Wellness coach. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Mavadiya was granted a full scholarship and 100 percent tuition waiver worth $10,000 because of her academic merit and research expertise.
As a registered dietitian and public health practitioner, Mavadiya recognizes the importance of integrating coaching strategies into her skill set. The decision to pursue the National Certified Health and Wellness Coach Course aligns seamlessly with her research goals, providing her with comprehensive skills to explore the intersection of nutrition, behavior change, and overall well-being under the guidance of her faculty mentor, Dr. Yunxia Lu, associate professor of population health and disease prevention at UCI Public Health.
In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, where holistic approaches to health are increasingly valued, acquiring coaching skills can set individuals apart and open doors to diverse career opportunities. This certification serves as an investment in professional growth that will undoubtedly enrich your careers and the lives of those you serve.”
Hemangi Mavadiya, MPH, RD
“This certification aligns with my future career goals, expanding my skill set beyond traditional dietetics,” said Mavadiya, “This will not only enhance my effectiveness as a nutrition professional but also broaden my research skill set, allowing me to work in diverse settings that prioritize a holistic approach to health and well-being.”
A highlight for Mavadiya was learning how to facilitate meaningful conversations and guide clients in setting and achieving realistic goals by putting them in the driver’s seat. Additionally, understanding the psychological and emotional aspects of behavior change has been instrumental in shaping her approach to coaching.
After Mavadiya completes her doctoral program, expected in the spring of 2025, she plans to offer comprehensive support to her future clients, empowering them to make sustainable lifestyle changes that extend beyond dietary choices. The course has equipped her with valuable insights into effective coaching techniques, motivational interviewing, and behavior change theories.
“I strongly encourage my fellow public health graduate students to consider pursuing this program,” Mavadiya said. “In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, where holistic approaches to health are increasingly valued, acquiring coaching skills can set individuals apart and open doors to diverse career opportunities. This certification serves as an investment in professional growth that will undoubtedly enrich your careers and the lives of those you serve.”
Read more about the Academic Integrative Medicine Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate Program.
