Lifestyle Changes as Medicine: The VA Leading the Way in Whole Health Integration

Friday, February 20, 2026

8:15 AM - 9:15 AM AST

Location: 203

Course Director(s)

April Pruski, MD, MBA

Service Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department
Phoenix VA

Speaker(s)

Ronald Shin, DO

Section Chief of Interventional Pain at the Phoenix VA
Phoenix VA
John Sollenberger, DO

Deputy Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services
Phoenix VA
Benjamin Siedel, DO

Program Director, PM&R Residency Program, UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio
Kelly Heath, MD

Chief of Rehabilitation Medicine, Corporeal Michael J Crescenz VAMC (Philadelphia, PA), Associate P
Philadelphia VA
Somnang Pang, DO

Physiatrist
Philadelphia VA

Brief Session Description : This session explores the role of lifestyle medicine in Veteran care, emphasizing its impact on orthobiologic outcomes, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation. Speakers will discuss integrating lifestyle medicine into residency training, the development of Whole Health clinics, and physiatry’s role in leading these efforts. Topics include complementary therapies—acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, yoga—along with exercise as medicine, nutrition’s role in brain injury recovery, and lifestyle interventions for mild TBI and concussion care. Attendees will gain insight into innovative approaches, including cooking classes and preventative care strategies, shaping the future of Whole Health approach for Veterans.