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What is a Wellness Program? Everything You Need to Know About Wellness University at PartnerMD

February 13th, 2025 | 4 min. read

By Steve E. Bishop, M.D.

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Let’s be honest — figuring out how to live a healthier life can feel like a full-time job. There’s a never-ending stream of advice about what to eat, how to exercise, and ways to reduce stress. Some of it contradicts itself. Some of it is outdated. And some of it? It’s just plain wrong. 

At PartnerMD, we believe concierge medicine should be more than just having access to a doctor when you need one. It should also provide a wellness program that gives you the tools, education, and personal support to make lasting improvements to your health.  

That’s why we created a wellness program called Wellness University. It has over 80 physician-approved courses in four key areas of health that will make a difference in your day-to-day life: diet and nutrition, physical fitness, stress and sleep, and cognitive health. These courses are designed to help you cut through the noise and take meaningful steps toward better health without feeling lost or overwhelmed. 

Since launching in 2022, thousands of our members have used Wellness University to improve their nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress levels, and cognitive health. Now, you can too. 

What is Wellness University? A structured program to lifelong wellness

Wellness University is a structured wellness education program that offers courses across four key areas:

  • School of Adrenal Health (Stress & Sleep) — This school focuses on helping you improve how you sleep and manage stress in your day-to-day life.

  • School of Cognitive Health (Brain Health) This school focuses on brain health. It can help prevent dementia and minimize its impact. This school also provides a lot of information and support for caregivers who are dealing with Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments.

  • School of Metabolic Health (Nutrition & Diet) — This school focuses on teaching you how to eat and manage your nutrition to optimize your health.

  • School of Muscular Strength (Physical Fitness) —This school focuses on helping you build your strength, whether through a workout plan or optimizing your endurance. It also focuses on your balance and stability to help prevent falls.

Courses are available at 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels, allowing individuals to start at the level that best suits their needs. Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, Wellness University offers something for everyone.

Our certified health coaches provide one-on-one coaching sessions, available virtually or in person, to support you as you progress through the program.  


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What types of courses are there in Wellness University?

As mentioned earlier, we offer many courses in four different schools to help you reach your goals.  

Some courses, especially at the 100 and 200 levels, are on-demand videos available at your convenience.  

As you enter the more advanced courses, you will find in-person workshops, webinars, and one-on-one health coaching sessions. Here are a few types of courses we offer at Wellness University.  

Patient watching on-demand videos on laptop

1. On-Demand Videos

Our on-demand videos about weight management, personal training, balance, sleep quality, diet, and more are featured in the 100- and 200-level courses. Once you’re enrolled in a course, you can watch these videos at your convenience.  

Some examples include: 

  • MET103 — Introduction to Metabolic Syndrome & Health Part 1— introduces the concept of Metabolic Syndrome, including what it is, how it's diagnosed, what causes it, and what can treat it.
     

  • COG203 — The Brain and Metabolic Health — explores the close connections between brain health and metabolic conditions. 

2. One-on-one Appointments 

Some courses feature one-on-one appointments with a PartnerMD health coach. The appointments are topic-specific and provide an opportunity to get more personalized advice.

Some examples include:  

  • MET305 — Prescription-Assisted Weight Loss — is a one-on-one coaching session with a PartnerMD health coach to discuss the potential benefits of prescription weight loss medication. 
  • STR301 — Setting Strength Goals — is a one-on-one coaching session with a PartnerMD health coach to identify reasonable and clinically appropriate strength goals. 

3. In-person Workshops and Webinars for Interactive Learning

We offer in-person workshops and webinars for more interactive and communal learning experiences, including ADR203 — Finding Harmony with Meditation — and ADR204 Creating a Basic Yoga Practice.

These sessions are led by certified yoga and meditation instructors.

4. Referrals to Outside Specialists 

Some courses at the 400 level involve a referral to an outside vendor for specialized help. Some examples include: 

  • STR404 — Targeted Support: Surgical Rehab — which is when you need to recover from surgery or hospitalization faster and safer

And we are constantly adding and expanding our course offerings to meet our patients' evolving needs better.  

Doctor showing results to a patient on tablet.

How do you access Wellness University? Is there a cost? 

Wellness University is available exclusively to our members and is included in your membership at no additional cost.  

We recommend that all PartnerMD patients use this program to get the full value of their membership and the education, support, and accountability needed to pursue a healthier lifestyle.  

The platform is hosted by Fold Care and is accessible via an internet browser or by downloading the Fold Care app from your mobile device’s App Store.  

You can explore the course catalog and access the platform through our website at wellu.partnermd.com.

Some patients register for courses on their own, but the primary method will be via a referral from your physician or health coach to specific courses based on your health.  

Why Wellness University at PartnerMD is worth your time

You can find same-day or next-day appointments, more personalized time, and 24/7 access at almost every concierge medicine practice. These should be standards of any concierge practice.

At PartnerMD, we believe a close relationship with your physician is just the start of a better healthcare experience. Your experience should also include the tools, resources, education, and support you need to improve your health proactively.  

Your health is your most valuable asset. But getting the right guidance isn't always easy, and bad advice can set you back rather than move you forward. Wellness University was created to simplify your journey toward better health, not complicate it. 

If you've been feeling stuck, unsure where to start, or frustrated with one-size-fits-all health advice that doesn't work for you, this is your chance to change that. Wellness University gives you access to credible, physician-approved education backed by personalized coaching and real-world application. 

PartnerMD invites you to explore Wellness University's rich educational experience. It allows you to take control of your health in a structured and supportive environment.  

Ready to get started? Click here and complete the form. One of our membership experts will reach out shortly. Your journey to better health begins here! 

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Steve E. Bishop, M.D.

As a board-certified internist and concierge doctor in Richmond, VA, Dr. Steven Bishop is passionate about helping his patients improve their lives through better health. He helps healthy adults adjust their lifestyles as they age and helps patients with complex medical diseases manage and improve their health.