Healthy Reads Blog | PartnerMD

How Does Wellness University Work at PartnerMD?

Written by Steve E. Bishop, M.D. | Jun 20, 2024

Are you searching for a path to better health but unsure where to start?

Do wellness terms and health plans overwhelm you, making it difficult to take the first step?

You’re not alone. At PartnerMD, we understand the challenges you face in navigating the complicated world of health and wellness.

That’s why we include access to Wellness University within our concierge medicine memberships.

Wellness University is our online platform with over 70 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.

Since we launched Wellness University in 2022, thousands of PartnerMD patients have taken advantage of the education and support it provides. So, how does it work exactly?

Here’s how Wellness University can transform your approach to wellness and help you achieve your health goals. 

What is covered in Wellness University? 

Wellness University offers courses at the 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels to complement the varying degrees of patient knowledge and experience. Each of the four schools focuses on a different area of health to make sure you have the tools to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Whether you're already healthy, hoping to improve your health, or just seeking guidance, Wellness University has something for you.

While working on the courses, our health coaches will guide you. Our coaches provide one-on-one coaching, virtually or in person, and appointments typically last at least 60 minutes. 

Here are the four schools within Wellness University and examples of courses within them:

  • School of Adrenal Health (Stress & Sleep) — ADR101: Introduction to the Stress Cycle is an on-demand video that explores common patterns of stress in your life and what to do about them. 

  • School of Cognitive Health (Brain Health)COG104: Brain Games is an on-demand video that explores the latest thinking around the concept of brain training. 

  • School of Metabolic Health (Nutrition & Diet) — MET101: Introduction to Body Composition is an on-demand video that explores the various elements of body composition, including how they are measured, what they mean for good health, and what you can do to improve them.

  • School of Muscular Strength (Physical Fitness) — STR103: Balance and Aging is an on-demand video that introduces the importance of balance, especially as we age.

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.  

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: 

  • MET102 — Current Science on Healthy Eating — discusses the various “food pyramid” models, which dietary guidelines are most current and effective, and how to leverage these tools to improve health.
  • COG202 — The Brain, Sleep, and Stress — explores the impact of high-stress and low-quality sleep on brain health and cognitive function in a live workshop led by a certified PartnerMD health coach and physician. 

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. 
  • STR302 — Getting Started with Exercise — is a one-on-one coaching session with a PartnerMD health coach to get started with an exercise routine, even if you’ve never exercised regularly before. 

3. In-person Workshops and Webinars 

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: Injury Recovery — which is if you are struggling to recover from an injury 
  • MET402 — Targeted Clinical Support: Engaging with Behavioral Therapy — which is when you get to discuss options for finding a licensed therapist to help with weight loss and eating disorders  

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

In just the last six months, we've introduced 12 new courses and consistently updated our coaching practices to ensure they are current on wellness education. 

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.  

Get access to Wellness University as a PartnerMD member. 

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.  

Wellness University embodies this belief by offering guidance on building a foundation for a healthier lifestyle. You, your physician, and your health coach can create a curriculum that may help you achieve long-term wellness.  

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!