On Monday, June 15, the UC San Diego Centers for Integrative Health hosted a special evening of dialogue, inspiration, and reflection, exploring the personal and professional journeys that shape a life in integrative medicine and whole-person health. Five nationally recognized integrative physicians joined moderator Daniel Vicario, MD, ABIHM, for a candid panel discussion on the experiences, challenges, and moments of transformation that shaped their paths into integrative and whole-person healing.
The conversation offered an authentic, deeply human perspective on the evolving future of medicine: one that unites scientific rigor with compassion, connection, meaning, and the healing of the whole person. Panelists explored the integration of conventional and complementary approaches to care, physician wellness and purpose, mind-body-spirit dimensions of healing, patient-centered care, and the growing movement toward a more compassionate, collaborative, and humanistic healthcare system.
Watch the Recording
Missed the event, or want to revisit the conversation? Watch the full recording below.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this thought-provoking evening, and to our panelists for so generously sharing their stories.
Guest & Keynote Speakers
 | Daniel Vicario, MD, ABIHM (Moderator) A board-certified Medical Oncologist who has dedicated more than three decades to advancing the field of Integrative Oncology. Throughout his career, he has sought to thoughtfully integrate the best of evidence-based conventional cancer care with complementary healing approaches that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Guided by a lifelong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, his work has focused on enhancing quality of life, fostering resilience and healing, and supporting not only patients but also their families and caregivers throughout the cancer journey. |
 | Ellen Beck, MD A family physician, educator, and nationally recognized leader in integrative medicine, Dr. Ellen Beck has dedicated her career to advancing compassionate, whole-person care and medical education. She founded the internationally acclaimed UC San Diego Student-Run Free Clinic Project and helped establish the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine. |
 | Mimi Guarneri, MD, FACC, ABOIM A board-certified cardiologist and pioneer in integrative medicine, Dr. Erminia “Mimi” Guarneri has dedicated her career to advancing a more comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health. She founded the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, combining leading-edge cardiac care with evidence-based lifestyle medicine to prevent and treat heart disease. |
 | Sheila Patel, MD A board-certified family physician and integrative medicine leader, Dr. Sheila Patel has dedicated her career to advancing whole-person health through the integration of modern medicine, lifestyle medicine, and mind-body practices. Through her clinical work, teaching, and leadership, she empowers individuals to achieve lasting wellbeing through personalized, preventive, and integrative care. |
 | Robert Bonakdar, MD, FAAFP, FACN, ABOIM A leader in integrative pain medicine, Dr. Bonakdar has dedicated his career to advancing multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological approaches to pain and headache care. As Director of Pain Management at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, he combines expertise in nutrition, headache medicine, and global healing traditions to promote comprehensive healthcare. |
 | Paul W. Corey, MD A board-certified anesthesiologist and educator, Dr. Paul Corey has focused his career on advancing innovative approaches to mental health, consciousness, and healing. Through his clinical work, research, and leadership in ketamine- and psychedelic-assisted therapies, he has helped bridge anesthesiology, behavioral health, and emerging models of integrative mental healthcare. |