Jennifer Olejownik, PhD, MS, BA
Clinical Instructor
Division of Health Sciences
Integrative Approaches to Health & Wellness
243E Atwell Hall
453 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Professional Areas of Interest
- Using integrative approaches for addiction & recovery
- Expanding accessibility of integrative therapies
- Student wellness and resilience
Overview
Jennifer Olejownik is a clinical instructor at the Ohio State University where she teaches courses in integrative medicine and medical humanities. Jennifer has experience in qualitative and quantitative research design, sampling, and implementation and enjoys collaborating on interdisciplinary projects for local, state, and federal agencies. Her background is in somatics, medical sociology, and program evaluation, and she is most passionate about how integrative therapies can be used to address stress and trauma. Her research on integrative medicine initially focused on the paradigmatic tensions of opposing health systems as told through the lens of the integrative provider, and the organizational structures, processes, and barriers that inhibit integration. She continues to be interested in the ways in which integrative therapies transform healthcare, specifically how they lower healthcare costs, enhance the patient experience, improve population health, reduce provider burnout, and promote equity.
Currently, she is passionate about expanding access to integrative therapies to support mental health and addiction recovery. In partnership with colleagues at the other institutions, she also plans conferences and events that explore the intersection between integrative medicine, indigenous medicine, and criminal justice reform. She appreciates collaborations with scholars, clinicians, and educators around the globe to learn more about traditional healing practices largely outside of conventional medicine.
Recent Publications
- Olejownik, Jennifer (2023) Watsu Integrating & Moving into Clinical & Compassion-Based Frameworks for Optimal Care. Watsu® Professional Path - A Heart-Centered Approach to Clinical Practice.
- Olejownik, Jennifer & Keating, Ingrid (2023) Interoception & Somatic Processes & Embodiment within Practice. Watsu® Professional Path - A Heart-Centered Approach to Clinical Practice.
- Sherba, Cox, Linley, Clark-Hammond, Olejownik, Taylor & Williamson (2018) Ohio’s Response to 21st Century Cures Act in Addressing the Opioid Crisis: A Targeted Response Initiative, November 2017-April 2018, Columbus, OH. Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, 36pgs.
Recent Presentations
- Presentation, Culturally Supportive Therapies for Reimagining Criminal Justice and Healthcare, Integrative Medicine for the Underserved Conference (September 2021)
- Presentation, Uplifting Silenced Voices: Whole Systems Research to Empower Vulnerable Populations, Integrative Medicine for the Underserved Conference (September 2021)
- Panelist, Disrupting Racism in Health Science Education and Research: Enhancing Our Skills as Educators (January 2021)
- Poster Presentation, Engaging Mindful Moments; Strategies & Tips for Breathing Life into Learning and Caregiving, for the Centile Conference in Washington, DC (2019).
- Poster Presentation, Impact of the Mindful Moment, for the Building Healthy Academic Communities Summit in Columbus, Ohio (2019).
Education
- PhD, Educational Policy & Leadership, Somatic Studies, Ohio State University
- MS, Applied Sociology, Clemson University
- BA, Sociology, The Ohio State University