Elite Performance: Holistic Care for Athletes From Campus to the International Stage
The energizing conversation between LeShelle May and Dr. Marcia Faustin sparked thoughtful dialogue about what it truly means to take a holistic approach to health. An approach that recognizes the interconnected roles of biological, psychological and social well-being.
Drawing from her experiences working with student-athletes, Dr. Faustin challenged the traditional emphasis on physical performance alone, emphasizing the importance of mental health and reminding us that athletes are students first. From increasing awareness of mental health in athletics to the growing need for research focused on women athletes, the dialogue highlighted issues that extend from our campus to the international stage.
Throughout the discussion, one message remained clear: movement is medicine, and the future of health and well-being is far more comprehensive and fuller of possibilities than we may have once imagined.
[Audio Description: The video opens with a title screen for Women & Philanthropy, with UC Davis as a subtitle. All text appears in yellow over a white background, accompanied by bright, cheery summer music. Informational slides follow in the same style and then a video featuring a female voice introduces the organization’s vision, purpose of Women & Philanthropy. The slides end with upcoming celebrations and contact information.
The first speaker is Sallie-Grace Tate, the executive director of Women & Philanthropy. She appears in a home-like room wearing a blue top and scarf. She introduces the guest speaker, Marcia Faustin, M.D., and moderator, LeShelle May. Sallie-Grace turns her video off and turns the program over to LeShelle and Dr. Faustin. A picture of Dr. Faustin, her husband, LeShelle and LeShelle’s husband appear on screen as one of the first meetings between LeShelle and Dr. Faustin.
LeShelle then begins asking Dr. Faustin about her background of where she grew up and how she developed her leadership and athletic professional background. Dr. Faustin shares her family history and a few strong mentors in her life. Together, they discuss the factors that play into providing the best care for student-athletes and the major factors in how the industry has changed over the last 10 years. Dr. Faustin shares a picture of her work team of physicians and a few more during her time in the Paris 2024 Olympics with different athletes, including Simone Biles.
The conversation ends with rapid fire questions from LeShelle before Sallie-Grace pops back on screen to wrap up the webinar. She invites audience members to partake in the poll that pops up on their screen, thanks the speakers and announces the fall Wisdom of Women Symposium. The tone remains informative, inspiring and community-focused, emphasizing support for Women in Philanthropy’s mission.]