VCOM View Magazine Vol. 13 | No. 1

Faculty Spotlight Dr. Hollingsworth’s Push for Healthy Habit Change J osh Hollingsworth, PharmD, PhD, is a distinguished pharmacist and researcher who serves as the by Brittany Lilla

best “medicine,” a perspective that aligns well with osteopathic philosophy. One of the notable initiatives spearheaded by Hollingsworth is the Annual Deans’ Fit Family Challenge. This eight-week health and wellness competition involves participants from Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP), Auburn University College of Nursing (AUCON), and VCOM-Auburn. Teams of two compete based on their physical activity minutes, with the coveted Deans’ Cup awarded to the college whose participants log the highest average number of physical activity minutes. VCOM proudly won the cup in 2019 and 2021, with the AU College of Nursing taking the trophy in 2020 and 2022. This year, VCOM-Auburn triumphantly won back the Deans’ Cup, underscoring the importance of physical activity and fostering a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among the participants. The Deans’ Fit Family Challenge is more than just a competition; it embodies Hollingsworth’s commitment to fostering a culture of wellness within the academic community. Participants are encouraged to engage in any intentional, moderate or vigorous physical activity that raises their heart rate. The wide range of activities includes running, cycling, swimming and even brisk walking. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of their fitness level, can participate and contribute to their team’s success. The challenge not only promotes physical health but also strengthens the bonds among faculty, staff and students, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Hollingsworth’s current research is centered around creating programs and services that facilitate health behavior change and habit formation.

discipline chair for pharmacology at VCOM-Auburn. With nearly nine years of dedicated service, Hollingsworth cherishes the

camaraderie with his exceptional colleagues, the unwavering support from the administration and staff, and the enthusiasm and commitment of the students, all united by a mission he holds dear. Hollingsworth’s professional journey has been marked by his profound belief in the power of health behavior change. He emphasizes that while medicine plays a crucial role, it is our daily habits—our recurring thoughts, behaviors, and environments— that significantly impact personal health and wellness. The CDC estimates that approximately 80% of chronic diseases and early mortality are due to lifestyle factors. Hollingsworth advocates that changing our thoughts and environments is often the

Hollingsworth and his children, Porter and Isla.

28 Faculty Spotlight