Warfighter Advance and the ADVANCE 7-Day: Successfully Leaving the Medical Model Behind

Mary Neal Vieten, Ph.D., ABPP, CDR Medical Service Corps, US Navy

The ADVANCE 7-Day is, at it’s core, a 7-day program that uses a variety of means to change the trajectory of the warfighter’s post-deployment life, so that rather than an existence characterized by an endless cycle of mental illness diagnoses, medications, medical appointments and disappointments, the warfighter has a life characterized by pride, productivity, healthy relationships, continued service, and advocacy for the same outcomes for their fellow service members. The program achieves this goal through a carefully orchestrated week of experiences. Every moment is designed and timed for maximum empowerment, growth, and change.

Goals of the talk:

  1. Describe the program and the program philosophy and core tenants
  2. Describe how the ADVANCE 7-Day works
    • Linguistics, education, science, fully informed consent, the alumni association
  3. Why it works
  4. Outcomes
    • How we push back on the assumption that their is an “average” person
  5. Discuss the application to other populations
  6. Discuss the barriers to expanding for other populations