Circle of Healing: Incorporating the Principles of the Medicine Wheel into Medical Forensic Exams

Date & Time: March 17, 2026 (Virtual)
Start time: 12:00PM PT / 1:00PM MT / 2:00PM CT / 3:00PM ET
End time: 1:30PM PT / 2:30PM MT / 3:30PM CT / 4:30PM ET
Organization: International Association of Forensic Nurses
Location: Virtual
OVW Approved?: Yes

Description

The Medicine Wheel has been utilized by various Native American Tribes and Nations for health and healing. The Medicine Wheel acts as a constant reminder for those who use it, that all dimensions of a person’s being must have balance. When imbalance occurs within a dimension, balance must be restored. Experiencing Intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or sexual violence disrupts a sense of stability in the lifecycle. The medical forensic exam is one way to restore balance and promote healing through patient centered, trauma informed medical care. Since the medical forensic exam is patient driven, it can be tailored to recognize the benefits of incorporating culturally significant traditions such as the Medicine Wheel when providing care to patients that have experienced IPV and/or sexual violence in Tribal and Native communities.

Topic Areas: Sexual Assault
Target Audiences: Adult Protective Services, Batterer Intervention Programs, Civil Attorneys, Community Advocacy Org, Community Programs, Court Staff, Defense Attorneys, Disability/Deaf Org, Dual SA and DV Program, DV Coalitions, DV Program, Educators, Elder Org, Health Professionals, Immigrant Org, Judges, Law Enforcement, Mental Health Professionals, Multidisciplinary Groups, Prosecutors, SA Coalitions, SA Forensic Examiners, SA Program
Contact: Kelsey Morris Project Manager kmorris@forensicnurses.org