Award: Nurse Leadership
Emily Hochwald, who has more than 30 years of experience in health care, is a clinical assistant professor in the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University, where she serves as director of integrated behavioral health at ODU Community Care. She also led the development of the Integrated Behavioral Health program, which ties behavioral and physical health together in ODU’s student-run clinics.
Hochwald was nominated by several ODU Community Care directors.
“Beyond the data, Emily’s leadership has created a collaborative, interprofessional model that benefits both patients and future healthcare providers,” they wrote in Hochwald’s nomination.
“By integrating behavioral health into primary care settings and leveraging student involvement, she has strengthened the healthcare workforce while ensuring culturally responsive, patient-centered care for underserved populations. Her work has directly improved access, reduced stigma around behavioral health treatment, and addressed social determinants of health impacting uninsured and underserved patients throughout the community,” the nomination said.
Hochwald shared more about her experience with Inside Business:
Q: What inspired you to establish the Integrated Behavioral Health program?
A: The foundation for my inspiration to establish an Integrated Behavioral Health program came from a fundamental belief that true wellness cannot be achieved without addressing both physical and behavioral health needs. Throughout my career, I repeatedly witnessed how disconnected and fragmented our health care system can be, particularly for individuals affected by significant social determinants of health. Many of these individuals struggle with navigating complex and separate systems, making access to care incredibly difficult. Like many providers, I recognized these needs but often lacked the time and resources within traditional care models to fully address them. Over time, this left me feeling frustrated and concerned that I was not able to provide the level of care my patients truly deserved. The solution existed for years in the form of Integrated Behavioral Health, a model that bridges this gap by bringing behavioral health directly into the physical health clinic setting. This approach allows individuals to receive timely, informed, coordinated and holistic care. By establishing this model within ODU Community Care clinics, we are not only improving access to care but also preparing the next generation of health care providers to deliver more comprehensive, patient-centered and integrated care.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: The people and students we serve keep me motivated. Many of our patients face significant barriers to fundamental needs, such as shelter, food and a sense of belonging, yet many demonstrate incredible resilience. Seeing these individuals engage in care, build trust with providers, and take steps toward improved health is deeply meaningful. I am also motivated by the students who participate in the program. Watching them develop confidence, compassion and clinical skills while learning to work as an integrated team serving the underserved is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the importance of this work.
Q: How do you approach challenges?
A: I view challenges as opportunities to refine systems, strengthen partnerships and improve how care is delivered. Building innovative health care programs inevitably comes with obstacles, and I approach them with dedication, persistence and creative thinking. However, the most important element in overcoming challenges is collaboration, and I am fortunate to work with an exceptional clinical team who shares the same commitment to our mission and consistently come together to solve problems and support one another. They make this work possible. Some of the most effective solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together with a shared passion for improving patient care.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of the dual impact our Integrated Behavioral Health program has had on both patients and students. We have created a space where individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the health care system can receive compassionate, respectful, integrated care. At the same time, students gain meaningful experience working with vulnerable populations and learn the importance of integrating physical and behavioral health into their practice.
Q: How do you measure success?
A: Success is measured in several ways. Quantitative indicators such as access to care, patient visits and increased screenings are important. Success is also reflected in patient trust, continuity of care, stability and community engagement. When patients feel comfortable returning and building relationships with providers, it demonstrates that the model is working. My favorite success stories are the individuals who achieve stability. Individuals previously unhoused and struggling with complex challenges becoming housed, employed and living a meaningful life as part of the community. These outcomes prove Integrated Behavioral Health has a profound and lasting impact beyond the clinic walls and beyond metrics.
Q: What lessons have you learned?
A: Meaningful change in health care is possible. It takes time, patience, persistence and, most important, a team that shares the vision and passion to make it happen. Creating sustainable programs also requires building trust within communities we serve and cultivating strong, lasting partnerships.
Q: Any advice for those working in the behavioral health field?
A: Behavioral health work requires clinical expertise, compassion and commitment. My advice is to remain curious, collaborative and patient focused. Professionals who are willing to be innovative, work across disciplines and advocate for vulnerable populations will have the greatest impact. Integrated care is not the future of health care; it is what health care should have been all along. When we address both physical and behavioral health together, we create real opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.