Employee Spotlight: Whole Health Coach Luis Santillan, Clinical Employee of the Quarter Winner

Santillan was recognized in the Fourth Quarter of 2024 for his outstanding efforts as a Whole Health Coach, teaching Veterans about holistic health and treatments and doing outreach in the community to inform Veterans about Whole Health and help them access their VA benefits.

“In Whole Health we focus on what matters to us, not what is the matter with us,” said Santillan. “What matters to me is helping other Vets, so they don’t fall through the cracks when they get out of the service.” 

As a Whole Health Coach, Santillan gets to know Veterans on a personal level, working alongside them to develop a personalized health plan based on their specific values, needs and goals.

VA’s Whole Health approach empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their own health, well-being and quality of life. Whole health goes beyond illnesses, injuries or disabilities, and focuses instead on Veterans’ personal values, goals and overall health. It includes self-care and complementary therapies along with conventional medical care. 

Our mission at VA is to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. When it comes to helping Veterans, Santillan has a relatable perspective and personal motivation because he is a Veteran himself. “The true joy comes from being able to create positive behavior changes in our Veterans and fulfilling President Lincoln’s mission.”

Santillan is a U.S. Army Veteran who served over nine years on active duty, plus two years of reserve service as a Combat Medic Specialist. His military service included a 16-month deployment to Iraq. Santillan said he enjoys helping Veterans at VA because “I can continue my service to help my fellow servicemembers.”

Santillan supports Veterans at the Sy Kaplan VA Clinic in Palm Desert, Calif. “I grew up and live in the community I serve,” he said. 

“Since starting Whole Health with the VA in February 2024, Mr. Santillan has made a huge impact in his Palm Desert VA Clinic,” said Jennifer Hernandez, fellow Whole Health Coach at VA Loma Linda. “Mr. Santillan came from the Audiology Department where he served for 13 years. He took the lengthy training required to become a Whole Health Coach with VA. He is now teaching Veterans about Whole Health, improving their lives holistically as well as letting them know about the complementary treatments VA offers Veterans such as acupuncture, yoga and massage therapy.” 

Santillan also completed training to start guided imagery for VA within whole health. Using his coaching skills, he helped a Veteran that wanted to stop taking pain medications. “He is a valuable asset to the team,” said Hernandez. “We are happy to have him!”

Thank you for answering the call to support your fellow Veterans, Luis Santillan!

To learn more about Whole Health, visit https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/. To connect with Whole Health services at VA Loma Linda, call 909-583-6851.