The aim of the MedFT program is to widen students knowledge base in health care by furthering competency in biopsychosocial-spiritual and family based treatment via integrated care, research, and theoretical understanding of medical and mental health issues. The mission of the doctoral program in medical family therapy is to advance students learning in the areas of research, theory, clinical practice, leadership, supervision, and teaching in order to prepare and qualify them to pursue employment as researchers, educators, administrators, and/or clinicians in the field of medical family therapy.

The medical family therapy (MedFT) program at East Carolina University was the first of its kind in the nation. In 2005, East Carolina University created the first doctoral program in medical family therapy. At ECU, MedFT students conduct research, teach, and supervise from a relational and systemic perspective through the incorporation of a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach. The aim of the MedFT program is to widen students knowledge base in health care by furthering competency in biopsychosocial-spiritual and family based treatment via integrated care, research, and theoretical understanding of medical and mental health issues. The mission of the doctoral program in medical family therapy is to advance students learning in the areas of research, theory, clinical practice, leadership, supervision, and teaching in order to prepare and qualify them to pursue employment as researchers, educators, administrators, and/or clinicians in the field of medical family therapy.