In 2010, the idea of a "Case Day for Integrative Medicine" was taken up at the University of Witten/Herdecke to deal with the questions and possibilities of integrative medicine within a seminar week. A central component of this discourse was the examination of a real patient from the perspectives of different medical systems in a so-called "patient plenary".

A space of encounter was created that enabled all participants to openly address the questions and exchange interests and visions. At the end of the first Summer Academy, it was clear that there should be a continuation.

Since then, the annual event has been part of the multifaceted University of Witten/Herdecke. In dealing with different questions and mottos, the Summer Academy has shown itself to be a growing and evolving organism in terms of content and form.