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The Power of Food as Medicine

Dr. Robert Graham

The food as medicine movement is quickly picking up steam as physicians and healthcare institutions begin to recognize the many tangible benefits of making food an integral part of treatment. Research on the power of food to prevent and fight disease is creating a paradigm shift in the way that treatment is provided. Instead of simply prescribing a “pill for an ill,” an ever-growing number of physicians choose to integrate dietary changes in their healthcare recommendations.

The Benefits of Cutting Back on Processed Foods

A leading proponent of this approach to care is Dr. Robert Graham, a Harvard-trained physician who is board-certified in both Internal and Integrative Medicine. In his view, while there is no one ideal diet for all, cutting down on or eliminating processed foods can be highly beneficial regardless of a person’s age or health status. The term “processed food” can be used to describe any item of food that has been altered from its original state. Though not all processed foods are unhealthy, per se, many contain artificially elevated amounts of salt, sugar, and fat – substances that are widely believed to be responsible for America’s high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

A Better Diet for an Improved Quality of Life

Eating right, along with regular exercise and getting sufficient sleep, can fundamentally improve an individual’s health and their quality of life. The key, Dr. Graham believes, is instilling in doctors the notion that patients should actively pursue good health through conscious dietary choices in close consultation with their healthcare providers. Medical education should emphasize the critical role that food selection plays in the health of all individuals. Another important development should take place at the policy development level. Instead of the government giving heavy subsidies to industrial farming and food production operations that are responsible for producing the heavily processed foods so many in America eat, more resources should be allocated to smaller, local farms that produce healthier food and do less damage to the environment.

An Integrative Approach to Health and Wellness

Addressing the root cause(s) of a disease and not just the disease itself is the defining feature of Integrative Medicine. IM – as it is often referred to – combines the best of conventional Western medicine with alternative or complementary treatments that are supported by clinical evidence. The food as medicine school of thought has been eagerly adopted by IM practitioners such as Dr. Graham who champion whole-person wellness through a combination of treatment, health promotion, and illness prevention.

The American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM) is a member board of the American Board of Physician Specialists (ABPS) – the only multispecialty certifying body to offer IM board certification in the United States. Becoming an ABOIM Diplomate offers an IM practitioner the opportunity to demonstrate his or her mastery of the specialty’s core competencies.

Integrative Medicine Certification Through the ABOIM

To be eligible for certification in integrative medicine, candidates must initially satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These requirements include graduating from a recognized allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the U.S., Canada, or internationally, and holding an unrestricted medical license in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

The ABOIM has its own eligibility criteria, which include:

  • Completing a residency accredited by ACGME, AOA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
  • Maintaining current or prior board certification from a member board of the ABPS, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC.
  • Completing an integrative medicine fellowship approved by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health.
  • Submitting a current curriculum vitae that outlines medical education, degrees obtained, and work experience.
  • Providing three letters of recommendation from Diplomates of the ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC.

Once candidates meet these criteria, they must pass a computer-based written exam to receive ABOIM board certification. This certification remains valid for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

For more information about the ABOIM, contact the ABPS today.

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