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An ABOIM Diplomate’s Integrative Approach to Mental Health

Dr. Noshene Ranjbar, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson and director of the Integrative Psychiatry Clinic at Banner-UMC South, stands out in the field of mental health for her distinctive approach to treatment. A Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM®), Dr. Ranjbar brings a unique perspective to psychiatry, heavily influenced by her rich background and extensive research in integrative medicine.

Dr. Ranjbar’s Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Ranjbar’s approach to mental health care emphasizes holistic treatment options that encompass not only the physical but also the emotional and social aspects of well-being. She often advocates for “skills not pills” as a treatment philosophy, especially in child psychiatry, where the aim is to reduce dependency on medications. This philosophy is driven by a desire to offer treatments that engage the whole person, using methods such as yoga, dance, art therapy, and community interaction to combat mental health issues, social isolation, and economic hardships.

The effectiveness of these integrative practices is supported by evidence, as Dr. Ranjbar points out: “Art and holistic therapies serve as excellent routes for those who prefer not to rely on medication.” She notes that her patients often experience significant improvements not just in their mental health, but in their overall life, through engaging in these therapeutic activities.

However, Dr. Ranjbar also highlights a significant barrier to widespread adoption of these therapies: cost. “A lot of what would be helpful and much more doable in the community is not covered by insurance,” she explains, which often deters patients from opting for potentially beneficial integrative treatment options that are less reliant on pharmaceuticals.

The Role of the American Board of Integrative Medicine

As a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), the ABOIM plays a vital role in recognizing qualified physicians who are dedicated to practicing an integrative approach to medicine. For physicians like Dr. Ranjbar, ABOIM certification is a testament to their commitment to an integrative approach that prioritizes comprehensive, patient-centered care.

As the only multi-specialty certifying board in the United States that offers a certification in integrative medicine, the ABOIM sets rigorous standards to ensure that its diplomates are not only competent in their specialties but also adept in combining traditional medical practices with effective alternative therapies.

Benefits of ABOIM Certification

Certification through the ABOIM provides numerous benefits. It enhances a physician’s marketability to potential employers and increases their opportunities for career advancement. This recognition also fosters respect from medical peers and gives doctors a meaningful voice within the healthcare community

For any physician interested in exploring a holistic approach to medical treatment and advancing their career in this dynamic field, becoming certified through the ABOIM is an excellent pathway. It not only endorses their expertise in integrative medicine but also aligns them with a respected network of professionals, such as Dr. Ranjbar, an ABOIM-certified physician dedicated to the evolution of healthcare.

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

Far too often, medicine is led by less than 5% of non-practicing physicians taking away and replacing the voice of the 95% of physicians practicing and placing patient safety and care first on the front lines every day. The American Board of Physician Specialties has raised the standards in physician board certification not only in the quality of their boards of certification, but in hearing and allowing for the voice of those active physicians caring directly for patients. Having been a part of the ABPS over the last 28 years has allowed me to grow as a woman leader in a field often wrought with challenges. It helped me and others raise the bar of the standards of care in my specialty, Emergency Medicine, through their Board Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM). ABPS also helped raise the standards of care for 21st century medicine through their certifications in other specialties, particularly in Integrative Medicine & Disaster Medicine. Having physician voices heard matters to medicine and is essential in the betterment of patient safety and care.

Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Emergency Medicine
On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
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