According to Simran K. Rattan, MD, CCFP, ABOIM, Positive Emotions Create a Mental Surge that Leads to Creativity and an Openness to Tackle Challenges

Simran K. Rattan, MDMany scientific studies have shown that positive emotions have been associated with improved health, well-being, and longevity. People who learn to maximize their positive emotions and harness them in times of sadness, grief, and negativity, live to master resilience and lead a more harmonious life.

My name is Simran K. Rattan, MD, CCFP, and I’m a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM). I’m also a graduate fellow from the Andrew Weil Center of Integrative Medicine and a speaker and coach in integrative health, spiritual health, and wellness.

As an integrative medicine physician and integrative health coach, I strive to create a positive and encouraging environment to help patients start their health journey with positive emotions.  On their first visit, I ask my health partners (patients) to imagine what it feels like to be their best self and in their best health.

I like to ask: What is it you love to do, feel, and be? The answers are often influenced by the stage of life they are in. For example, one day a 55-year-old woman came in and had a difficult time answering what she would love to be. It was hard for her because for so long it was about doing things for her children and her spouse, so she never thought about what she would love to be.  She enjoyed cooking and sitting with her family for dinner, but her children were now grown and no longer needed her as they once did. She was happy to see her children become independent but felt lost and no longer knew her purpose.  This affected her mood and created negative emotions. She was dissatisfied, with a restless spirit.

I asked her to think about the positive emotions she experiences as a mother and the joy she feels seeing her children grow and flourish. I asked: What could she do to create a connection with her children and husband at this stage in their lives? How could she honor the need of her spirit to feel positively connected to her family?

Her eyes lit up, and she began talking about her positive feelings and experiences. It didn’t take long for her to talk about other ways to honor her spirit’s need for meaning and connection. It became clear to her that she could honor her value for connection in ways that were different than in the past.

When patients focus on their strengths, values, and positive emotions, they create inspiration, motivation, as well as mental and spiritual well-being. Helping patients foster positivity within and gain the inspiration and motivation to create a healthy, wholesome life is why I find integrative medicine so deeply rewarding.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Patient Care Is Our Priority

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

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