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Food as Medicine

Food as MedicineThe concept of food as medicine has grown wildly popular in recent years as people are becoming increasingly concerned with what they eat and how it relates to their overall well being. Fast food restaurants have gradually shifted away from supersized meals and are instead beginning to offer more health-conscious menu items, and for one Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine®, eating healthy is an absolutely essential component to personal well being. Dr. Robert Graham, the director of one of New York City’s biggest healthcare groups, has recently made national news for his work emphasizing the essential role that diet plays in the health of patients in New York City hospitals. To this end, he has helped plan rooftop gardens, reform hospital cafeteria menus, and even teach cooking classes to residents and doctors.

One of the reasons why Dr. Graham, and other integrative medicine physicians across the country, are emphasizing the concept of food as medicine is that so many of the health conditions that overburden the healthcare system are directly related to preventable chronic diseases like obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes – all of which can be caused or exacerbated by poor eating habits. In many cases, patients don’t fully grasp the importance of their diet, and the argument goes that physicians could do a better job educating on dietary choices. Through Dr. Graham’s cooking classes, doctors are learning more about the health benefits of eating specific foods, allowing them to better serve their patients.

Using food and dietary changes as part of an overall healthcare plan is one of those things that tends to be as popular among patients as it is with physicians. People like to eat, and in many cases, small changes to a diet can have a profound impact on a person’s well being. Plus, through Dr. Graham’s initiatives, patients in New York City hospitals are now receiving food that is fresher, tastier, and better for them.

Plus, integrative medicine physicians like to incorporate dietary changes into a treatment plan because it can not only help prevent chronic, prevalent diseases, but also may help a patient feel better overall. This whole-person approach is what has helped make integrative medicine as popular as it has become in recent years.

If you are an integrative medicine physician and you are interested in becoming board certified in this medical specialty like Dr. Graham, contact the ABOIM today to learn about our eligibility requirements established by the American Board of Physician Specialties®.

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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.

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
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
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