Integrative Medicine Defined
Integrative medicine, as defined by the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM) and the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) offers integrative medicine certification through the ABOIM. Completion of the physician board certification process indicates that the Diplomate has proven mastery of the experience and knowledge required to practice integrative medicine. It also reflects the physician’s commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics. The ABPS is the only multi-specialty certifying board in the United States to offer integrative medicine certification.
Andrew Weil, MD, a visionary physician and author, helped establish the field of integrative medicine as a specialty. His ideas about the treatment and care of the whole person integrate scientifically-validated therapies of conventional medicine with select practices derived from areas sometimes considered to be complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). His defining principles of integrative medicine include:
- A partnership between the patient and the practitioner
- Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness, disease – including mind, body and spirit
- Use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body’s innate healing response
- Appropriate consideration given to use of less-invasive and less-harmful interventions, when possible, while addressing the whole person in addition to the disease.
- The concept that medicine is based on good science, is inquiry-driven and open to critical consideration of new paradigms
In addition to scientifically sound treatment concepts, the practitioner of integrative medicine espouses the broad concepts of health promotion/illness prevention and healthy living. Practitioners also are expected to exemplify these tenets and to remain open to self-exploration and self-development.
Integrative Medicine Strengthens the Doctor-Patient Connection
Increasingly, physicians are embracing integrative medicine precisely because it treats the whole patient—body, mind, and spirit. Critics may argue that this holistic approach lacks the rigorous scientific foundation of conventional Western medicine. However, integrative medicine is firmly based on meticulous scientific research. It aims to enhance overall health and healing by emphasizing the critical role of the doctor-patient relationship, considering the entire person and body systems, and incorporating a range of therapeutic approaches and disciplines, all supported by evidence.
Ultimately, integrative medicine is a medical specialty that merges the best of traditional treatment practices with effective alternative and complementary methods that have stood the test of time, to provide the best possible care for patients.
Certification in Integrative Medicine Through the ABOIM
The ABPS addresses the increasing needs in integrative medicine by providing board certification in the specialty through the ABOIM. Candidates for board certification in integrative medicine must first meet the general ABPS requirements. These include graduating from an accredited 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 sets specific eligibility criteria, which include:
- Completing an ACGME-, AOA-accredited residency, or a residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
- Holding current or prior board certification from a Member Board of the ABPS, 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 an up-to-date curriculum vitae detailing medical education, degrees, and work experience.
- Providing three letters of recommendation from Diplomates of an ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board of certification.
- Completing a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and submitting the report.
After applicants are deemed eligible, they must pass a computer-based written exam to earn ABOIM board certification. Once granted, all ABPS certificates are good for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.
For more details about integrative medicine certification qualification requirements through the ABOIM, contact the ABPS.