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Integrative Medicine Is a Patient-Centered Model

Samanda Durand, DOSamanda Durand, DO, a Diplomate of the American Board of Physicians Specialties® (ABPS) and integrative medicine practitioner in Nevada, credits her patients for inspiring her to embrace integrative medicine. “I was seeing patients with lots of chronic conditions who were not only dealing with their illnesses, but who also had things like poor stress management, poor sleep, and sometimes pain,” Dr. Durand says, “and I wanted to be more than the person coordinating their care. I wanted to offer them options.”

In integrative medicine, there is no one right therapy option. Instead, an integrative medicine physician uses all appropriate therapeutic approaches to help patients achieve optimal health and healing. To establish what’s appropriate, physicians must first focus on the patient as a whole, as opposed to considering only the patient’s symptoms. Integrative medicine physicians examine virtually every aspect of their patients’ lives, including diet, exercise habits, and their ability to manage stress.

“Integrative medicine is a patient-centered model that uses evidence-based therapies,” Dr. Durand says.  This means practitioners are as likely to use conventional medicine, pharmaceuticals, or surgery, as they are to use complementary or alternative therapies. “The main focus of integrative medicine is the patient,” she emphasizes, “so we work with the patient on what their goals are in terms of health and wellness.”

Complementary or alternative therapies espoused by integrative medicine practitioners like Dr. Durand include healing traditions such as acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and yoga, or lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise, eating a more nutritious diet, or adopting a mindfulness practice like meditation.

Ultimately, Dr. Durand says her goal is to educate her patients by informing them about other therapies they can use to improve their health and wellness. The ABPS proudly endorses the efforts of Dr. Durand and its other Diplomates who publicly advocate for the highest level of patient care in their chosen specialties.

The ABPS offers physician board certification in integrative medicine through its Member Board, the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM®). To learn more about the evidence-based practice of integrative medicine, or for information about earning physician board certification through the ABOIM, contact the APBS today.

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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.

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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