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On Being an Integrative Medicine Physician

Integrative MedicineIntegrative Medicine physicians are, by nature, forward thinking. They work with their patients to not only address current problems, but also to identify and address risk factors that could potentially lead to future conditions. This partnership between physician and patient is extremely important as it develops a relationship of trust where both parties actively work together to help the patient achieve optimal health and wellness through all available means. Integrative Medicine physicians have traditional medical backgrounds but also have made a commitment to holistic, complementary, and alternative methods to help each patient improve their mind, body, and soul.

Vivian Kominos, MD, FACC of Meridian Health is an Integrative Medicine physician as well as a cardiologist, giving her a unique insight into patient care. As she describes it in this Meridian Health video, her approach to treating patients as an Integrative Medicine physician is to not only “ask about the patient’s symptoms but to also ask about their childhood illnesses; about their genetics; about their environment; about their lifestyle.” That’s because, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “86 percent of all healthcare spending in 2010 was for people with one or more chronic medical conditions.” The idea driving Integrative Medicine is that if a physician can help identify the conditions that a patient may be at risk for, they can recommend lifestyle changes and therapies before these conditions develop. This not only benefits the patient but also can help alleviate some of the burden placed on the healthcare system as a whole.

To provide the best possible treatment, Integrative Medicine physicians are open to using all methods available. As ABPS Diplomate Dr. Kominos further explains, “we are using medication when necessary, diagnostic procedures were necessary, surgeries were necessary, but also use less invasive and more natural approaches to health and disease” when appropriate. Click here to learn more about Dr. Kominos.

Ultimately, Integrative Medicine physicians are committed to evaluating the whole person, not just a symptom or disease. By doing so, a physician can best understand a patient’s current health and work with them to improve the mind, body, and spirit.

At the American Board of Integrative Medicine®, a Member Board developed by the American Board of Physician Specialties®, we provide board certification to the most highly qualified and experienced Integrative Medicine physicians in the specialty. To determine if a physician is board certified through the ABPS, contact us today or click here for more information.

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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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