What Makes Integrative Medicine Specialists Unique?

Integrative Medicine Listen to physicians who advocate the practice of integrative medicine, and the qualities that differentiate integrative medicine specialists quickly become apparent. They speak of focusing on the lifestyle choices of patients as often as prescribing medicine. They discuss massage therapy, nutrition, and acupuncture in the same breath as the latest pharmacological study. It is a broader perspective on healthcare, a deeper understanding of how to connect with patients – and why that is important.

The number one quality shared by physicians who are eligible to seek board certification through the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) is the ability to demonstrate they possess the experience and knowledge necessary to provide the best patient care possible. In fact, every physician who becomes a Diplomate of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) has met the requirement to demonstrate a mastery of the core competencies within his or her chosen specialty. In addition to that, an integrative medicine specialist is someone whose approach to is guided by a focus on the whole person as a means to help patients maintain optimal health or achieve healing.

The specialty also is defined by a willingness to embrace versatility – not merely carrying a “bigger black bag,” but acknowledging the importance of “whole person” treatment and all that entails, including global healing traditions. It is, in many ways, an effort to combine the best of conventional medicine and practices that typically are included within the realm of complementary and alternative medicine. No relevant modality is disregarded.

To learn more about becoming board certified through the ABOIM, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

 

 

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House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
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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.

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