Why More Doctors Are Embracing Scientifically Sound Integrative Medicine
An experienced physician knows that even when patients of the same age and with the same illness display similar symptoms, their treatment plans may be markedly different. This is because a physician must take into account a host of factors, including the patients’ general health, medications they’re currently taking, and lifestyle habits, just to name a few. In essence, what the physician is doing is viewing the patient as a whole person, not merely as an entity with an illness that must be eradicated. An experienced doctor also recognizes that effective treatment requires a partnership of sorts between the patient and the practitioner.
Integrative Medicine Reaffirms the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Today, more doctors are adopting the processes of integrative medicine that focus on treating patients in body, mind, and spirit. To critics, this holistic model may seem overly ambitious and based on less robust scientific principles than those found in conventional Western medicine. But, on the contrary, integrative medicine is rooted in diligent scientific inquiry. The practice of integrative medicine seeks nothing less than to achieve optimal health and healing by reaffirming the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, focusing on the entire person and body systems, and utilizing all therapeutic approaches and disciplines, with all conclusions informed by evidence.
In short, integrative medicine is a medical specialty that combines all of the best treatment practices available to deliver optimal patient care, and the specialty usually includes both traditional medicine and alternative and complementary methods that have been used successfully for generations.
NIH Integrative Medicine Study Finds Valid Results
To date, the National Institutes of Health has conducted more than 6,000 randomized controlled trials on integrative medicine, which have produced enough valid and reliable results that medical organizations now include integrative medicine in their clinical guidelines. According to the NIH, integrative medicine combines mainstream medical therapies with complementary and alternative medical therapies “for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.”
In light of this body of scientific evidence, many American university faculty leaders believe it’s critical to promote education and science in integrative medicine in order to provide the public with the best health care possible.
The American Board of Physician Specialties ® (ABPS) offers physician certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM).
Benefits of Integrative Medicine Certification With the ABOIM
To earn certification through the ABOIM, physicians must meet eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous computer-based exam. Once certified, they will have positioned themselves as thoughtful leaders in integrative medicine. As Diplomates of the ABPS, a nationally recognized choice for board certification, they will also:
- Join a distinguished community of physicians whose priority is the advancement of patient care and integrative medicine
- Enjoy more opportunities for career advancement and increased mobility on the job market
- Demonstrate your commitment to Integrative Medicine and provide potential patients, colleagues, and others evidence of your mastery of the core competencies
For more information about the ABOIM, which espouses the scientifically sound treatment concepts of integrative medicine and seeks to foster healthy living and illness prevention, contact the ABPS today.