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Why More Doctors Are Embracing Scientifically Sound Integrative Medicine

Scientifically Sound Integrative MedicineAn 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.

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.

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). 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.

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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.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
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
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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