Find Your Specialty 813-433-2277

Integrative Medicine WeilWhat is Integrative Medicine?

There is an established definition of Integrative Medicine, and nowhere in it will you find the words “complementary” or “alternative.” Here is that definition from the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine and the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM):

Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that seeks to achieve optimal health and healing by:

  • Reaffirming the importance of the relationship between the practitioner and the patient
  • Focusing on the whole person
  • Basing conclusions on evidence
  • Making use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines

The National Institutes of Health also has a definition for Integrative Medicine, and this definition does make mention of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to the NIH, Integrative Medicine “combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.” Some practitioners of Integrative Medicine like to simplify the definition even further. Integrative Medicine, they say, is medicine – plain and simple.

These three definitions are not contradictory. The development of Integrative Medicine was influenced, in part, by CAM practitioners who endorse the efficacy of techniques such as acupuncture and other means of treatment. Yet, anyone who adheres solely to the tenets of “conventional medicine” would be mistaken to relegate Integrative Medicine strictly to the realm of CAM. Integrative Medicine is not “alternative.” In fact, a practitioner of Integrative Medicine embraces the form of treatment that is best suited to achieve optimum health and healing. In some cases, that means using conventional therapy. In others, it means using therapies that might be considered “alternative” by some. Quite often, if means using a combination of therapy methods. Always, it means doing what must be done to treat the whole person, rather than focusing solely on symptom alleviation.

To learn more about Integrative Medicine and the ABOIM, contact the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), which is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information
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
Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews
Boards
Careers
Login
Contact