Integrative Medicine
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The term Integrative Medicine is often used when referring to alternative medicine, usually describing modalities that are not taught in medical school or are not well supported by the traditional medical establishment. In my opinion, true Integrative Medicine does not have a bias to ether traditional or alternative medicine. Instead, the discipline seeks out good, effective, and responsible health care, independent of the "philosophical camp" from which it originates. Vital Health Institute practices true integrative medical care. We are not limited to one philosophy of medicine, but embrace all treatments that improve our patients' health. Surgery can provide dramatic success for certain conditions that no other approach can provide. There are also times when prescription medications – such as narcotic medicines prescribed for severe pain – provide relief that no other approach can provide. At the same time, the underlying status of the body and its interaction with the environment is critically important in long-term health and the prevention of disease, as we are seeing with the emerging field of epigenomic medicine. As health care providers, it is part of our job to avoid any unfounded "fads" that may pop up, and to do our due-diligence in our evaluation of non-conventional treatments. We also educate our patients on the pros and cons of treatment options, including what is conventional and what is not. All patients are different, not only in their medical needs, but also in their priorities as people. We listen and do our best to meet the needs of each our patients on an individual basis. |
