To Your Health
May, 2012 (Vol. 06, Issue 05) |
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I have many doctors make referrals to me but it is always last. I'm truly seeing the hardest, most treatment resistant cases in the country. Why don't more doctors suggest alternatives before drugs and surgery?
The core curriculum offered at most conventional medical, nursing and pharmacy schools focuses almost exclusively on disease management and intervention, not on health, disease prevention, or CAM therapies.
My partners and I at AzCIM have long recognized the need for change within the system of healthcare education; our mission has always been to lead the transformation of healthcare by creating, educating and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of integrative medicine. No future doctor should leave training without a working concept of health, an in-depth understanding of the importance of healthy dietary and lifestyle measures, and an appreciation for the therapeutic potential inherent in healing traditions from around the world, as well as good conventional medical treatment.
My column explores the symbiotic relationship between the health of people and the health of the planet. Perhaps we can add "Eco" somewhere in the biopsycosocialspiritual model. How does the medical community address the bio-ethics of their field such as medical drugs being flushed or urinated down the toilet polluting the earth?
The impact of environmental toxins on the health of people and our planet is undeniable, but most healthcare practitioners are unaware of the extent of the problem, let alone how they may be contributing to it. At AzCIM, we aim to be part of the solution by offering our course entitled, "Environmental Medicine: An Integrative Approach". Thanks to an unrestricted educational grant, the course is available free of charge to medical and nursing personnel. We believe this is one way to encourage medicine to "clean up its act."
Though most alternative practitioners believe in Integrative Medicine we are concerned about what that means for our respective fields. Are we being assimilated into a broken system or is a new model emerging?
I consider many CAM therapies to be core components of integrative medicine, and I respect and honor the traditions behind these practices. Some CAM therapies are already being offered within the walls of conventional medical practices and hospitals, but often they have been co-opted rather than being offered in partnership with local CAM providers.
Many schools that offer training in specific CAM therapies have worked together to develop competency standards for their unique clinical art, a practice that is invaluable when trying to ensure that practitioners will be appropriately respected and adequately reimbursed for their services. In addition, CAM practitioners should redouble their efforts to participate in research exploring clinical outcomes associated with their treatment, underlying mechanisms and cost-benefit analyses, especially in association with integrative medical doctors. These types of actions will support the more rapid arrival of the new model of healthcare I believe is coming that will better serve our patients and our planet.
You have a large website that supplies health information for patients. I've noticed more and more patients becoming increasingly frustrated with their doctors and the medical system. What's your advice for people trying to navigate what's best for them faced with an overwhelming amount of choices?
At the root of good healthcare is an acceptance of each person's responsibility for her or his own health. Identify and work with a good primary care physician with whom you can engage in a healing partnership and get credible assistance with developing a personalized healthy diet and lifestyle program to prevent illness and optimize health. Then maintain that program as best you can for the rest of your life.
Any last words of encouragement or caution for the future?
Healthcare changes may not be happening as quickly as we would like, but their existence is undeniable. Keep the faith.
