Integrative Health and Wellness
Integrative Medicine is one of the most rapidly growing, in-demand medical specialties in North American healthcare today. This intuitive approach to health and wellness has resonated with a public that has become increasingly health conscious and looking to leverage any and all means to achieve optimal health. At the forefront of this specialty is Dr. Andrew Weil, the founder and director of the Arizona Centre for Integrative Medicine.
As Dr. Weil explains in a recent interview, “Practicing a holistic approach through Integrative Medicine can help everyone.” What makes this approach unique is that Integrative Medicine combines the best practices of traditional, modern medicine, along with proven effective complementary and alternative therapies to help the patient improve the health and wellness of their whole body, mind and spirit. To be effective, this treatment approach requires a close relationship between the physician and patient because it seeks to identify potential areas where the patient can make lifestyle adjustments to improve their overall long-term health. By taking this whole-person approach, physicians can often identify risk factors for avoidable health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and help recommend course corrections to reduce the patient’s chances for developing the condition later in life.
Integrative Medicine Board Certification Through the ABPS
At the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), we were inspired by Dr. Weil’s commitment to Integrative Medicine and developed the nation’s first Member Board dedicated exclusively to providing recognized board certification in Integrative Medicine. Today, Diplomates of the American Board of Integrative Medicine® are recognized leaders who work together and alongside Dr. Weil to share best practices, help evolve the specialty and educate the public of the importance of taking good care of the mind, body and spirit. Even as integrative medicine evolves, its defining principles stay the same—that integrative medicine:
- Is a partnership between the patient and the practitioner
- Considers all factors that influence health, wellness, and disease
- Uses conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body’s innate healing response
- Appropriately considers less-invasive and less-harmful interventions, when possible, while addressing the whole person in addition to the disease.
- Is based on good science, is inquiry-driven and open to critical consideration of new paradigms
Benefits of Integrative Medicine Certification With the ABOIM
The ABPS is the only multi-specialty certifying board in the United States to offer Integrative Medicine board certification. To earn certification through the ABOIM, physicians must meet stringent eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous computer-based exam. But once certified, they will have positioned themselves as thoughtful leaders in integrative medicine. As for other benefits, consider that certification with an ABPS Member Board:
- Makes physicians more marketable to potential employers
- Enables physicians to gain opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to increased earning potential
- Fosters recognition and respect from medical colleagues
- Gives doctors a meaningful voice as a valued member of the healthcare community
If you are a physician who specializes in integrative medicine and are interested in learning more about the ABPS and ABOIM, contact us today. You can review the eligibility requirements for ABOIM certification here.