by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: I am looking for a primary care practitioner who practices integrative medicine someone who is a traditional MD, but who can also recommend or prescribe alternative therapies when appropriate. Any suggestions for finding such a doctor?
A: Although I cannot make recommendations for specific physicians, I can give you a few suggestions for choosing a medical practitioner who will help you integrate alternative and complementary practices with traditional medicine.
The qualities to look for in a practitioner include openness, good listening skills, respect for you as an equal partner in your healthcare, willingness to admit when he or she does not know something, and an ability to give you guidelines with regard to alternative practices. Such guidelines include deciding if an alternative practice is worth pursuing in a particular situation, as well as a willingness to help monitor your progress from a Western medical perspective if you choose complementary approaches to care.
Some doctors allow for an "interview," which is a short meeting for you to assess if you and the practitioner will be an appropriate fit. Be prepared to pay for that time. Even if a doctor does not spare the time for an interview, you can generally tell during the initial appointment if there is an atmosphere of safety, trust, openness, and mutual respect. Ask how he or she feels about specific alternative practices and pay close attention to the way he or she responds not only the context of the response. Trust your instincts. And, finally, never feel obligated to stay with the initial practitioner you choose if, over time, he or she does not seem to have the values you desire.
There are some integrative health centers across the country where medical doctors practice alongside other types of healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, and homeopathic doctors; that may be a good place to begin, although I would still urge you to assess any potential practitioner for the particular traits outlined above. In other words, dont assume that because the doctor is part of such a group, that he or she definitely has the appropriate balance; still apply the same scrutiny you would of a doctor outside of an integrative health group.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck in your search for and discovery of a new practitioner.
Q: I am looking for a primary care practitioner who practices integrative medicine someone who is a traditional MD, but who can also recommend or prescribe alternative therapies when appropriate. Any suggestions for finding such a doctor?
A: Although I cannot make recommendations for specific physicians, I can give you a few suggestions for choosing a medical practitioner who will help you integrate alternative and complementary practices with traditional medicine.
The qualities to look for in a practitioner include openness, good listening skills, respect for you as an equal partner in your healthcare, willingness to admit when he or she does not know something, and an ability to give you guidelines with regard to alternative practices. Such guidelines include deciding if an alternative practice is worth pursuing in a particular situation, as well as a willingness to help monitor your progress from a Western medical perspective if you choose complementary approaches to care.
Some doctors allow for an "interview," which is a short meeting for you to assess if you and the practitioner will be an appropriate fit. Be prepared to pay for that time. Even if a doctor does not spare the time for an interview, you can generally tell during the initial appointment if there is an atmosphere of safety, trust, openness, and mutual respect. Ask how he or she feels about specific alternative practices and pay close attention to the way he or she responds not only the context of the response. Trust your instincts. And, finally, never feel obligated to stay with the initial practitioner you choose if, over time, he or she does not seem to have the values you desire.
There are some integrative health centers across the country where medical doctors practice alongside other types of healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, and homeopathic doctors; that may be a good place to begin, although I would still urge you to assess any potential practitioner for the particular traits outlined above. In other words, dont assume that because the doctor is part of such a group, that he or she definitely has the appropriate balance; still apply the same scrutiny you would of a doctor outside of an integrative health group.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck in your search for and discovery of a new practitioner.