Integrative Medicine gained acceptance as a board certifiable specialty under the American Board of Physician Specialties in May 2014. The American Board of Physician Specialists defines Integrative Medicine as “the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.” It is a vast, encompassing field, but deals with therapeutic modalities such as acupuncture, herbalism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, and meditation. As interest in these modalities has grown, so has the body of research to support or refute the effectiveness of various therapies.
The mission of this student organization is to educate emerging physicians about both the philosophy and research behind these medical practices, and to encouraged unbiased consideration of the risks and benefits of these practices. Whether hoping to become board certified Integrative Medicine physicians or treating patients practicing these modalities, this knowledge will help us to be better versed doctors.
Contact
Email: sdittman@bcm.edu
