Many integrative and functional medicine practitioners cite patient care as the primary motivation for practicing this type of medicine.
“An integrative approach centers around the patient, which aligns with the kind of medicine I’ve always aspired to practice,” said a clinician and integrative health expert. “It involves working collaboratively with everyone on the patient’s care team, with the focus always on the patient.” Integrative medicine also plays a significant role in chronic disease management, utilizing a broad range of therapies to support long-term patient well-being.
For most integrative medicine practitioners, it feels logical. “It seems common sense to employ any therapies that may benefit the patient,” explained a naturopathic oncologist. “I truly can’t envision practicing medicine any other way.”
Many practitioners, especially those offering holistic medicine NJ, have found that combining traditional and alternative methods provides comprehensive care that meets their patients’ diverse needs.
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Create a free account. Supplement packaging is in a branded box. Many functional and integrative medicine practitioners had some exposure to alternative healing methods before deciding to pursue their medical degrees. This was true for an integrative health pioneer who said, “I was interested in alternative healing long before medical school.” He learned about healing traditions from various cultures and studied acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition for years before becoming a doctor. After completing medical school and residency, he opened his integrative medicine practice and hasn’t looked back.
A radiation oncologist was also drawn to integrative medicine. “It’s important to consider all aspects of a person’s life at all levels,” said the doctor, who edited a book on integrative oncology and co-authored a wellness guide. “This helps create a foundation to heal what’s broken, support weaker areas, and assist other parts of the self in the slow, challenging work of healing.”
However, the question remains for those interested in this path: How does one become an integrative medicine doctor?
Integrative medicine doctors use herbs and other tools. They combine traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies to address the whole person’s physical and mental well-being.
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How to Become an Integrative Medicine Doctor
Medical education plays a crucial role in building a thriving integrative medical practice. Experts agree that advanced training can enhance their practice and improve patient outcomes.
A doctor who completed a fellowship in integrative medicine noted that this additional training was essential. “Much of what I learned during my fellowship wasn’t covered in traditional medical education,” he explained. “In medical school, we didn’t focus on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and spirituality. These topics were considered less important than the more reductionist, Western medicine approaches.”
A naturopathic oncologist pursuing further oncology training said, “This extra education was vital in helping us quickly establish our oncology practice. It also allowed me to build relationships with other specialists, which benefits everyone, particularly the patients.”
A practitioner on the same platform believes that combining passion with knowledge can lead to natural success in integrative medicine.
Many integrative medicine programs are available online and through universities across North America. Currently, 70 medical and nursing schools in the U.S. offer fellowships in integrative medicine, and many of these programs are also available online. Similar offerings are available in Canada through several colleges, including institutions specializing in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and naturopathy.
The American Board of Integrated Medicine (ABOIM) provides a fellowship program and board certification, requiring candidates to meet specific criteria:
- Completion of an ABOIM-approved fellowship in integrative medicine
- Graduation from an accredited naturopathic college
- Graduation from a National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine-accredited college
- Graduation from a Council on Chiropractic Education-accredited college
Every year, thousands of doctors complete their integrative medicine fellowships. The largest such fellowship is offered by a prominent center in Arizona, which has graduated 1,600 fellows across the U.S. and 15 other countries, benefiting over eight million patients globally.
Doctors wanting to improve their nutrition expertise can also obtain a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from a recognized nutrition organization.
An integrative medicine doctor. Currently, 70 medical and nursing schools in the U.S. offer fellowships in integrative medicine.
Integrative Medicine Doctor Salary
While the primary motivation for integrative medicine doctors is helping and inspiring their patients, there is also a financial incentive. According to data, the annual salary for integrative medicine doctors ranges between $92,000 and $206,000, with the national average being around $160,703. The highest earners can make up to $315,500 per year.
Challenges and Rewards of Becoming an Integrative Medicine Doctor
Like any career, there are challenges. “The hardest part of being an integrative physician is navigating the divide between conventional and alternative medicine,” explained a naturopathic oncologist. “Those who follow traditional beliefs can avoid the constant need to read, digest, and synthesize new medical information. As an integrative physician, you must question norms, keep the patient at the center of care, and continually ask what is best for them.” She adds that while this is some of the most rewarding work, it’s also one of the most demanding ways to practice medicine.
One significant reward of this profession is that it works well for patients who want to take an active role in their healthcare. “The most fulfilling part of integrative medicine is explaining therapies to patients,” noted the doctor, who serves as an editor for a natural medicine journal and founded a cancer care platform. “Since the treatments are logical, patients are often thankful and relieved when they understand their care plan.”
The Bottom Line: Integrative Medicine Is a Holistic Approach
Integrative medicine can take many forms, from naturopathic doctors using osteopathy to medical doctors incorporating herbal treatments or other combinations of holistic practices. However, the common thread across all these approaches is the strong partnership between practitioners and patients to address emotional, environmental, mental, physical, and spiritual needs.
This approach can be transformative for the patients, practitioners, and the healthcare system as a whole.
“For those wanting to pursue a career in integrative medicine, it’s important to focus on getting the right education, continuing professional development, and seeking guidance,” concluded an integrative health educator and author. “Remember that this field is about compassion, providing outstanding care, and offering hope to those who need it most.”