In case you haven’t noticed, there’s been a gradual change in the attitude of M.D.s and D.O.s towards complementary medicine. It’s not concentrated in one part of the country or even the globe. Worldwide, traditional physicians are incorporating natural medicine as part of their daily practice. Here are just a few examples of practitioners and clinics improving the lives of their patients in non-traditional ways.
#1 Functional Medicine Growing at the Cleveland Clinic
Since first opening its doors, the Cleveland Clinic has been at the forefront of modern medicine. That tradition continues today in their commitment to caring for life and researching for health. They aren’t afraid to follow where their research takes them either.
In 2014, Cleveland Clinic celebrated another first as they became the first academic medical center in the country to establish a dedicated functional medicine program. The next year, the Center for Functional Medicine doubled its number of practitioners when they hired a second Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Today, the staff includes 7 M.D.s, 2 D.O.s, and 2 Certified Nurse Practitioners in addition to health coaches and dieticians. Their patient-centered approach takes a multi-disciplinary approach and utilizes innovative care models. Not only do they offer treatment, but they continue research into functional medicine for the treatment of a range of conditions, from diabetes to musculoskeletal pain.
#2 Detroit, Michigan Plastic Surgeon Embraces Alternative Medicine
Dr. Anthony Youn is an MD and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons living in Detroit, Michigan. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He serves as an instructor and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
That’s a very traditional pedigree for a surgeon whose treatment philosophy is grounded in optimizing the patient’s environment, habits, dietary choices, and skincare to offer a whole-body approach to slowing down the signs of aging.
Youn turned to holistic and naturopathic medicine to help him determine the root causes of chronic illness. He also felt that food and nutrition could be useful in treatment plans that are what he calls “a refreshing, drug-free, and effective option”. Youn recognizes that the body’s microbiome plays a key part in more than just digestive health, but also systems and organs, including the skin, the brain, and the immune system.
By incorporating these facets of natural and alternative medicine into his practice he created the Center for Holistic Plastic Surgery. Today, Dr. Youn performs surgery, develops holistic nutritional supplement protocols, and offers holistic anti-aging treatments.
#3 Physician Heal Thyself
Dr. Terry Wahls is a medical doctor, professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, and conducts clinical research on the use of diet and lifestyle to treat brain-related problems. Her interest in alternative medicine is highly personal.
Dr. Wahls has progressive multiple sclerosis. Even though she took the newest and most modern drugs, including potent biologics, she continued to decline steadily for seven years. She spent four years in a tilt-recline wheelchair. Even as her health declined, she continued to study the latest in brain science. Once she created and enacted a diet and lifestyle program to support her brain cells, she was able to reverse the decline and recover.
Today, Dr. Wahls helps others reclaim their health through her research, ancestral health principles, functional and anti-aging restorative approach to medicine. As research into autoimmune disorders advances, Dr. Wahls puts science into action. For example, by addressing cell membrane health with the appropriate fats and oils to combat inflammation, she helps patients establish healthy cell function.
#4 SoCal Family Practice
Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center was established by Dr. Daniel Brousseau in 2003 to bring together the best of modern and alternative medicine. Staffed by Dr. Brousseau, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and three Naturopathic doctors, they provide a full range of family health services. In addition, they offer specialized treatment in women’s health, pediatrics, heart health, cancer, and thyroid conditions.
With a focus that goes beyond treating disease to creating overall health and wellness, the Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center is responding to the demand for more holistic health care. The team’s naturopathic approach combined with their expertise in modern medicine supports the health of everyone from infants to seniors.
Dr. Brousseau’s philosophy is centered on supporting the body’s natural tendency towards health. The community’s positive response to this philosophy has allowed Paracelsus to expand to operate in two locations.
#5 Integrative Cancer Treatment Center
Early in her medical career, Dr. Leigh Connealy, M.D. noticed that while she would prescribe medication to her patients, they weren’t getting better. Some even got sicker. Dr. Connealy investigated integrative and complementary therapies, seeking ways to merge traditional medicine with nutritional and lifestyle approaches to treating disease
She founded the Center for New Medicine and the Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, California. The combined facilities occupy 30,000 square feet and have treated over 47,000 patients from around the world. The Cancer Center for Healing has grown to be the largest multidisciplinary, integrative cancer center in North America.
Dr. Connealy and her colleagues aim to restore health and balance to the entire body, not just the areas affected by cancer. They do this with cutting-edge technology, patient education on the role of nutrition and integrative medicine, and whole-being treatments.
By combining the best of traditional and complementary medicine, patients receive world-class care without leaving home.