Integrative physicians combine standard medicine with holistic healing techniques.
If you want to become an integrative physician, your approach depends on where you are in your medical education and career. If you have not yet started medical school or are currently studying medicine, you can try pursuing a residency program with a focus on integrative medicine. On the other hand, if you are already a licensed physician, you may want to complete additional education and training in various alternative healing modalities or even complete a degree in naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed physicians who consult on non-invasive healing modalities, often including meditation and yoga.
Integrative practitioners, sometimes known as holistic practitioners or alternative health practitioners, often integrate the practices and theories of standard medicine with so-called alternative approaches, such as herbs, nutritional therapies, and bodywork. These specific techniques and therapies are not typically taught in standard medical schools, so someone who wants to become an integrative physician will need to seek training in alternative health modalities outside of the traditional medical curriculum. As integrative medicine and alternative therapies have attracted interest from both the general public and the medical industry, some residency programs now specialize in training physicians in integrative medicine. For a person who wants to become an integrative physician, getting one of these residencies may be her best option to get the education and training she wants and needs.
In some jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors are certified to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications.
If a medical student or physician is unable to enter an integrative medicine residency, they may choose to pursue an education on their own. This may involve a regular schedule of continuing education courses that can train you in various alternative healing modalities as well as integrative medicine. Another option would be to join a program at a school that teaches holistic therapies, such as a naturopathic school or homeopathic medical school. In some cases, physicians may complete certifications in alternative healing modalities while continuing to build their own practice.
It is always a good idea for a person who intends to become an integrative physician to be aware of the various licensing laws for the practice of various types of holistic medicine in the area in which he intends to work. For example, some jurisdictions regulate the practice of acupuncture, homeopathy, or different types of bodywork. Therefore, it is a good idea to find out if a person’s medical license is sufficient to practice some of these modalities, or if he must obtain additional certification and licensing in a specific healing art.