The Philosophy Integrative family medicine is the medical specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family. The philosophy of family medicine is that a healthy community begins with healthy families. Healthy families depend on many factors including attention to preventive healthcare, chronic disease, obesity and nutrition. In today’s social and medical environment the overall well being of individuals and their families require the intervention of family medicine specialists. Integrative family medicine is the practice of family medicine with a focus on identifying, treating, and preventing underlying causes of disease utilizing best practices of both traditional and evidence-based complementary medicine approaches. An integrative family medicine physician at the CIM is experienced in developing individualized treatment plans for patients that address the whole person. Family physicians are doctors trained to take care of the whole family. They spend four years in medical school, and most take three years of hands-on training (called residency training) in family medicine. They also take continuing courses to keep up with the newest medical developments. Family physicians take an exam given by the American Board of Family Practice when they finish their training and every seven years thereafter. Physicians who pass this exam are called board-certified. Your family physician is your main source of health care. He or she can treat 90 percent of your family’s medical needs. Your family physician is also your guide through the complicated health care system. An integrative family medicine physician will have additional training in evidence-based integrative medicine and should possess boards in holistic medicine through the American Holistic Medical Association. Think of your family physician as your partner. Working together, the two of you can make sure you receive the care you need. First, don’t forget that your family physician is a specialist. He or she specializes in caring for the whole family. But if you have a problem that your family physician wants advice on, he or she will consult a specialist in that type of problem. Similarly, if you have a problem your family physician doesn’t take care of, he or she will ask another specialist to take over that part of your care. Your family physician will coordinate the work of the other specialist and continue to care for the rest of your medical needs. The Art Integrative family medicine is the specialty in breadth, which integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, sexes, each organ system and every disease entity. Integrative family medicine encompasses significant additional training in integrative medicine and a practice that addresses the whole patient – mind, body and spirit. The Science The American Academy of Family Physicians is one of the largest national medical organizations, representing more than 94,000 family physicians and family medicine residents. The American Holistic Medical Association offers training, conferences and board exam in holistic medicine. Training and Certification
CIM Practitioners
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