As many physicians are exploring more natural options for their patients, it’s exciting to listen to this panel of doctors discussing combining Western medicine and naturopathic medicine.
Having worked at a homeopathic pharmacy partnered with the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, I experienced first hand how patients and physicians were integrating both approaches in their patient care. I interfaced with more “holistic” physicians and their patients at the center, reviewed research, contraindications, peer studies, and created protocols balancing what we knew from our studies and experience to be safe and effective, while balancing the need to have double blind placebo controlled peer reviewed proof.
It was the blend of both worlds (traditional western medicine approach and other more naturopathic approaches), and there was a lot I gleaned from my time there. I worked with many physicians interested in the “wellness” side of things, and the challenges that come with that given their professional training.
Especially relating to the “clash” if you will, between the preventative side, and the medical/treatment side – and especially the basic philosophical differences that create tensions and divergence between the two worlds.
Sadly, I have personally had physicians who refuse to even consider the validity of approaches other than what they were taught in medical school. I know of one client with heart disease who asked his cardiologist (one of the most well-known and respected at Massachusetts General Hospital I might add) about the benefits of fish oil, vitamin C, and co-Q 10 on heart disease, and he was laughed out of the office. He even told my client “There is absolutely no evidence of those things helping” yet when questioned further, he admitted had not once even looked into it himself. It’s one thing to admit he doesn’t know, but to state an absolute untruth and to mock your patient for even asking questions, was disheartening to say the least.
I’m excited to know that many great physicians are embracing more natural approaches in their patient care, and hope that many more come learn as well. I especially love the point they make about that it’s up to YOU to direct your care with your team of experts as the current health care system does not take care of us the way that it should, so it’s your responsibility to educate yourself, and take your health care into your own hands.
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