To become an integrative medicine specialist, one needs an interest in both conventional and alternative medicine, education and experience in both fields, and the drive to establish a career. Integrative medicine combines traditional and complementary medicine to provide varied treatment options. A thorough education in both forms of medicine is necessary, and practitioners may employ unconventional treatments. Many specialists start their own practices and need to attract patients and demonstrate their expertise.
To become an integrative medicine specialist, you need to have an active interest in both conventional and alternative medicine; education and experience in both fields; and the energy and drive to establish your medical career, whether in a hospital or clinic or your own clinic. Integrative medicine specialists combine aspects of traditional and complementary medicine to present more complete and varied treatment options for their patients. They utilize a combination of skill, instinct, training and experience to best provide for those on their case. While specific degrees in integrative medicine are rare, a combination of several types of education can provide you with the necessary requirements to become an integrative medicine specialist.
The foundation for a career in integrative medicine treatment involves your personal passion and interest in all forms of medicine. You cannot limit yourself to one type of medicine, as integrative doctors and specialists draw their interests from both traditional western medicine and holistic medicine. It is this combination of conventional healing and alternative therapy that forms the foundations of integrative medicine treatments, which seek to heal the body, mind and spirit and identify the roots of illness from a “whole body” perspective. First, you need to own this understanding and cultivate your own interest in integrative medicine.
You will need to have a thorough and, in most cases, extensive education in conventional and alternative medicine to become an integrative medicine specialist. Many of those working in this field are certified physicians, assistants, nurses, surgeons, or other types of specialists in traditional medicine. Traditional medicine will provide the western perspective on diagnosis, treatment and healing that is imperative for any conventional medical practice.
Just as important as traditional medical education is becoming a specialist in integrative medicine, as well as detailed education in more alternative treatment modalities. This can include any number of treatments considered “unconventional” by the Western medical establishment. A practitioner or integrative specialist may employ energy healing; chakra balance; nutritional therapy; and prescribing vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.
Once you’ve gained a comprehensive education in both aspects of medicine, you can take the necessary steps to become an integrative medicine specialist with your own client base. You can choose to work in a hospital or other medical setting, although many integrative medicine specialists end up starting their own practices. You’ll need to attract patients, offer top-notch service, and demonstrate your diverse medical expertise.
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