Becoming an integrative physician requires seeking training in alternative health modalities outside of traditional medical curriculum, such as through residency programs or continuing education courses. It’s important to be aware of licensing laws for practicing holistic medicine in the desired area.
If you want to become an integrative physician, your approach depends on where you are in your medical school and career. If you haven’t started medical school yet or are currently in medical school, you might want to try looking into a residency program with a focus on integrative medicine. On the other hand, if you are already a licensed physician, you may wish to complete additional education and training in various alternative healing modalities or even complete a degree in naturopathic medicine.
Integrative practitioners, sometimes known as holistic practitioners or alternative health practitioners, typically 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 generally not taught in standard medical schools; therefore, someone who wants to become an integrative physician will have to seek training in alternative health modalities outside of the traditional medical curriculum. As integrative medicine and alternative therapies have attracted interest from the general public and the medical industry, some residency programs now specialize in training physicians in integrative medicine. For an individual who wants to become an integrative physician, securing one of these residencies may be his best option for getting the education and training he wants and needs.
If a medical student or physician is unable to enter an integrative medicine residency, they may choose to pursue education on their own. This may involve a regular program of continuing education courses that can train you in various alternative healing modalities as well as integrative medicine. Another option would be to enter a program at a school that teaches holistic therapies, such as a naturopathy school or homeopathic medical school. In some cases, it is possible for physicians to complete certifications in alternative healing modalities while continuing to develop their own practice.
It is always a good idea for an individual who wants to become an integrative physician to be aware of the various licensing laws for practicing various types of holistic medicine in the area in which they wish to work. For example, some jurisdictions regulate the practice of acupuncture, homeopathy or different types of bodywork. Therefore, it is a good idea to know whether a person’s medical license is sufficient to practice some of these modalities, or whether they must obtain additional certification and licensing in a specific healing art.
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