In this enlightening Lunch & Learn session for UC Davis Health’s Office of Wellness Education, Michelle Dossett, MD, PhD, MPH, Director of Integrative Medicine and Internal Medicine Specialist, explores the role of integrative medicine in preventing chronic disease, improving patient care, and fostering true healing.
Quick insights
- 80% of chronic diseases are preventable through lifestyle interventions: diet, physical activity, stress management, and more.
- Integrative medicine combines evidence-based conventional treatments with complementary therapies to treat the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and community.
- Asking patients about supplements and other integrative approaches non-judgmentally creates opportunities for collaboration and improved care.
Video highlights
0:01 – Introduction by Dr. Scott Fishman
Dr. Fishman emphasizes the goal of shifting medicine from a disease-response system to one focused on prevention and integrative approaches.
2:18 – What is integrative medicine?
Dr. Dossett shares her journey into integrative medicine, influenced by her experiences with both conventional and holistic care.
4:31 – State of U.S. health
- 6 out of 10 adults have at least one chronic disease.
- Over 20% of U.S. adults take five or more prescription medications.
- Many chronic diseases and adverse drug reactions are preventable through lifestyle approaches.
6:32 – Preventing chronic disease
- 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented with:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Stress management
- Avoiding excess alcohol and smoking
7:43 – Defining integrative medicine
Integrative medicine focuses on:
- Relationship-centered care
- Evidence-based complementary and conventional therapies
- Engaging the mind, body, spirit, and community in healing
10:01 – Meeting patients where they are
Dr. Dossett highlights real-life examples of patients who benefited from integrative approaches, such as dietary changes and acupuncture.
12:33 – Therapies in integrative medicine
Therapies are grouped into five categories:
- Biologically-based therapies: diet, supplements, and functional medicine
- Body-based therapies: chiropractic care, osteopathy, massage
- Mind-body medicine: yoga, meditation, biofeedback
- Traditional medical systems: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy
- Energy medicine: reiki, therapeutic touch
15:00 – Why physicians should care about integrative medicine
Patients are already using integrative therapies. Clinicians must be aware of their benefits and risks to provide safe, evidence-based guidance.
17:50 – Health conditions addressed
Integrative medicine can effectively address:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Mental health issues
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic pain
21:51 – Case studies
- Joint pain: A breast cancer patient on aromatase inhibitors improved with acupuncture.
- Chronic migraines: Significant reduction in migraines using magnesium supplements and acupuncture.
- Painful menstrual periods: A 16-year-old achieved relief with an anti-inflammatory diet and magnesium supplements.
24:05 – How to talk to patients about integrative medicine
- Ask open-ended questions: “have you thought about or tried any supplements or therapies?”
- Be non-judgmental and curious.
- Partner with patients to evaluate safety, efficacy, and costs.
26:18 – Evaluating therapies
Dr. Dossett provides a framework for clinicians:
- Is it safe?
- Is there evidence of efficacy?
- Is it empowering or a harmless placebo?
- Is it being used in addition to or instead of conventional care?
31:40 – Trusted resources for clinicians
- Natural Medicines Database (NatMed Pro)
- PubMed for peer-reviewed studies
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health
- David Rakel’s Integrative Medicine Textbook
39:48 – Addressing social factors and barriers
- Financial and time constraints can limit access to integrative therapies.
- Advocacy and programs like “Integrative Medicine for the Underserved” aim to make these treatments accessible.
44:09 – The physician’s role in advocacy
Clinicians can address social determinants of wellness by considering patients’ broader life circumstances, from systemic barriers to personal challenges.
Resources
- The Relaxation Response by Dr. Herbert Benson
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- PubMed for Clinical Research
- Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health
Conclusion
Dr. Dossett’s presentation underscores the potential of integrative medicine to redefine patient care by treating the whole person, not just their disease. With tools for lifestyle changes, mind-body medicine, and evidence-based complementary therapies, clinicians can empower their patients toward preventive care and holistic healing.