Abstract:
Integrative medicine combines conventional biomedical care with evidence-based complementary therapies, emphasizing a holistic, patient-centered approach to health. Incorporating integrative medicine into medical school curricula for Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) programs can foster a more comprehensive understanding of health and disease. This article reviews the benefits of teaching integrative medicine in medical education, including the promotion of a holistic approach, preventive care, evidence-based complementary therapies, improved patient outcomes, enhanced physician-patient relationships, increased patient satisfaction, physician well-being, root cause analysis, expanded clinical toolkits, and ethical awareness. Evidence supports that integrative medicine education aligns with contemporary healthcare demands and can contribute to better care quality, patient trust, and provider resilience.
Keywords:
Integrative medicine, medical education, holistic care, complementary therapies, patient-centered care, physician well-being
Introduction
Modern healthcare increasingly shows that addressing the biological basis of disease alone is insufficient for optimal patient outcomes. Integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies, aims to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while promoting wellness and prevention 1(Ring et al., 2014). Despite growing patient demand and evidence supporting integrative practices, many medical curricula do not adequately cover this field. This article explores why embedding integrative medicine education into MD and DO training programs is beneficial for producing competent, compassionate, and resilient physicians.
Holistic Approach
Integrative medicine encourages future physicians to view patients not merely as carriers of isolated symptoms but as complex individuals influenced by lifestyle, environment, psychosocial stressors, and community contexts 2 (Kligler et al., 2004). A holistic approach fosters a deeper understanding of disease etiology. It also enhances individualized treatment planning in patient-centered care models advocated by the Institute of Medicine 3 (2001).
Prevention and Wellness
Proactive healthcare is shifting focus from disease treatment to prevention and wellness. Integrative medicine supports this paradigm by equipping students with knowledge about lifestyle medicine, nutrition, stress management, and mental health promotion 4 (Abrams et al., 2013). Teaching these principles aligns with the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for addressing modifiable risk factors early to reduce chronic disease burden.
Integrative Medicine in Curricula
by Prof. Reza Chowdhury, MD
The Importance of Teaching Integrative Medicine in MD and DO Medical School Curricula Advances Holistic, Evidence-Based,
and Patient-Centered Care