Check the credentials, board certification(s) and experience of the physician or practitioner you are working with. Do they collaborate with other providers and share knowledge or ideas? Do they teach students and doctors in training?
Ask yourself whether you feel that your provider makes the effort to get to know you as a person and takes into account your social and emotional circumstances when creating a plan for you. Does your provider offer health coaching services or work with a health coach? Does your provider do everything to ensure you are not on medications unless they are absolutely indicated?
The patient-physician relationship plays an important role in determining the outcome of conditions, adherence to the treatment plan and global health status of patients, so it is important that you choose the provider who is the right fit.
Work with a provider you can relate to, who can help provide a path for you to achieve your health goals. This will require an investment on your part in adhering to lifestyle habits that will support your healing. That being said, this approach will give you the highest chance of achieving sustainable physical and mental wellness and being your best self.
***Please note that although the patient in this story is not based on a real person, the story illustrates the successes and outcomes that are achievable by using integrative and functional medicine modalities.
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