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BlogUnderstanding the Types of Integrative Medicine Doctors
Imagine a healthcare approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based alternative therapies—that’s the essence of integrative care.
Integrative medicine is a growing field that focuses on overall well-being by combining conventional treatments with complementary approaches such as nutrition, mindfulness, and physical therapies.
This article explores the different types of integrative medicine doctors, their approaches, and how they differ from conventional practitioners to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare options.
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Integrative doctors take the best that conventional and complementary medicine has to offer to create evidence-based, individualized whole-health treatment plans that focus on body, mind, and spirit. () Integrative doctors can be medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, osteopaths, Ayurvedic practitioners, doctors of oriental medicine, and homeopaths.
Integrative medicine takes an evidence-based approach to treating the entire person (body, mind, and spirit), not just their medical condition.
This form of compassionate care pinpoints the underlying cause of the health concerns to address them, rather than focusing only on symptom management. It often integrates conventional medicine with complementary therapies.
For example, integrative medicine specialists may prescribe short-term medications but focus on whole person care for long-term management.
Integrative medicine emerged in 1978, with the formation of the American Holistic Medicine Association and American Holistic Nurses Association a year later. Pioneers recognized the need for a comprehensive approach focused on the mind, body, and spirit. The first board certification exam in integrative holistic medicine was offered in 2000.
This form of medicine has been gaining in popularity, especially for pain management. For example, the percentage of people who reported using at least one complementary health approach (acupuncture, chiropractic care, meditation, etc.) increased from 19% in 2002 to nearly 37% in 2022.
Types of integrative medicine doctors and providers
Examples of the various types of integrative medicine doctors are outlined below.
Medical doctors (MDs) with integrative medicine training
MDs undergo traditional medicine training in medical school and additional integrative medicine training. They are board-certified in integrative medicine and provide complementary medicine expertise. Integrative MDs can prescribe medications and may also incorporate complementary approaches based on individual needs.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs)
DOs account for 11% of the physicians in the United States and are a fast-growing medical specialty, as one in four medical students are enrolled in osteopathic medical school. They bring a patient-centered, unique, whole-person approach to care and practice in various medical specialty settings.
DOs focus on understanding how lifestyle and musculoskeletal health (bone and muscle health) contribute to overall well-being and may incorporate hands-on techniques such as osteopathic manipulative treatment. Preventive care is the main focus.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs)
NDs have completed an accredited naturopathic medical school and practice complementary and alternative medicine. In some jurisdictions, they may have limited prescribing rights or the ability to administer vaccinations.
Traditional chinese medicine (TCM) providers
These providers specialize in TCM approaches like tai chi, acupuncture, and herbal products versus traditional, conventional Western medicine. Chinese medicine has been around for over 2,000 years and focuses on balancing yin and yang (opposing energies) to support optimal health and well-being.
Ayurvedic medicine doctors
About 240,000 adults in the United States use Ayurvedic medicine, a form of medicine originating 5,000 years ago in India that helps cleanse the body and restore mind, body, and spirit balance. Ayurvedic medicine doctors use an Indian medical system based on ancient writings and natural, whole-person approaches that enhance mental, emotional, and physical health.
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest medical systems. It combines plant-based supplements and other natural products with diet, stress reduction, exercise, and additional lifestyle changes to maximize well-being.
Integrative medicine specialties
Integrative medicine providers may specialize in several areas.
Integrative oncology
Integrative oncology incorporates lifestyle approaches such as nutrition and stress management alongside conventional cancer treatments (medications, radiation therapy, surgery, etc.).
Mental health disorders affect about one in five American adults. Integrative psychiatry uses traditional mental health treatments (medications, traditional psychotherapy, etc.) with nutrition, mindfulness meditation, yoga, Chinese medicine, or other complementary alternatives.
Integrative pediatrics
Integrative pediatric specialists are highly trained in using integrative medicine approaches to care for babies, children, and teenagers. They focus on prevention and only prescribe medication when necessary after first considering lifestyle changes and other holistic solutions.
Education and certification for integrative medicine doctors and providers
There are many educational opportunities and certifications available for integrative medicine doctors.
Conventional medical training
Conventional medical school training consists of a four-year bachelor’s degree, taking the medical college admission test (MCAT), an additional four years of medical school training, 3–7 years of a residency, and an optional 1–3 years of specialty fellowship training.
Additional integrative medicine education
Each American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) subspecialty has unique eligibility requirements. Earning a board certification in integrative medicine from the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABIOM) requires completion of a residency program approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Board-certified integrative medicine candidates must graduate from an accredited National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) college, an accredited Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) college, an accredited four-year naturopathic college, or an ABOIM-approved fellowship in integrative medicine.
Certification programs and organizations
In addition to board certification in integrative medicine, other educational programs are available to healthcare providers to receive additional training and credentials. Examples include Functional Medicine Certified Professional—Medical (FMCP-M)™, Functional Medicine Certified Professional (FMCP)™, integrative nutrition certificates, and more.
Integrative medicine vs. conventional medicine
Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with whole person care.
Philosophical differences
Conventional, traditional Western medicine focuses on disease detection, symptom relief, and disease management, often using medications, medical procedures, or other traditional approaches. In comparison, integrative care uses whole-person, lifestyle-change, and natural alternatives but combines complementary care with traditional medicine when needed.
Diagnostic approaches
Diagnostic approaches differ slightly in integrative medicine practices versus conventional medicine. Integrative medicine providers rely on both commonly used conventional tests and specialized functional medicine labs to offer a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Examples include comprehensive hormone analysis, comprehensive stool analysis, food sensitivity testing, environmental exposure panels, and comprehensive nutritional assessments in addition to standard diagnostic tests.
Treatment modalities
Conventional medicine commonly uses medications, procedures such as surgeries, and routine medical monitoring. Integrative medicine, however, often focuses more on physical therapy, massage, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, reiki, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, holistic psychotherapy, and herbal or other dietary supplements.
Patient-doctor relationship
The doctor-patient relationship is critical in integrative and conventional medicine to ensure effective, personalized treatments and successful outcomes. It’s vital to find a healthcare provider you trust who takes time with you, carefully listens to your needs, and gives you a voice in your care plan.
Benefits and limitations of integrative medicine
Taking a holistic, integrative medicine approach offers many benefits but sometimes limitations.
Advantages of a whole person care approach
Whole-person medicine may offer potential benefits, which some individuals report include a reduced likelihood of certain medication side effects, possible overall cost savings, and peace of mind derived from natural healing methods. However, these outcomes can vary and are not guaranteed. Some complementary approaches, when used in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals, may provide additional treatment options with fewer side effects for specific conditions.
Patients should seek personalized medical advice before making any changes to their healthcare regimen.
Potential drawbacks and criticisms
While integrative medicine is becoming more popular and may offer helpful support for overall well-being, complementary and alternative approaches may not be the right fit for every health situation. In some cases, medications, surgeries, or other medical procedures might still be important parts of a care plan to help manage symptoms and support the best possible outcomes. If you’re a patient, always talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
Evidence-based practices
Using evidence-based practices when combining complementary and alternative treatments with conventional medicine care is important. Research is ongoing to find additional complementary alternatives to Western medicine, but it’s vital to use treatments known to be effective in the meantime.
Choosing an integrative medicine doctor
Choosing the right integrative medicine doctor for your personalized needs is important. Factors to consider include their specialty, your needs, their location, and the types of treatments they offer.
Ask potential providers about their insurance coverage and the specific treatments they offer. Checking out their online reviews is also helpful.
FAQs
The following addresses commonly asked questions regarding integrative medicine.
What is the difference between integrative and functional medicine?
Integrative medicine focuses on understanding and caring for the whole person using therapies that heal the body, mind, and spirit.
Functional medicine identifies and treats the underlying causes of medical conditions to ease symptoms. It’s centered around the idea that health problems may have numerous causes or an underlying cause that can contribute to multiple health concerns.
Does insurance cover integrative medicine doctors?
It depends, as insurance coverage varies widely. While many insurance companies pay (at least in part) for traditional medicine services, some may not cover specific complementary medicine treatments. Check with your insurance company to know for sure.
How long does it take to become an integrative medicine doctor?
The path to becoming a provider in integrative medicine depends on the type of training and professional background. Integrative medicine includes a wide range of healthcare providers, each with different educational journeys. Here’s a general overview:
MDs (medical doctors) and DOs (doctors of osteopathic medicine): These practitioners complete a bachelor’s degree (typically four years), followed by four years of medical school and 3–7 years of residency training. Some also choose additional fellowship training in integrative or functional medicine, which can take another 1–3 years. In total, their training often takes 11 years or more after high school.
NDs (naturopathic doctors): NDs complete a four-year naturopathic medical program after earning a bachelor’s degree. Programs include training in clinical sciences, nutrition, botanical medicine, and other integrative therapies. Some states license NDs, and licensing requirements can vary.
TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) providers: These providers often complete a three- to four-year master’s degree or doctoral program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Training typically includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, and diagnostic techniques based on TCM principles. Licensing depends on the country or state and may require passing national or state board exams.
Ayurvedic providers: Training in Ayurveda varies widely. In India, Ayurvedic doctors (BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) complete a 5.5-year degree program. In the United States, there’s no standardized licensing, but many providers complete 500 to 2,000 hours of training through approved programs.
Can integrative medicine replace conventional treatments?
Integrative medicine brings together conventional care with evidence-informed complementary therapies to support the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle. Integrative healthcare providers can still offer standard medical services when appropriate, but they may also include approaches like nutrition support, stress management techniques, and mind-body practices as part of a personalized care plan.
Rather than replacing conventional treatments, integrative care is designed to work alongside them, helping support overall well-being and individual health goals. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.
What conditions are best suited for integrative medicine approaches?
Some of the many conditions commonly treated using integrative medicine include:
Acute and chronic pain
Arthritis
Autoimmune diseases
Breathing disorders
Chronic fatigue
Cold and flu symptoms
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges
Diabetes
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches and migraines
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Infertility
Menopause symptoms
Menstrual irregularities
Obesity
Sleep disorders
Your healthcare provider might suggest lifestyle changes, nutrition, and dietary supplements before prescribing medications or may combine these multiple treatments. Integrative medicine treatments are individualized based on medical history, unique healthcare needs, patients’ preferences, and goals.
Chiropractors
Chiropractic doctors focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and use mostly manual techniques, known as adjustments, to positively influence health. (12) Most chiropractors provide nutrition and lifestyle advice and many of them also recommend dietary supplements to help enhance health and reduce the risk of illness. (6)
Conventional medical doctors
Conventional medical doctors (MDs) are sometimes also referred to as allopathic physicians. Integrative MDs are also referred to as holistic medical physicians as they work to expand their medical knowledge beyond the conventional medical system.
“There is a growing number of conventional medical doctors desiring additional integrative medicine fellowship training, such as our program at the University of Arizona,” said Dr. Alschuler who is also a clinical professor at the University and maintains a private oncology practice in Arizona. Dr. Alschuler recognizes that there are several quality certification programs for physicians in various aspects of holistic and integrative medicine that help advance the field as well as the skills of the provider.
As of 2020, 70 different medical and nursing schools were offering integrative medicine fellowships throughout the United States. (8)
Naturopathic doctors
Naturopathic doctors have unique training that emphasizes diet- and lifestyle-based self-care, supplements, homeopathy, manual therapies, and non-drug-based treatments with a philosophy codified by these seven principles:
There have been many studies conducted showing that naturopathic medicine is effective at treating a variety of health conditions including heart disease, mental health issues, type 2 diabetes, and a wide range of complex chronic diseases. (10)
Osteopathic doctors
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) practice alongside MDs, but they also are trained in manual manipulation and their philosophies of prevention and whole-patient care are more aligned with integrative medicine doctors. (17) Much of the research on osteopathic medicine focuses on the efficacy of manipulative treatments for musculoskeletal issues and low back pain. (2)
Ayurvedic practitioners
Derived from India, one of the oldest traditional medical systems still utilized worldwide is Ayurvedic medicine, a complex combination of elements, humors, and body constitutions that help practitioners devise whole-body treatment strategies. (5) There is scientific evidence demonstrating its efficacy to promote well-being. (11)
Doctors of oriental medicine
A practitioner who studies oriental medicine is often referred to as a doctor of oriental medicine (DOM) or a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM). These practitioners focus on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is a healing system that dates back to 200 BC. (15) TCM utilizes a holistic approach that looks at the Chinese philosophy of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, with the fundamental concept that Qi (vital energy) influences health along meridians mapped out on the human body. (4) The World Health Organization has included TCM diagnostic patterns into the International Classification of Diseases code, which is the global standard for diagnostic health information. (3)
Homeopathic doctors
Homeopathics are highly diluted, targeted remedies that trigger a therapeutic reaction in the patient to create homeostasis and correct physiologic illness imbalances. (1) Homeopathy remains controversial; however, research does show that individualized homeopathic remedies may be superior to placebo. (16)
Other integrative medicine practitioners
There are many other types of healthcare professionals who utilize an integrative approach. This includes acupuncturists (many of whom are also DOMs), massage therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and nutritionists.
Collaboration is key
All types of integrative medicine doctors aim to improve patient outcomes, and research shows that one way to do this is through interprofessional collaboration. (7)
“The premise of integrative medicine is that it is an individualized journey for each patient,” said Dr. Gladd. “That means there has to be a variety of providers from different disciplines, backgrounds, and experiences to deliver the best integrative medicine possible to the masses.”
“Openness to collaboration based on mutual respect for the expertise and training of other provider types is critical to harmony within the field and helps ensure optimal patient care,” said Dr. Alschuler.
Key takeaways
Integrative medicine offers a personalized healthcare approach that combines conventional treatments with select complementary therapies, some of which have evidence supporting their benefits.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, understanding the role of integrative medicine doctors can empower patients to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Explore our related articles on specific integrative medicine practices to deepen your understanding of this comprehensive approach to health.
Ready to start delivering better patient care?
Join 100,000 healthcare providers who rely on Fullscript to dispense top-quality supplements and labs to their patients.
The information in this article is intended for healthcare practitioners for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for informed medical, legal, or financial advice. Practitioners should rely on their own professional training and judgement, and consult appropriate legal, financial, or clinical experts when necessary.
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