The COMmunicator 2020-21 Vol. 1 | Page 18

Spotlight Story

INTEGRATING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IN COVID-19

Integrating a holistic approach to medicine is- in a word- invaluable. This is a key tenant of the osteopathic profession-obtaining optimal health for the patient through traditional (and sometimes non-traditional) methods; focusing on health rather than illness; listening to the patient rather than just telling them what we think they need to hear. This paradigm is what has traditionally set osteopathic physicians apart from their allopathic counterparts, but in times of COVID, this mindset may be even more necessary.

If nothing else, COVID-19 has forced us to be innovative, improvisational, and imaginative. It has shown us our strengths along with our weaknesses. While it has overtly revealed the glaring disparities in our healthcare system, it challenges us to reach into our toolkit to see what else we have at our disposal. What can be integrated into our practice so that we continue to be better for our patients and ultimately better physicians? UNE COM alumni show us the possibilities as they share how acupuncture, movement, and improv provide different avenues for us to help, treat and be better for our patients.

Photo by Ginny Rose Stewart on Unsplash