Holistic M.D.s are traditionally trained medical doctors who have incorporated holistic philosophies and alternative healing methods into their practices. Holistic medical physicians are similar to traditionally practicing M.D.s in that they have attended the same four years of medical school, completed two to six years in a residency program, and are licensed to practice medicine in all fifty states. They have all the privileges and status that come with being an M.D. Holistic M.D.s and traditional M.D.s work in the same hospitals, treat the same diseases, are part of the American Medical Association, and practice all aspects of medicine. What differentiates holistic M.D.s from traditional doctors is their philosophy regarding health. They look at the body as a whole and work to enhance its natural healing abilities. Also, holistic M.D.s have received additional training in alternative health care methods and offer different options in treating patients.
Philosophy
Holistic M.D.s did not develop as a field from one specific theory or historical tradition; it is currently a developing specialty area for physicians. With the rise of holistic medical alternatives available in the United States and the popularity of these methods with consumers, traditionally trained physicians began to take notice. Many traditional M.D.s have become interested in alternative health care options and have sought additional training in holistic philosophies, theories, and methods. More recently, some people who want to practice holistic health care choose to get an M.D. degree for the credibility, although they plan to practice holistic medicine.
Like all holistic health care providers, holistic M.D.s view health in a different way from traditional M.D.s. Holistic M.D.s believe that there is more to health than the elimination of diseases or symptoms. They look at the whole person and work to find underlying causes of illness. They educate and encourage patients to take responsibility for their health. Although some use pharmaceuticals and traditional treatments, they also have faith in the body's natural healing abilities. The goal of the holistic M.D. is to use the least invasive methods to support the body's ability to heal.
Each holistic M.D. has his or her own unique philosophy of health care. Some use traditional medicine in combination with holistic alternatives, while others dedicate their practice to holistic medicine. Since physicians come to holistic medicine from various backgrounds and differ in the amount of alternative methods they use, there isn't one blanket philosophy for this unique, individual, and constantly changing group of professionals.
Types of Problems and Patients
Holistic M.D.s treat patients with all types of health problems, from simple colds to more serious conditions. Any health care provider can work in a holistic way, so the types of problems and patients seen, depends on the specialty area of the physician. For example, a gynecologist, a cancer specialist, a family practitioner, a heart surgeon, an internist, and a pediatrician can all work holistically. Holistic M.D.s still see patients in their specialty areas, but use a holistic frame of reference for diagnosing and treating patients. Other holistic M.D.s may leave their specialty area and set up a practice to focus on holistic care. In these cases, holistic M.D.s tend to see patients with chronic conditions that historically have not been helped by traditional medical approaches. Chronic conditions include arthritis, allergies, back pain, immune system disorders, degenerative diseases, and chronic pain. Chronic diseases are the strength of holistic M.D.s, although any patient can benefit because of the goal to improve both the immune system and overall health.
Treatments
"I consider myself to have an integrated practice where I utilize homeopathy, acupuncture, body work and manipulation, hypnosis, herbal medicine, progressive relaxation, and a lot of attitude work."
-Anita Daisy, M.D.
The amount and type of holistic care provided varies among doctors. As licensed physicians they have the flexibility to create their own practice using traditional and alternative treatment methods. Holistic M.D.s may use treatments such as homeopathy, nutrition counseling, acupuncture, acupressure, herbology, massage and bodywork, counseling, ayurveda, hypnosis, therapeutic touch, yoga, vitamin/mineral supplements, meditation, and energy healing.
Some holistic M.D.s use traditional diagnosing and treatment methods such as x-rays, blood tests, lab work, drug treatments, and surgery. In addition they may offer holistic methods as a supplement to traditional treatment. For example, a heart surgeon may use traditional medical methods and perform heart surgery, but he or she may add yoga, massage, and hypnosis to the patient's treatment plan. Many holistic M.D.s see the value of both approaches to medicine and are using a combination of services to help patients. These doctors are starting to bridge the gap between the medical and holistic health community and tend to be in high demand by consumers who want both.
The second group of holistic M.D.s view holistic care as their primary service and rely on holistic diagnosing and treatment methods. These physicians spend a great deal of time with patients. An initial appointment typically takes one to one and a half hours and follow-up appointments last at least half an hour. In this case, a holistic M.D. may diagnose problems by taking a detailed health history and asking patients about symptoms, diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, work and personal life, allergies, and use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and caffeine. They would then use diagnosing methods specific to their holistic training and specialty. If M.D.s were trained in acupuncture they would use Chinese medical diagnosing and treatment methods. If they studied herbs, they could incorporate herbalism into a treatment plan. The type of treatment depends on the holistic training of the M.D. and the individual patient's needs. Finally, with training and expertise in traditional and alternative medicine, holistic M.D.s refer patients to a wide range of practitioners, if necessary.
Holistic M.D.s are in a unique position in health care. With a turf battle going on between the medical and holistic communities, a holistic M.D. has a foot in each camp. This appeals to many patients who want the security of seeing an M.D. but want to try holistic alternatives. These physicians will influence the future of medicine by helping holistic health care gain credibility while educating traditional physicians on the value of offering a wide range of health care services.
Employment Settings and Working Conditions
"In my own practice, most of my patients have primary care physicians, so I don't take emergency calls. I work Monday through Friday nine to five in this one-room office. People can call me at home, and I don't feel this is intrusive. The lifestyle is wonderful, although I could make more money on the allopathic (traditional) side."
-Anita Daisy, M.D.
Holistic M.D.s work in many different settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and group practices. Some do research, write, and teach at medical schools or holistic training schools. As licensed physicians, holistic M.D.s have the flexibility to work in any arena.
Physicians who use holistic methods as their primary method of care tend to work in private practice. They may work individually or in group practices with other holistic health care practitioners such as nutritionists, massage therapists, or herbalists. Holistic M.D.s in private practice, like all self-employed professionals, have the responsibility of running a business. They handle advertising and marketing, bill patients and insurance companies, keep records, and supervise staff. Many holistic M.D.s in private practice have office employees working for them and are responsible for office management.
Holistic M.D.s in private practice have the freedom to design their own work styles. They work in offices that are professional and comfortable and can make their own schedules. Many work the traditional workweek, but some choose to work four days a week or offer evening hours. Holistic physicians working in hospitals or clinics may have less control over their time and have on-call hours.
The stress level in this field is significant. It can be very stressful for holistic physicians to work in a profession that is not typically supportive of holistic medicine or alternative ways of healing. Since they are trained and often work with traditional doctors, holistic physicians are a minority in the field and are surrounded by colleagues who may not understand or support holistic methods. Holistic M.D.s must be comfortable knowing that they are working outside of mainstream medicine. They often have to look for support of their work elsewhere. In addition, being involved in the major health decisions of people's lives can be a lot of pressure.
Training and Qualifications
"It can really become tough for a student because you won't get support for holistic medicine in medical school. You have to be committed, centered, and strong enough to know that you're out of the mainstream."
-Anita Daisy, M.D.
Currently there is no direct route for becoming a holistic medical doctor. There are no medical schools specializing in holistic medicine. To obtain the M.D. degree, candidates must follow the traditional route for attending medical school. Students must meet prerequisite requirements and take the MCAT to be eligible for admission to medical school. Medical school takes four years to complete. Upon completion of medical school, students must undertake residency programs. Residency programs last one to six years. Typically a minimum of two years is required for licensure. Since there currently is no holistic residency program available, students complete residency programs in all different aspects of medicine.
The qualification for becoming a holistic M.D. is knowledge. Obtaining knowledge and training in holistic medicine is up to the initiative of the aspiring holistic M.D. To become a holistic M.D., the traditionally trained physician needs to take the initiative to learn holistic philosophies and methods on his or her own.
There are many different avenues for training. The level of holistic training depends on the physician's interest, time, and money to devote to further education. The route to becoming a holistic M.D. is different for each physician, but there are many options available to work toward this goal. Some suggestions include:
- When choosing a medical school, choose one that appears more open to mind/body beliefs. There are medical schools that offer at least one course on holistic or alternative medicine. (See list of schools at end of chapter.)
- Since there are no holistic residencies, students should choose residencies based on their interests. Many physicians interested in holistic health care choose residencies in family medicine. If possible choose residencies in hospitals and universities that are more open to new ideas. A few hospitals have holistic medical departments, and the National Institute for Health recently opened an office for holistic medicine. In time, more hospitals may begin to offer holistic health care departments.
- The crucial element is to receive training in holistic methods. Either before or during or after medical school, take classes in holistic medical approaches. Training options include taking classes at naturopathic medical schools, schools of acupuncture/Oriental medicine, schools of chiropractic, schools of osteopathic medicine or other schools offering training in the holistic area of interest. In addition, physicians can receive training by attending professional development conferences, workshops, and seminars on holistic medicine. An excellent way to obtain training is to work as an apprentice under a holistic practitioner. Getting practical training in addition to course work is necessary to practice holistic medicine.
- Join the American Holistic Medical Association and other holistic professional associations to learn about training opportunities, make contacts with other holistic professionals, and stay current on what is going on in the field.
-Anita Daisy, M.D.
Since there are no regulations regarding holistic medical training for a licensed M.D., it is the responsibility of the physician to select the holistic areas of interest and to seek out training. The length of time for training varies from physician to physician. Some physicians do intensive training once they have completed traditional medical school and licensing requirements, while others start a practice and slowly pick up training in holistic approaches over time. There is no right way to reach the goal of becoming a holistic M.D. Each person will have his or her own unique path, and if truly committed to the philosophy of holistic health, he or she will find the right training.
Job Outlook and Salary
The employment outlook for holistic medical doctors is excellent. One reason is the growing popularity and demand by the public for alternative approaches to health care. This demand is fueling the growth of all holistic medical fields. Holistic medical doctors are especially in demand because the M.D. degree provides a legitimacy that many consumers seek. People who have been using traditional medicine their entire lives tend to be more comfortable seeing a holistic practitioner who is also an M.D. In addition, holistic M.D.s are in demand because they are covered by insurance companies. Many consumers seeking holistic medical care prefer to find practitioners that their insurance companies will cover, and M.D.s are covered more readily than other holistic practitioners. Holistic M.D.s are in the unique position of having both traditional and holistic training and are often seen as "the best of both worlds," which increases their demand.
Holistic physicians, like traditional doctors, can earn a good salary. The salary depends of the style of practice, hours worked, and number of patients seen. A typical range would be $90,000 to $140,000. Some holistic physicians earn additional income from selling nutritional supplements, herbs, or other holistic products.
