The Value of Integrative Medicine by Paul Rothwell, M.D. W


e are very fortunate in America to


have cutting-edge, inno- vative medicine. However, we have perhaps lost an edge in clinical medicine, oſten substituting diag- nostic imaging, labora- tory tests, and pharmaceutical medicine for thoughtful, patient-oriented care. To be truthful, we oſten address symptoms while only occasionally looking for the source of disease. We fail to recognize that 80 percent of disease is environmental, and tend to discount or marginalize those that look for natural remedies—even when supported by evidence-based or serious outcome-based studies. Enter the specialty of integra-


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tive medicine or functional medicine, a specialty that has been characterized as the “intelligent combination of traditional Western medicine and natural medicine.” Te traditional science of medicine has matured from the concept that one agent causes disease that is treated with one med- icine to a better concept of understanding the complexity of disease. Te Human Genome Project has helped us understand the biochemical individuality of medicine. It is no longer “one size fits all.” Instead, it is “one size fits one!” Integrative or anti-aging and regenera-


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405-501-1950 18 Greater Oklahoma/OKC Edition


tive medicine recognizes the importance of individualized care, searching for the cause of disease. When feasible, a natural therapy can be recommended; however, pharma- ceuticals are still on the table if indicated. If “honesty is the best policy,” we need to recognize that neither Western medicine nor natural medicine has all the answers. It would be best for everyone if doctors of all varieties were to quit squabbling among themselves and work for the common good. It can be difficult to know who to


trust in today’s world. Te internet has increased both the availability of the useful


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and honest options and people, as well as allowed the promotion of fake treatments and fraudu- lent practitioners. Even the authority figures have sometimes led us astray, requiring disclaimers but not in an even-handed or


outcome-based way. One could say that there are more “snake oil” remedies avail- able today than at any time in history. Yet, practitioners such as those in


functional medicine are bridging the gap between tried-and-true natural ways that have worked for centuries with new ways that provide additional options. It benefits the patient to do a little research. When looking for a practitioner, try to find one whose main goal is to find the cause of ill- ness, not focus on a symptom, and one that is interested in all evidence- or outcome- based studies as a tool in their arsenal to fight illness. And consider doctors that are board certified in either functional or anti- aging and regenerative medicine that have spent years beyond medical school and res- idency studying integrative medicine. Tey offer a personalized approach to health care to help patients achieve maximum health.


Paul Rothwell, M.D., has a unique take on medicine from his yearly travels to Africa, during which he has encountered disorders and diseases seldom seen in the U.S. He has been dual-board certified in family medicine and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. He is a fellow of both the American Acad- emy of Family Practice and the American Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. He is a member of the clinical faculty of the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine and has practiced integrative medicine in the Oklahoma City area for more than 15 years. For more information, call his Bethany-based practice, Wellness & Longevity, at 405-470-8200 or visit WellnessOK.com. See ads, pages 9 and 48.


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