Doctor of Science in Functional and Integrative Medicine (D.
Course Information
Doctor of Science in Functional and Integrative Sciences (D.Sc)
Various forms of Alternative Medicine, such as Functional Medicine and Integrative Medicine, have quickly gained popularity in the 21st century. Both disciplines are highly regarded by world-renowned health care practitioners such as Drs. Deepak Chopra, Mark Hyman, and Dean Ornish.
The functional medicine model evolved from the insights and perspectives of a small group of influential thought leaders who realized the importance of an individualized approach to disease causes based on the evolving research in nutritional science, genomics, and epigenetics. These thought leaders found ways to apply for these new advances in the clinic to address root causes using low-risk interventions that modify molecular, and cellular systems to reverse these drivers of disease. However, in traditional medicine, the functional medicine model is the foundation of the medical system as a whole and touches every aspect of this system.
Many believe functional and Integrative Medicine is the future of Medicine. Physicians are beginning to take a more holistic approach to treat patients, no longer just concentrating on treating disease. Although Functional Medicine and Integrative Medicine have similarities that overlap in several areas, a few factors make each discipline somewhat unique.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine Focuses on Details
Functional medicine views each individual as genetically and biochemically unique, which means that it treats each individual, not the disease. This approach strives to restore the normal healing functions of the body rather than just alleviating the symptoms of the disease.
A Different Approach
With conventional medicine practices, lab results are interpreted in a range. When an individual's results are not outside that set range, they are said to be "normal", even though this isn't always the case. However, with functional medicine, the labs will be analyzed in a way that looks at imbalance and dysfunction and whether body systems are functioning optimally. Those labs will be viewed in the context of whether you are trending toward disease or towards optimal health. In this way, you will get more specific answers to your health concerns.
Functional Medicine is Science-Based
Functional medicine doctors use evidence-based scientific research that helps make sense of the complicated network of relationships between your body systems. Understanding these relationships allows functional medicine doctors to fully understand the complex functions of the body.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative Medicine is a holistic medical discipline that considers the lifestyle habits of a patient. The physician works to treat the whole person rather than just the disease. The mind, body, and soul of a patient are considered to promote healing and well-being. Integrative Medicine uses a combination of healthcare practices to diagnose and treat a patient. Treatments may include such modalities as acupuncture, qigong, or massage. This medical practice also focuses on the nutritional and exercise habits of the patient to curb factors related to obesity and diabetes. Integrative Medicine physicians believe poor lifestyle choices are the root cause of many modern chronic diseases.
The Defining Principles of functional and Integrative Medicine
Ø The patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process.
Ø All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are considered, including mind, spirit, community, and the body.
Ø Appropriate use of the entire spectrum of traditional methods facilitates the body's innate healing response.
Ø Effective natural and less invasive interventions should be used whenever possible.
Ø Functional and Integrative medicine neither rejects a form of traditional medicine nor accepts forms of therapies uncritically. The patient's condition determines the healing modality that will be utilized.
Ø Good medicine is based on good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.
Ø Alongside the concept of treatment, the broader concepts of health promotion, wellness, and illness prevention are paramount.
Ø Practitioners of functional and integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.
You will be educated in: Preventative Medicine, Biological Medicine, Cognitive Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine, Genetics Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Vibrational Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Holistic Nutrition, and more with a commitment to being conscious and compassionate healers.
A doctoral dissertation is required for this course.
Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The Holistic Physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.
First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
Holistic Medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient: Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects; Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms; Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.
Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Holistic Physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
Treat the Whole Person (Cura personalis)
Holistic Physicians treat each individual by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, holistic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.
Prevention (Praeventionis)
Holistic Physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. Holistic medicine strives to create a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
Wellness (Sanitas)
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought, and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, regardless of disease(s). If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone.
Upon completing this course, and your payment plan has been completed, you will be conferred a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Functional and Integrative Medicine, and be professionally recognized as a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, CHHP, a Certified Holistic Urgent Care Practitioner, CHUCP, a Certified Holistic Health Educator, CHHE, and a Certified Holistic Medicine Practitioner, CHMP. You will be Board Certified by the Integrative and Functional Medicine Certification and Accreditation Board, the Holistic Health and Wellness Certification and Accreditation Board, and the Holistic Diagnosis Certification and Accreditation Board. Details will be included with your course materials.
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Textbooks and Course Materials are included with this purchase.