Family Medicine Residency

Integrative Medicine

Resident learns from professor by examining a fellow resident

What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative Medicine is medicine that recognizes the need to include care of the Body, Mind and Spirit in Wellness and Healing. We combine conventional medicine with evidence-based patient-centered approaches that include:

  • Disease-specific nutrition therapy
  • Healthy lifestyle interventions
  • Manipulative therapy
  • Mind-body care
  • Dietary supplements
  • Alternative systems

Integrative Medicine Options

An integrative approach to the patient forms the core of our residency training. All residents benefit from exposure to alternative medical systems, botanical medicine, advanced nutrition, and mind-body approaches to care. We offer several options for pursuing study in integrative medicine:

Family Medicine Residency

Herb based medicines sitting on a rock beside some cut flowers

Residents begin with an introduction to Prevention and Wellness. In addition to standard Family Medicine topics, weekly teaching sessions include workshops in biofeedback, osteopathic manipulation, use of the Cultural Genogram, and guided imagery. Lectures include herbology, use of dietary supplements, nutrition and alternative systems. Interns meet monthly for Program Director Roundtables in Integrative topics.

All Case Presentations include integrative care management strategies. Regular Integrative Medicine Grand Rounds offer community physicians ongoing CME in evidence-based Integrative Medicine approaches to both Wellness/Preventive care and Disease management.

AZCIM Integrative Medicine in Residency

Residents learn some stretching techniques in an outside class

Upper level residents participate in the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine (AZCIM) program in Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR). With on-site workshops in tincturing, balm-making, biofeedback, nutrition safaris, and the teaching kitchen, IMR residents develop a wide array of practical skills which are used actively in our own clinic and in integrative consultation work.

Upon completion of the 200 hour web-based national curriculum designed by Dr. Andrew Weil's team, residents receive a Certificate in Integrative Medicine.

Integrative Geriatric Fellowship

Herb based medicines and supliments sitting on a counter

Our ACGME-accredited Geriatric Fellowship offers an Integrative Fellowship option.

Integrative Geriatric fellows participate in the AZCIM Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR) program and in integrative activities at long term care and hospice facilities. Upon completion, fellows receive a Certificate in Integrative Medicine, and are eligible to become Board Certified in Geriatrics.