In other words, there are no scientifically accepted criteria for inclusion SAHA HDAC or exclusion of specific modalities as CAM or as conventional. Conventional medicine is exactly that – medicine by convention. From an operational viewpoint, it is useful to understand the differences among complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine

systems as presently applied. Complementary medicine refers to the practice of combining allopathic medicine with virtually any other medical system’s modalities. Alternative medicine is the practice of any nonconventional medical system as an “alternative” to conventional medicine. Finally, integrative medicine is a hybrid in which nonconventional modalities which have been scientifically validated by Western standards are combined with allopathic practices

but are not yet considered conventional. selleck inhibitor When, if ever, is it appropriate to discuss these nontraditional approaches with our patients? Certainly, it is one option to simply opine that you are not an expert in this area and refer the patient to someone who is, just as we might refer a patient to an endocrinologist or cardiologist. This should be done in as professional and nonjudgmental way as possible. But if we are going to integrate some of these approaches into our care plans, there are several generally accepted circumstances where this might be more appropriate. This, of course, begs the argument that all care plans should be integrative, and that will be addressed shortly. When a patient clearly expresses a preference for a particular modality, it should be discussed openly and objectively. Certainly,

if a patient is asking for a surgery to “cure” their headaches, and there is ample evidence to suggest such an intervention is extreme, risky, or ineffective, we 上海皓元 must indicate so. But if a patient wants to try something that is outside our usual armamentarium, this is an appropriate time to include that treatment if you are comfortable with it, or to refer out, if you are not. Not infrequently, patients will present with a long list of medicines they have tried, and we are unable to assess whether these trials were adequate in dosing and duration, or not well tolerated. Often, patients report they “just don’t do well” with medications. Convincing this population to revisit medicines or to try other medicines can be, at best, an uphill battle, and at worst, a futile, time-consuming, and frustrating bootless errand. Offering these patients a “fresh approach” with interventions that are nontraditional can be very helpful. A more easily defined population is one containing patients who have frank contraindications (economic, medical, religious, etc) to traditional approaches. Many patients search for qualified doctors who can offer something other than pharmacologic interventions.