A report on two successful models of integration of CAM, in hospital as well as private practice setting

Integration of CAM practices with mainstream conventional medicine is still a nascent phenomenon in the healthcare industry. Conventional mainstream medicine, which is essentially disease focused, rationalistic and clearly based on quantitative western scientific traditions, contrasts starkly with the loosely structured, client-centric and holistic CAM modalities. To construct a successful functional integration model that incorporates two distinctly and often antagonistic styles of medicine and healing, is an innately daunting task. Over the past decade, there have been some projects across US that have designed and implemented Integrative Medicine (IM) practice successfully. But clearly defined protocols of integration in different clinical settings, are still in an evolving phase. A literature search comes up with at least two well-documented reports on major integrative endeavors in the country. However integration in a private practice setting is not discussed in any of these reports. Also none of the IM projects covered in the two reports are based out of Massachusetts. This report highlights the successful practice of IM in a private clinic as well as in a safety net hospital, in the Boston area. Salient differences between the practice of IM in a hospital vs. private clinic setting are delineated and described. Strategies that worked or did not work are discussed. The author also dwells upon certain strategies that could not be explored due to funding issues or that are lined up to be added in the coming months or years. This report may serve as a useful document to anyone with an interest in opening an IM practice in similar settings.