Clinical Services

Clinical Services is an exciting and satisfying aspect of the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine. This is where our educational and research work comes together in the care of people. We exist to work toward optimizing the care of all individuals. We intend to become a model that will ultimately influence the make up of our national healthcare system.

Mission

• To care for people using an Integrative Medicine model that is healing-oriented, takes account of the whole person, and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
• To act as a liaison between patients, community alternative practitioners, and University of Michigan healthcare professionals to optimize healthcare delivery.
• To cultivate interdepartmental collaboration leading to incorporation of effective integrative healthcare practice throughout the health system.

Program Description

The UMIMC serves as a bridge between, complementary or alternative medicine and conventional medical care. Our conventionally-trained professionals have advanced training in alternative medicine. We offer time to listen to peoples’ stories. We review the conventional medical history as well as the use of unconventional approaches. An integrative medicine plan is created that suits each individual’s unique needs, offering specific recommendations for mind, body, spirit and emotion that complement the essential aspects of the individual’s current care. Our practice optimizes health for the individual and provides further learning opportunities for all health care professionals involved.

Interdepartmental collaboration among health professionals is essential as we move toward bringing the best of conventional and alternative medicine together; fostering these relationships is also a focus of our work. Our vision is of a future where Integrative Medicine is, as Andrew Weil says, “Just good medicine.” Whether caring for a person with cancer or treating someone with an anxiety attack in the emergency room, an integrative approach offers gentle options considering the whole person alongside cutting edge technology that may be lifesaving. Integrative therapies such as holistic nutrition, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, massage, herbs and supplements offer benefits in all specialties of medicine. Follow this link to find out about the Integrative Services we offer at our clinic.