Integrative Medicine: A Comprehensive Approach to Health Promotion at ICHS

Dr. Hannah Gordon, a naturopathic physician and Medical Director at the International District Clinic for ICHS, discusses the role of Integrative Medicine in health promotion. Integrative Medicine combines conventional, traditional, complementary, and herbal medicines to support individual health goals. Dr. Gordon emphasizes that Integrative Medicine fills a crucial gap by focusing on health promotion, not just prevention and treatment. She highlights the importance of considering social determinants and tailoring treatment plans to each individual. Dr. Gordon's journey into Integrative Medicine was inspired by her experience in cardiac surgery, where she observed a disconnect between lifesaving procedures and preventative lifestyle changes. She advocates for a collaborative approach, integrating various modalities and provider types to deliver high-quality patient care. While not necessarily tied to practices like yoga or meditation, Integrative Medicine emphasizes understanding and addressing the patient's specific needs and goals. Dr. Gordon finds it particularly effective in managing conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and pain, utilizing a combination of simple plans and manual therapies to promote mind-body connection.