EDUCATION: “Pseudoscience is insinuating itself into our medical schools across the nation, going by the name ‘Integrative Medicine.'” Is it?

UPDATE: Reader Joel Pomerantz writes: “We have been teaching integrative medicine for years, and it’s important to know. Nearly half our patients are using some kind of herbal supplements, and if we don’t know what side effects or drug interactions those have, we can get into big trouble.”

ANOTHER UPDATE: Reader William Stoddard writes:

I’ve gone to two practitioners of integrative medicine in a row for primary care, and I take my cats to a veterinary practice with a somewhat similar approach (they describe some of their treatments as “homeopathic,” for example). I don’t necessarily believe that their nonstandard methods are effective or scientifically valid (though at least one recommended herbal treatment has given me sustained symptomatic benefits). But they have one important quality that I value highly: They’re willing to talk with me! My sample of integrative practitioners seem to have a bit more time for communication, explanation, and emotional support. And I count that as part of quality of care. American health care has tended increasingly toward big, impersonal, institutionalized care delivery systems in which it’s all too easy for patient needs to get lost; I prefer to avoid them as long as I can.

It would be different if they relied entirely on “alternative” methods. But as long as they have the technological options available, and respect my right to choose a therapeutic approach that meets my needs, I’m not concerned.

Willing to talk. Yeah, there’s a doctor here in Knoxville who’s a great diagnostician, and his secret seems to be that he listens to you, and then he thinks about what you tell him. Shockingly, it makes a big difference.