Portland, Ore.
Now patients may see a chiropractor, acupuncturist, a psychologist, naturopath or spiritual counselor in the OHSU Center for Women's Health
It is not news that many people seek some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Often their physicians are not aware of this usage, which could interfere with traditional therapy or medication use.
Responding to the increasing demand for of complementary and alternative medicine, The Oregon Health & Science University Women's Health Center Integrative Medicine Program has added five new practitioners: Steve Dardis, D.A.O.M, L.Ac. acupuncturist; Lisa Patenode, D.C., chiropractor; Stephen Saeks, Ph.D., L.Ac., psychologist and acupuncturist; Ilse Wefers, M.T.S., D.Min., spiritual counselor, all in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in the OHSU School of Medicine; and Lynn Shinto, N.D., naturopath, assistant professor, department of neurology, OHSU School of Medicine.
"We believe in treating the whole person. Bringing these exceptionally qualified practitioners into our Integrative Medicine Program adds so much to our circle of care. Almost any patient can have their health enhanced through partnering with such a team. We need to be able to offer what patients want for their optimal health journey," said Anne Nedrow, M.D., medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program. She is also an assistant professor of medicine (general internal medicine and geriatrics), and obstetrics and gynecology, OHSU School of Medicine.
"While this integrative medicine group is the first in the United States particularly committed to enhancing the quality of life and care of women with breast and pelvic cancers, they are here for all the patients wishing to partner with their health care team whatever their health concern may be. That is what integrative medicine is about," Nedrow said.
The Center for Women's Health Integrative Medicine Program initially was created more than two years ago initially for people with persistent chronic health problems. Starting with a consult service, patients were seen by Nedrow or Wendy Kohatsu, M.D., assistant professor, of family medicine, OHSU School of medicine, and practitioners from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Western States Chiropractic College and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Patients then went to various community settings. Now patients can have their integrative medicine treatments at the Center for Women's Health. Although not required, the consultative service continues to be a good entry point for those seeking professional advice to a tailored, holistic program to optimize their health.
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