Integrative Medicine is a comprehensive approach to health and healing that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

We recognize that health is more than the absence of disease. Health is a state of individualized optimum balance and well-being.

The On Call Medical Group's Integrative Medicine Physicians provide care based on the following principles:

• Collaboration: Our doctors work as a team in coordination with other practitioners of conventional and alternative medicine.
• Respect for the human capacity for healing: We believe that every person has an innate drive toward health and balance. We aim to support and encourage this process while removing obstacles to healing.
• Relationship-centered care: We take the time to listen carefully and develop a therapeutic partnership with you.
• Self-care: You will be asked to participate actively in your treatment.
• The least force necessary: Effective interventions that are preventative, natural and less invasive should be used whenever possible.
• Excellence: The very best preventative measures, therapies and options are carefully researched and presented to you by doctors trained in the full scope of conventional and integrative medicine. Clinical evidence and the research literature are utilized to guide decision-making.

We believe that practitioners of Integrative Medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.

• What can integrative medicine offer me that conventional medicine does not?
• What are the alternatives to conventional medicine?
• Do you offer non-pharmaceutical alternatives?
• Will I get more time with my doctor to address my health issues?

Our integrative medicine physicians offer solutions that are safe, effective, and long-lasting. Our treatment plans focus on interventions that are natural, non-toxic, or have minimal side effects. Our treatment plans feature personalized interventions based on your unique biology and lifestyle as well as the available scientific literature. Because our treatment approach seeks to address the underlying cause of your health concern, our treatment interventions are often successful in providing lasting solutions.

Many people are disillusioned with conventional medicine, with its narrow focus on pharmaceutical and surgical treatments. Especially with chronic illnesses, conventional medicine often relies on suppressive therapies that do not address the underlying cause or imbalance. In recent years serious conflicts of interests among doctors and pharmaceutical corporations have been exposed, raising questions about the validity of many pharmaceutical and food industry research studies.

We recognize that there is a place for conventional medical treatment, and we can provide this when appropriate. However, we find that many patients are better served by a focus on natural, preventative, mind-body, and nutritional approaches to improve their health and well-being. We spend the time to get to know you as an individual, so we can recommend the most appropriate therapies, whether conventional, alternative, or a blend of the two.

Our integrative medicine physicians offers a wide range of effective non-pharmaceutical treatment options for a variety of acute and chronic health conditions. Our treatment philosophy is guided by the principle of using the "least force necessary" to restore health. This means our treatment plans prioritize interventions that are natural, non-toxic, and have minimal side-effects. Of course, with our training in medicine, we also appropriately advise you when we feel conventional medicine is required, thus providing truly integrative care.

Integrative medicine emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between you and your physician. We take the time to listen to you. Our understanding of your personal health history allows us to get at the root cause of your issues. We are happy to collaborate with your other healthcare practitioners, both conventional and alternative. In addition, we offer personalized research services. We explore the relevant research literature and consult top specialists world-wide to construct the most effective treatment plan. We also offer packages that include e-mail and telephone access to your physician.