Welcome to an exciting exploration of the positive aspects of conventional medicine. Let’s delve into some of the strengths of conventional medicine, such as labs, follow-ups, and collaborative care.
We will see how these strengths can complement holistic approaches, ultimately aiming to provide the best care for our cherished patients.
In the world of healthcare, it’s essential to be balanced and acknowledge that both conventional medicine and holistic practices have pros and cons. While some practitioners in the integrative field may portray conventional medicine as the villain, it’s crucial to recognize that not all aspects of conventional medicine are negative.
I can say this confidently as I have navigated the world of conventional medicine while learning the world of the integrative field, pulling the best of what I have learned from both worlds.
Precision Through Laboratory Testing
When we go to our primary doctor’s office, we all know the routine; out come the needles or the specimen cups for some routine blood work.
It may not be our favorite part, but in the conventional world of medicine, employing a wide range of laboratory tests plays a vital role in achieving accurate diagnoses and tailoring personalized treatment plans.
Combining comprehensive bloodwork and a patient’s detailed description of symptoms allows healthcare professionals to gain valuable insights into the underlying health conditions affecting their patients.
By using objective data obtained through lab testing, conventional medicine is able to make well-informed decisions, leading to a more precise and personalized approach than some holistic healing.
As holistic practitioners, we know the importance of understanding the intricate details of our patient’s health.
However, some tend to skip running labs and try to make a more general guess of what is wrong based on what has helped them personally or has helped other clients. Rather than being able to see the results of the personal lab work, they recommend a similar plan for all patients. This can lead to difficulty in identifying underlying health issues and tailoring precise treatment plans.
From my work as a pharmacist and seeing the benefits of routine work, I recognize the value of diagnostic tools and work collaboratively with conventional medicine to obtain necessary lab results for a more accurate assessment.
Ongoing Care and Follow-up
Conventional medicine places great emphasis on establishing lasting relationships between
patients and practitioners by encouraging follow-up appointments.
Regular check-ups and yearly examinations ensure that individuals receive continuous care
and ongoing health monitoring. This commitment to long-term patient support allows
healthcare providers to detect potential issues at an early stage and implement preventive
measures.
While holistic practitioners may often focus on short-term interventions such as 3 – 6 months, it’s
important for us to recognize the value of ongoing relationships and follow-ups.
In my practice, I try to foster these practices by encouraging an ongoing relationship with my
patients throughout their healing journeys by guiding and supporting them every step of the
way.
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care
One of the things that I admire about conventional medicine is its dedication to shared decision-making and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
When we go to our general practitioners for help, they have the ability to refer patients to specialists with extensive knowledge in specific areas, ensuring a thorough evaluation and treatment process.
For instance, if a patient has an endocrine-related issue, their general practitioner can refer them to an endocrinologist who specializes in that field, providing additional expertise.
This collaborative approach creates a sense of teamwork, where various specialists’ collective knowledge and skills come together to provide the best possible care for patients.
In contrast, some holistic practitioners tend to rely solely on their own experiences or beliefs, potentially missing out on the valuable insights provided by external opinions.
I’ve seen this quite a bit in the integrative field, so I try to embrace this collaborative spirit by actively seeking input from experts in other areas, such as pre and postnatal care, nutrition, and thyroid health.
By integrating diverse perspectives and areas of expertise, we enrich the holistic approach, ensuring our patients receive well-rounded and multidisciplinary care that caters to their unique needs.
Bridging the Gap
Let us celebrate the strengths and merits of both conventional and holistic medicine.
By embracing the best of both worlds, we can create a comprehensive healthcare model that prioritizes patient well-being and embraces the diverse strengths each field has to offer.
Conventional medicine’s utilization of laboratory testing, emphasis on ongoing care, and collaborative decision-making contribute significantly to patient care.
As holistic practitioners, it’s vital that we keep an open mind, foster warm and lasting relationships with our patients, and integrate the beneficial aspects of conventional medicine into our practice. By doing so, we ensure our patients receive the best possible care, combining the power of conventional medicine with the holistic approach that treats individuals as whole beings.
Please tune in to my latest podcast episode to embark on a fascinating journey, explore the harmonious union of these two fields, and discover how we can empower ourselves on the path to optimal health and well-being.
Hey there, I’m Kari!
As a Pharmacist and Integrative Health Practitioner, I get the privilege of working with women who are struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, painful cycles, digestive issues, and irritability- all of which have become their norm. And they are struggling just to keep up, simply wanting their health back.
I know what it’s like to feel frustrated and left with the same issues, even after spending time, energy & money thinking I’d found the answer.
With the right support, a proven method, and the Lord as our guide, let’s get your health back so you can run the race set before you with perseverance and joy.
So thankful you found your way here!
