Exactly What To Expect From Integrative Pediatrics + How To Know If It's Right For Your Family

When parents interview me before joining our integrative pediatric practice, their first question is often, "So, what exactly is an 'integrative pediatrician?'" Whether you go to an integrative doctor yourself, or you're just beginning to explore this area of medicine—the concept of an integrative pediatrician may raise some questions.

When you hear the word "integrative," does it make you think of "woo-woo" pseudoscience? I'm here to tell you the reality is far from that. Integrative care simply means blending the best of modern, Western medicine with ancient and holistic practices—and I, like many experts, believe it's truly the future of health care. 

It is a common misconception that integrative doctors don't believe in or follow science. I was trained in pediatrics at one of the top-rated Western pediatric residencies in America, and my partner trained in an Ivy League pediatric program. Science always guides our decisions.

Modern medicine is amazing and wonderful. We have cures for diseases that caused major suffering just a few years ago. If your child gets pneumonia, we have antibiotics that can heal them within days. If your child gets injured, there is technology like X-rays and MRIs that can show us exactly what is going on. This is nothing short of magic. 

But unfortunately, in today's medical system, we focus our attention far more on treatment than on prevention or the root cause of disease. In many scenarios, we don't need to use a medication, but Western medicine is often quick to jump to a pill. That's because today's doctors (myself included) were taught all about pharmaceutical medicine, and it's often the only solution we know. 

Integrative medicine doesn't reject pharmaceutical interventions but rather expands a practitioner's options to support the body. An integrative pediatrician may use supplements, tinctures, or ancient healing practices in place or alongside medications. The trick is in balancing those two worlds and recognizing when it would be unsafe to use a natural option in place of a medication.

Visits at an integrative pediatrician can vary greatly since each doctor has their own unique style and interests. Integrative visits tend to be longer than traditional office visits as integrative doctors tend to ask more questions and spend more time with the patients. They are likely to do all of the regular routine checks you're used to: height and weight, a physical exam, and chatting about development. 

Families who seek out my practice are often holistic-minded. They may go to a holistic doctor themselves, enjoy a natural outlook on life, or have been through a health crisis that was resolved through integrative medicine. 

There are a few ways to find an integrative pediatrician. The most obvious would be to type that term into a search engine and see if anyone pops up in your area. If not, asking friends or family who are naturally minded in your area may elucidate some options.

Finally, there are many holistic and natural Facebook groups. Many of the larger groups have families from all over, and someone can usually point you to a doctor they love.