Learning experiences are grouped into the following curricular domains:
- Healing Modalities
- Integrating Healthcare: Planning, Collaborating, Implementing
- Transformational Leadership Development
Integrative Medicine fellows work one-on-one with leaders in Integrative Medicine, Nutrition, and Naturopathy. They gain clinical experience in the University of Michigan Integrative Family Medicine Clinic that models best practices in integrative primary care providing primary care Integrative Medicine: as well as IM consultations. Fellows also:
- Achieve competency in a self-determined area of integrative practice. Past fellows have sought training in skills such as acupuncture, massage, osteopathic manipulation, mind-body pain, and somatic experiencing.
- Interact with complementary and alternative practitioners in the community to explore Integrative Pharmacy, Holistic Nutrition, Massage, Mind-Body skills, and other therapeutic modalities.
- Engage in interdisciplinary learning activities that focus on topics such as journal writing, health coaching, spiritual care, healing relationships, and professional collaboration.
- Participate in interactive core curriculum seminars on a broad spectrum of integrative healthcare issues; for example, the treatment of chronic pain, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
- Participate in a research project
- Attend professional conferences, faculty development initiatives, and formal certification programs.
- Teach medical students, residents and practicing physicians
Graduates of the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Fellowship model best practices in integrative healthcare by embracing healing-oriented and evidence-based medicine that takes into account the whole person (body, mind, emotions, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. This philosophy emphasizes therapeutic relationships and recognizes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
Educational Objectives
Fellows observe unique patient intake and interview techniques, become familiar with the expansive nature of a whole person approach to health care, and receive an introduction to the development of optimal health care plans for patients. They participate in the management of diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, mood disorders and autoimmune disease, among other common primary care complaints. In addition, they consult with a broad cross-section of the population interested in seeking optimal health. As part of this process, fellows are exposed to multiple perspectives on health and disease as they work to extend their listening and intuitive skill base.
Fellows become adept at learning from patients, engaging in non-judgmental inquiry, and developing an awareness of how their own biases influence patient care. The complexities of clinical decision-making in an integrative medicine context will be explored.
The following link provide additional information regarding learning outcomes targeted by the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Fellowship:
