What's the best way to find a reputable Integrative Dr.?

Question

I'm trying to find a nearby Dr. (M.D., D.O., etc.) who also uses alternative methods and a holistic approach to treating. Someone who will be my family doctor, and who can also recommend nutrition, supplements, and alternative therapies as well. Is there a reputable directory somewhere, or certain organizations these Dr.'s might belong to? What's the best way to find them? I have only been able to locate two in my whole state... it seems like there would be more out there.

Answer 1

They are few and far between. I live and practice in a progressive area, and only one MD provides the type of services you describe. At that, though, he relies on a panel of alternative health care practitioners (herbalist, natural pharmacist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, homeopath, etc.) for advice in treating each patient. The reason is evident in some of the silly answers in the alternative medicine section from medical professionals who answer to merely dis something of which they know nothing credible. You have better chances of  finding a D.O. than an M.D. Conventional medicine approaches health from the opposite perspective, thus it's almost impossible to blend the two. A Doctor of Osteopathy at least has a similarly natural orientation.

For what it's worth, because I have no other website to offer, http://www.homeopathicdirectory.com is a national directory listing all certified homeopaths profession-wise (throughout N. America, the only such credentialing organization), so you might find someone with adjunctive licensing, such as ND, MD, or DO. Contacting one of them might give you additional names and/or resources.