Dr Kelly McCann Discusses Integrative Medicine
PBS American Health Journal
By Lora Windser

Watch interview on YouTube

Transcription of PBS Interview

Windser: A hybrid plant or animal tends to have the best traits of both parents. So it is with integrative medicine, a blend of both traditional and alternative medicine which in turn may shape the future of all medicine as we know it. Here to discuss this exciting new field is Dr Kelly McCann of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach.

Dr Kelly: Integrative Medicine is really the blending of the best of conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. So, conventional medicine we know is pharmaceuticals, surgery, things like that. And then complementary and alternative medicine is what we didn’t study in medical school. Things like nutrition, supplements and herbs. Other medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine. Things like mind body medicine, energy medicine, homeopathy. These are all considered complementary and alternative medicine. And the best of this would be blended with conventional treatments and modalities to make up integrative medicine.

Dr Kelly: The ideal way to practice integrative medicine is with several different practitioners, not just a physician trained in integrative medicine. But with other acupuncturists, psychologists, things like that.

Windser: What are the benefits of integrative medicine?

Dr Kelly: The benefits of Integrative Medicine are that not only do we have more tools in our tool box but we also take a slightly different approach to addressing the needs of the patient. And so we look at the patient as a whole person, mind body and spirit and recognize that the patient has an innate ability to heal. And so what we try and do is facilitate that innate healing ability in the patient.

Windser: Who is a typical patient?

Dr Kelly: Many people come to integrative medicine because they are looking for more answers. They don’t feel like they have adequately addressed some of their issues or complaints in conventional medicine. Or perhaps they want to take a more proactive role in their own health. And so, they see integrative medicine as a way where they can be active participants in partnering with practitioners to improve their health.

Dr Kelly: Many of the people who come are very sick. Often times they have cancers or autoimmune conditions. But sometimes people just come because they want to do preventive care, they want to do whatever they can do to keep themselves as healthy as they can as long as the can.

Windser: What does the future hold for integrative medicine?

Dr Kelly: I believe that integrative medicine is the future of medicine. This is what patients want. Patients want physicians who know them!

Dr Kelly: And they actually want to be able to be active participants in their care and they would prefer to be able to do things as naturally and safely as possible and avoid surgeries and toxic pharmaceuticals, if at all possible. And so, I really think that preventive care and integrative medicine is the future of medicine

Windser: More health care professionals are combining traditional medicine with alternative and complimentary to heal and enhance the patients wellbeing.