clinical update
To learn more or schedule an appointment , call 205-801-8139
( UAB patients ) or 205-934-5077
( non-UAB patients )
“ Integrative medicine is adding to conventional medicine by targeting the whole person , body , mind and spirit ,” says Carolina Salvador , M . D ., director of the UAB Integrative Medicine Clinic and assistant professor in the UAB Division of Hematology and Oncology . “ This method encompasses all aspects of a person ’ s lifestyle , and optimizes care with evidence-based practices from both conventional and complementary health care perspectives . It is well-known that what works for one person may not always work for another , and integrative medicine allows us to look at the whole picture and devise a plan that can be most effective .”
Integrative medicine provides many benefits for patients but is also a sustainable model to deliver care . “ From emphasizing preventive health to promoting a dynamic relationship with the physician , to getting individualized medical care , it truly uses a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach for the betterment of the patient ,” Dr . Salvador says .
The services provided by the Integrative Medicine Clinic are delivered by a diverse group of clinical , behavioral and other professionals , headed by Dr . Salvador , who was specially trained at the prestigious Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine , founded in 1994 by its famed director , Andrew Weil , M . D .
The team ’ s psychologist has extensive expertise in treating patients suffering from physical illness and disability , bereavement , depression , or trauma-related issues . The psychologist incorporates meditation and mindfulness techniques designed to enhance well-being into the patient ’ s comprehensive care plan .
A registered yoga teacher offers mindful , breath-centered yoga for fostering body awareness , building strength , and finding ease and balance . Programs include Yoga of Awareness for Chronic Pain , Mindful Yoga for Cancer and Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors .
Artists from the UAB Arts in Medicine program work hand in hand with the Integrative Medicine Clinic by offering visual arts and guided meditation , dance and movement
activities , and storytelling and movement sessions . Zentangle method drawing instruction and the Joy of Singing program are two of the classes offered by the artists .
UAB ’ s Pastoral Care team provides spiritual support , compassionate listening , companionship and guidance to help meet each patient ’ s practical , emotional and spiritual needs while tapping into their most cherished sources of meaning , power and hope .
“ Many people confuse integrative medicine with alternative medicine ,” says Dr . Salvador , also an associate scientist with the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center . “ The difference with the UAB Integrative Medicine Clinic is that the patient will continue under the care of their primary oncologist or primary care physician . The integrative medicine specialists will work directly with each caregiver as a comprehensive team .”
Although Dr . Salvador will see patients with any chronic disease , most will be cancer patients . “ Patients are interested in trying anything that may help them , including complementary and alternative therapies for treatment ,” she says . “ While complementary therapies like yoga , massage , meditation and acupuncture can help with symptoms and side effects , many alternative cancer treatments are unproven or even dangerous .
“ We have the training to discern the scientific evidence or lack thereof behind some complementary and alternative therapies . For example , we can discuss how some dietary supplements may interfere with standard cancer treatments , and the need for coordinated and safe integrated care .”
Patients can be referred into the program or can self-refer but need to check with their insurance carrier regarding coverage . Most insurance will cover the integrative medicine and integrative psychologist .
The Integrative Medicine Clinic is located at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital , inside the Hematology-Oncology Clinic on the second floor . Some services are offered at alternate locations .
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