Integrative Medicine: Students’ Perspective on theFuture of Modern HealthcareBy Sarah Nargiso and Misty Rogers

D espite increasing public interest in“integrative medicine,” the majorityof patient facilities fall short on providingcomprehensive services. Integrative medicine isn’t simply allopathic care. Integrativemedicine is ideally used to promotepractices that provide complete patient carein healing and wellness.

A true model of integrative care is theRoy and Patricia Disney Cancer Centerat Providence St. Joseph’s in Burbank,California. “Committed to Healing Body,Mind, & Spirit” is engraved into the wallsof the facility, and every policy is createdfrom that goal. Today, it is a pioneer inthe creation of integrative medicine byblending technology and the healingarts. Their services include the best inconventional cancer therapy—integratingacupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation.They are one of a few shining examples oftrue modern integrative healthcare.

As senior interns at Emperor’s College,we have been fortunate to spend the pastten weeks in the Acupuncture Departmentat the Disney Center. Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Chu L.Ac., and workingalongside radiation oncologist Dr. LisaSchwartz MD, we treat patients currentlyreceiving conventional care for cancer orrecovering from cancer-related therapies.This experience is a priceless enhancementto our education as we prepare to enter themodern world of medicine.

As a model for integration, patient filesare electronic and shared amongst alldepartments of the hospital. Not only canwe view a complete history and track ourpatients progression in care, but otherdepartments are able to see documentedimprovements their patients are makingwith acupuncture treatment. This mutualexchange of information develops aproductive relationship between Easternand Western modalities, reinforcing ourhigh quality of care.

A typical shift at the Disney Centerbegins with a collaborative meeting withDr. Schwartz to discuss current medicalresearch, cancer prevention, therapy,recovery, and how traditional Chinesemedicine fits into the course of treatment.

Evidence supports that acupuncture is ableto combat the harsh side effects of cancertherapy including: pain, nausea, hot flashes,fatigue, neutropenia, and xerostomia. AsTCM’s philosophy is illness prevention,our healing modality has much to offerthrough patient education about lifestylemodifications that are proven to enhanceoverall health, prevent cancer, aid recoveryand reduce relapse. We discuss and personalize approaches to nutrition, exercise andstress management with our patients toraise their consciousness and guide themback to their vitality.

Under the supervision of Dr. Chu, wehave had the rare opportunity to receiveone-on-one tutorials of true Master Tungstyle acupuncture, and treatment principlesderived solely from classical texts ofChinese Medicine. The simple eleganceand effectiveness of this approach neverceases to amaze our patients, as the use

of one acupoint can greatly diminish theirpain and symptoms. The use of MasterTung’s Xin Ling point caused a skepticalnew patient to say “You have just made mea believer,” as her radiation and surgically-induced pain and stiffness subsided withinseconds after insertion.

Working at the Disney Center with Dr.Schwartz and Dr. Chu in a synergisticsetting has taught us what integrativemedicine should look like. We understandthe importance of establishing constructiverelationships with our Western partners tocreate an alliance which provides the safest,most comprehensive and most effectivecare for our patients’ body, mind and spirit.

Sarah Nargiso and Misiy Rogers are seniorlevel interns at Emperors College. Both arecompleting an extermhip at the DisneyCancer Center and are excited about thefrture ofmcdicine.

~4s senior interns at Emperor’s College, we have beenfortunate to spend the past ten weeks in the AcupunctureDepartment at the Disney Center.... we treatpatientscurrently receiving conventional care for cancer or recoveringfrom cancer-related therapies. This experience is apriceless enhancement to our education as we prepare toenter the modern world ofmedicine.”

16 CALIFORNIA JOURNAL OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE