Consumer Health, Patient Care

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Tracy Scheller

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Tracy Scheller

Tracy Scheller, MD, medical director of the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health

To be healthy means more than just being disease free. Our health comprises our physical, psychological, emotional, and social lives. Just as we eat healthfully and exercise to support our bodies, it is important to develop habits that support the other pillars of health, as well. We need to find ways to manage stress, maintain social connections, live mindfully, and deal with emotional issues in the best way possible. This is where integrative medicine comes in.

What is integrative medicine?

Dr. Scheller: Integrative medicine refers to the use of conventional and complementary therapies together in a coordinated and evidence-based way, to facilitate the healing process. In integrative medicine, we consider the patient as a whole person and develop a plan for healing that addresses all aspects of health.

What is the difference between alternative medicine and integrative medicine?

Dr. Scheller: Alternative medicine refers to a non-mainstream approach that is used instead of conventional medicine. What we’re doing at the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health is better described as complementary medicine: We use non-mainstream therapies together with conventional medicine, and all our treatments are supported by research and evidence.

Who might be a good candidate for integrative medicine?

Dr. Scheller: Anyone! You don’t have to have a disease or diagnosis to explore integrative medicine. This is the right move for those who want to take control of their health, make good lifestyle changes, and boost their overall wellness.

A central concept of integrative medicine is that the patient and practitioner operate as partners in the healing process. Why is this kind of relationship important?

Dr. Scheller: This kind of relationship gives patients the sense that they are part of the team. It is important because people need to take an active role in their own health and wellness. When you think about health, it’s a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being—not just the absence of disease. We want people to take part in changing their nutrition, lifestyle habits, and stress levels.

Posted October 2018

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Tracy Scheller

Tracy Scheller, MD, medical director of the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health

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