Philosophy of Care

The relationship between patient and doctor is special and it is important to ensure our philosophy of care is open and honest.

The most important asset doctors can share with their patients is their time. In the direct primary care model, we enjoy having the time to listen to our patients’ concerns so their needs can be met, in whatever way is best for them.

How we practice medicine at Maine integrative family care:

1) We use both conventional and natural approaches to health. Typically, conventional medical training is utilized in diagnosing a patient’s condition while both holistic and conventional options are used in treatment. We begin treating both health and disease with lifestyle first, where appropriate. Nutrition is most important but exercise and movement, sleep, stress management, and social relationships are also valuable. Lifestyle is extremely undervalued in today’s culture and there is a vast over-reliance on prescription medications and other invasive procedures. We believe in treating the underlying cause of disease, if able, rather than simply treating symptoms.

2) More natural, holistic approaches are used when lifestyle is not optimized and when patients are open to these treatments. Conventional prescription medications and other procedures are used when appropriate. For example, antibiotics are often necessary and blood pressure medications are indicated when lifestyle and natural approaches aren’t enough to reduce blood pressure to acceptable levels. In some cases, we can use supplements, mind-body approaches (such as meditation and yoga), and acupuncture.

3) We will not make our patients do anything they do not want to do. We will explain all options to our patients up front, discuss the risks and benefits of each, and let our patients decide what is best for them.