About Us

Integrative Holistic Medicine Defined

Integrative Medicine — the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between the practitioner and the patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
(Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine Steering Committee)

Holistic Medicine — medical care that views physical and mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment.

Integrative Holistic Medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

The American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine

The American Board of Holistic Medicine was founded in 1996 and officially changed its name to the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine in 2008. The Vision of the ABIHM is to establish and maintain the highest standards of medical care, ignite and sustain the joy and passion of physicians in their work, establish the role of unconditional love as the basis of healing and support, and to recognize the importance of the health of the planet as integral to human health. The intention of this process is the transformation of medical systems towards holism, by combining science and compassion.

The ABIHM will accomplish this mission in the following ways:

• Evaluate the candidacy of applicants (M.D. and D.O.) desiring certification in Integrative Holistic Medicine;
• Create, promote, and continually improve the standards for Integrative Holistic Medicine;
• Provide for the certification and maintenance of certification for physicians in Integrative Holistic Medicine;
• Provide certification at the fellowship level (upcoming);
• Support and encourage the personal and professional growth of physicians;
• Present a comprehensive review course on an annual basis with appropriate support materials;
• Support the community of Integrative Holistic Medical practitioners;
• Seek cooperation with other professional and community groups who support Integrative Holistic Medicine;
• Continue to compile and make available the scientific content and data base which support Integrative Holistic Medicine.