St. John’s introduces integrative medicine services

Contact: Jean Campbell (217) 544-6464, ext. 44307

SPRINGFIELD – The Center for Living at St. John’s Hospital now offers integrative medicine services, an evolving form of health care that blends the power of Western medicine with the wisdom and practicality of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation and yoga. The combination allows treatment of the whole person – body, mind and spirit – rather than just the disease. Integrative medicine can help alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms, maintain strength and flexibility and promote a sense of well-being.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health, says there is “high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness” to this approach to medicine.

St. John’s is one of less than 50 hospitals nationwide to offer such services. Others include MD Anderson Cancer Center, George Washington University Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

“As Americans take more responsibility and seek greater control over their own health, many are turning to this type of holistic approach,” says Shyam Bhat, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine and psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine and medical director of St. John’s Integrative Medicine Services. “Integrative medicine is guided by patient goals, as well as sound, evidence-based principles. Science and compassion are equally sacred values.”

Dr. Bhat is board certified in both internal medicine and psychiatry. He graduated from Bangalore Medical College, one of the top five medical schools in India. In his new role, he consults with patients, performs a comprehensive bio-psychosocial-spiritual evaluation and develops a treatment plan that can be coordinated with the patient’s primary care physician.

For more information, call (217) 544-LIVE.