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Integrative Medicine
| Patients | Community | Staff | Program Directors |
Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare based on an understanding that healing is more than the elimination of physical symptoms of illness. Integrative medicine uses a range of standard and non-standard practices (sometimes called complementary therapies) to support the healing of the individual on all levels – mental, emotional, spiritual and physical – according to personal choice.
Integrative medicine also addresses the hospital itself as a healing environment, the well-being of staff, and the effects of the physical environment on everyone present. At Suburban Hospital, Integrative Medicine Services is a philanthropically supported program working closely with all areas of the hospital and bringing innovative options to inpatients, outpatients, community members, and staff. For more information about our program, call 301.896.7667.
Integrative Medicine Services is working currently with the Joint Replacement Center, Cancer Care, and Cardiac Care. Therapies include mind-body skills such as guided imagery and breath work, aromatherapy, Healing Touch, music (recorded and live), and pet therapy. Other approaches will be introduced as the program develops.
Integrative Medicine Services offers the community a stress management program already highly successful within the hospital. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week course that has been studied and found useful for individuals with cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, and other conditions as well as for smoking cessation. It is also effective with healthy individuals who are dealing with stress in their lives.
The MBSR course offers teaching and guidance in mindfulness meditation practices, deep relaxation techniques, and gentle physical exercises to foster more effective coping with the pressures of life. Participants also practice mindfulness-based communication techniques, learning to express themselves more clearly, see others more directly, and reduce interpersonal stress. Participation in the program involves attendance at all eight classes, a one-day retreat, and a commitment to practice 40 minutes daily. Our instructor is Michael J. Baime, MD, director of the Penn Program for Stress Management, in the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Comments from Previous MBSR Students "I have felt much support to give myself encouragement to STOP, breathe, and not be reactive, to be more peaceful." "I've noticed the effects most in my personal relationships, being more calm and less argumentative. I have definitely felt less stressed." "I have become a better listener – calmer when in a period of conflict." "I am sleeping better whenever I use the techniques, and when I don't – back to old patterns." |
To review the classs schedule and description, click here for our class listing by topic and search under "Healthy Lifestyles." In addition, Suburban Hospital's WellWorks and Cancer Care programs offer additional community classes such as massage, Tai Chi, and yoga.
Opportunities available to Suburban Hospital employees at no charge include the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program and Healing Touch training. Classes such as yoga and Tai Chi are also available.
Beverly Pierce, MLS, MA, RN, CHTP, Director of Integrative Medicine Services
Bev Pierce’s background in integrative medicine includes teaching, practice, research, writing, and program development. She is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, who also uses guided imagery, breath work, meditation and music in her work with patients and staff.
Robert Rothstein, MD, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine Services
A traditionally trained physician, Dr. Rothstein has long been interested in the wealth of nontraditional practice that may improve health and well-being for our patients and our staff.
For more information about our program, call 301.896.7667.