During my residency, I had the opportunity to complete over 500 hours of integrative medicine training through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how foundational that experience would be—not just in my clinical approach, but in how I see, hear, and support my patients every single day.
Integrative medicine is often misunderstood as a separate or “alternative” track. But to me, it’s a philosophy that enhances traditional medicine—not replaces it. It brings together evidence-based conventional treatments with a broader understanding of nutrition, lifestyle, stress, emotional well-being, and the mind-body connection. In a busy family medicine practice, it’s easy to default to diagnosing and prescribing. But integrative medicine taught me to pause, ask better questions, and treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.
Listening Deeper, Treating Smarter
One of the most powerful tools I took from my training was something deceptively simple: listening. Not just for the problem, but for the why. Why is this person always tired? Why does their blood pressure spike despite medication? Often, the answer lies in patterns we miss—chronic stress, poor sleep, nutritional gaps, or unaddressed trauma. My integrative background taught me to ask about these things and to validate them as real contributors to health.
This has completely changed how I approach chronic conditions like fatigue, anxiety, migraines, or irritable bowel syndrome. Instead of reflexively sending a referral or writing a script, I often begin with a deeper conversation about daily habits, stressors, and support systems. We may still end up using medications or specialists, but now those steps are contextualized within a broader healing plan.
Everyday Applications with Every Patient
I use integrative medicine techniques in subtle ways throughout my day. I recommend magnesium to patients with migraines, talk about circadian rhythm and blue light exposure with my insomniacs, and use mindful breathing exercises for children with test anxiety. I counsel families on anti-inflammatory diets for eczema, and I discuss the emotional root of physical symptoms in a way that invites—not intimidates.
These moments aren’t always dramatic, but they add up. Patients feel seen. They’re more likely to return, engage, and take ownership of their health. And I get to practice in a way that aligns with my values.
A Sustainable, Human-Centered Practice
In a time when physician burnout is high and patient trust is fragile, integrative medicine has helped me stay grounded. It reminds me that healing is not just about protocols—it’s about relationships. It’s about knowing the science but never forgetting the soul behind the symptom.
As I continue to grow as a physician, I see integrative medicine not as an “extra” but as a framework that makes everything else more effective. It’s not trendy—it’s timeless. And it’s one of the best investments I made in my training.
Ultimately, integrative medicine has made me a better doctor—not just in knowledge, but in presence. It taught me that healing is rarely linear and never one-size-fits-all. By embracing both the science and the story of each patient, I’m able to offer care that’s more personal, more precise, and more impactful. In every exam room, with every conversation, I’m reminded that medicine isn’t just about fixing—it’s about understanding. And that’s a practice I plan to carry with me for a lifetime.
About Blair Thwaites, MD
Dr. Blair Thwaites is a board-certified family medicine physician who completed over 500 hours of integrative medicine training at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She brings a holistic, patient-centered approach to her practice, blending conventional medical treatments with evidence-based lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body strategies. Dr. Thwaites is passionate about fostering deep connections with her patients and helping them address root causes of chronic conditions.