Dr. Brad, what led you to pursue a career in Integrative Medicine?
My interest in integrative medicine was a natural outgrowth of being a martial arts student, which I began at age eight. Over time, I also learned about Chinese philosophy, medical theory, as well practical applications for promoting health and well-being – through, for example, cultivating one’s energetic body (“Qi”). Although not recognized as a biological system by conventional medical practice, as a martial artist and a physician, I have experienced, both personally and professionally, how this life force confers health benefits.
My grandmother also played a major role in my interest in Integrative Medicine. When I was growing up, we went on long walks, and I can recall her telling me repeatedly, “Brad if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” She was someone who walked the talk, and at age sixty-five, she started doing yoga daily. She continued her practice until she passed away at age eighty-six. Yoga helped her in so many ways – it gave her vitality, and improved her mobility and digestion. It informed the way she lived her life, and it absolutely inspired mine. Care for your body and soul, and it will care for you. These primary experiences – martial arts as a kid and my grandmother’s life path – foundational experiences which drew me further into field of integrative medicine.
By participating in public health projects as a college graduate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and interning as a Master’s of Public Health student at the Centers for Disease Control, I came to appreciate the benefits of conventional medicine. I decided to go to conventional medical school rather than Chinese medicine school. Yet while in medical school, my father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. This experience revealed the limitations of the conventional medical system, as well as many alternative medical therapies and self-proclaimed healers. The experience showed me the importance of recognizing the patient and family members as participating members of the ‘health team,’ of recognizing the human potential for self-healing, and of the importance of considering all appropriate therapeutic options.
It became obvious that we need a high-tech, high-touch, whole-system approach that is individualized to each person’s unique circumstances, beliefs, and preferences. To be able to best serve as a physician, educator, and leader in this emerging new health paradigm, I pursued training in healing modalities I found to be most beneficial including lifestyle medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, western herbal medicine and dietary supplements, mind body medicine, and functional medicine. As well, and vitally important to my practice, I deepened my personal practice to become a better listener. Now, I bring all my medical knowledge and expertise together to offer a comprehensive practice of Integrative Medicine.