Weaving Integrative Medicine into Pediatric DPC

In this episode of the DPC Pediatricians Podcast, Phil and Marina explore how integrative medicine fits naturally within the Direct Primary Care model by discussing the distinctions and overlap between lifestyle medicine, functional medicine, and integrative medicine. Marina explains how integrative pediatrics combines evidence-based conventional care with complementary therapies while focusing on the whole patient and addressing the root causes of disease. They discuss practical strategies such as optimizing nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, and appropriate supplementation, while emphasizing that DPC's longer visits allow for more personalized care and shared decision-making with families. Using ADHD as an example, they illustrate how physicians can thoughtfully combine lifestyle interventions with conventional treatments when appropriate, ultimately encouraging pediatricians to expand their clinical toolbox while remaining grounded in evidence-based medicine.