What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine is a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to healthcare that seeks to address the full spectrum of factors influencing your health—physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental. Rather than merely addressing symptoms, integrative medicine looks at the root causes of illness, recognizing that health is a dynamic interplay of many interconnected elements. This philosophy combines the best of conventional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies such as acupuncture, nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, massage, and herbal medicine. The goal is to treat the whole person, fostering balance and long-term wellness rather than solely focusing on managing disease.

At our clinic, we understand that every individual is unique, and so are their health needs. Our integrative approach begins with listening—delving into your medical history, lifestyle, stressors, and personal goals. This allows us to create a highly personalized treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. For example, a plan might include addressing dietary patterns to reduce inflammation, practicing mindfulness for stress management, or incorporating physical therapy to enhance mobility and reduce pain.

Integrative medicine also emphasizes the importance of prevention and self-care. By empowering you with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, this approach helps you take control of your health journey. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from illness, or simply striving to enhance your overall well-being, integrative medicine offers a supportive, holistic framework to help you thrive. At its core, integrative medicine is about treating the person, not just the disease, and creating a partnership between you and your healthcare provider to achieve optimal health in every aspect of your life.

How is this different from a conventional doctor?

Integrative medicine differs from conventional medicine in its holistic approach to health and wellness, prioritizing the root causes of illness and the overall well-being of the individual. Conventional doctors typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using medications, procedures, and standardized protocols. While highly effective for acute conditions and emergencies, this approach often emphasizes symptom management rather than addressing the interconnected factors contributing to long-term health.

At our clinic, Dr. Weiser-McCarthy and Dr. Abdullah exemplify the bridge between these two approaches. Both are conventional doctors by training, having completed internal medicine residencies at the nation’s top institutions and advanced fellowships in integrative medicine through the University of Arizona. Their expertise extends beyond traditional medicine to include mind-body stress reduction, reiki, herbal and supplement management, and clinical nutrition.

This unique combination of skills enables them to seamlessly integrate conventional medical treatments with a more holistic, evidence-based plan of care. For example, they understand which supplements are safe to take alongside prescription medications, what diagnostic studies are essential for ruling out medical conditions, and which nutrition and complementary treatments are backed by research for efficacy and safety.

By addressing the full spectrum of factors influencing your health—physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental—Dr. Weiser-McCarthy and Dr. Abdullah work collaboratively with you to create a highly personalized treatment plan. This integrative approach not only treats the illness but empowers you with tools to promote healing, prevent disease, and achieve optimal wellness.

Do I Still Need a Primary Care Provider?

Yes, unless you are enrolled in our concierge primary care plan, having a primary care doctor is essential for your overall healthcare. Your primary care physician plays a vital role in your treatment team, managing annual physical exams, routine health screenings, and sick visits. After your initial consultation with us, they will receive a detailed integrative medicine treatment plan to ensure seamless coordination of care.Wwe prioritize collaboration with primary care providers to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed. If you do not currently have a primary care doctor, our team works closely with many trusted providers and will gladly provide a referral to help you find the right fit for your needs.

I’ve Already Had a Lot of Testing. Can You Review My Past Medical Records at My Visit?

Yes, reviewing your past medical records is an important part of creating a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. We encourage you to upload any pertinent medical records to our secure portal prior to your appointment. This allows our team to review your history in advance and ensures that your consultation is as thorough and efficient as possible. Your previous test results and medical history provide valuable insights that help us tailor our recommendations to your unique needs.

Do I Need to See One of the Doctors Before Seeing Your Dietitian, Pilates Instructor, or Acupuncturist?

Yes, we require all patients to have a comprehensive visit with one of our physicians before beginning care with any of our complementary providers. This ensures that your treatment plan is safe, effective, and evidence-based. Our physicians carefully evaluate your unique needs and medical history to design a personalized plan that integrates seamlessly with services like nutrition counseling, Pilates, or acupuncture.

Our team works collaboratively, maintaining constant communication to monitor your progress and ensure you’re responding well to your treatment plan. This holistic approach allows us to deliver the highest level of care tailored specifically to you.

Can I Be Seen for Telehealth?

Yes, telehealth appointments are available. Dr. Weiser-McCarthy is licensed to provide care in New York, Florida, and Connecticut, while Dr. Abdullah is licensed in New York and Connecticut. This allows us to offer the convenience of virtual consultations while maintaining the same level of personalized, integrative care. Whether you're seeking guidance on your treatment plan, follow-up care, or initial consultations, telehealth ensures accessibility and flexibility for your healthcare needs.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Our office does not participate in any commercial insurance plans or Medicare. However, as a courtesy, we are happy to submit your bill to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Reimbursement policies vary by carrier and plan, so we recommend checking with your provider regarding coverage for integrative medicine services.