ABPS Integrative Medicine case studies
ABPS Integrative Medicine · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ABPS Integrative Medicine credential is a board certification offered by the American Board of Physician Specialties for physicians who combine conventional care with evidence-informed complementary approaches. It is aimed at practicing clinicians-primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, and specialists-who want formal recognition of competency in integrative practice rather than a single-modality certificate. The ABPS Integrative Medicine case studies are 5 cases and about 2,046 words.
1Warfarin and a Patient-Initiated Herbal Stack
A 67-year-old man with atrial fibrillation on warfarin (stable INR 2.4-2.7 for 14 months) presents for an integrative consult. He started, on his own, a "heart health" regimen 3 weeks ago: fish oil 2 g/day, garlic extract 600 mg/day, ginkgo 120 mg/day, and a turmeric capsule standardized to 95% curcuminoids 500 mg twice daily.
444 words, about 2 min2Chronic Low Back Pain, Opioid Taper, and a Skeptical Patient
A 52-year-old woman with 6 years of chronic nonspecific low back pain is on oxycodone 10 mg four times daily and gabapentin 600 mg three times daily. Her pain is 7/10, function is poor, and she has gained 12 kg.
408 words, about 2 min3Insomnia in a Perimenopausal Patient Who Wants 'Natural'
A 49-year-old woman in perimenopause reports 5 months of difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking at 3 a.m. with night sweats 3-4 nights/week.
342 words, about 2 min4Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea in a Thrombocytopenic Patient
A 58-year-old woman with stage III breast cancer is mid-chemotherapy (an anthracycline/taxane regimen). She has refractory nausea and vomiting despite two antiemetics and asks about acupuncture.
344 words, about 2 min5A Patient Requesting 'Adrenal Fatigue' Treatment and Unproven Testing
A 41-year-old man presents with 8 months of fatigue, afternoon crashes, poor concentration, and feeling 'wired but tired.' He has seen a wellness clinic that diagnosed 'adrenal fatigue' based on a salivary cortisol curve and sold him a $180/month supplement pack containing bovine adrenal extract, ashwagandha, rhodiola, licorice root, and high-dose B vitamins. He wants you to continue the plan and order 'the same test.' Review of systems: 6 kg unintentional weight loss, intermittent palpitations, and increased thirst.
508 words, about 3 min