ABPS Integrative Medicine study plan

Map the domain-2 blueprint section into a checklist of subtopics (macronutrients, micronutrients, supplement regulation, botanical safety, drug-herb interactions) and rate your confidence on each

Define the core tenets and historical roots of integrative medicine and distinguish them from conventional and alternative care models

Build a one-page reference table of the major dietary patterns (Mediterranean, DASH, plant-based, low-carbohydrate) with their evidence base and typical indications

List the top drug-supplement and drug-herb interactions you must recognize and note the mechanism class for each

Classify common botanicals by their evidence-supported use and known safety concerns

Explain how dietary supplements are regulated and what claims are and are not permitted

Apply a stepwise approach to evaluating a patient's supplement regimen for interactions and contraindications

Practice answering supplement-safety vignettes and record the reasoning used for each answer

Organize the chronic pain domain around mechanism categories (nociceptive, neuropathic, centralized) and match integrative modalities to each

Summarize the evidence for mind-body approaches in chronic pain, anxiety, and depression

Describe the physiological basis of the relaxation response, mindfulness, and paced breathing

Outline a stepped integrative pain plan for a sample patient with chronic low back pain

Compare integrative and conventional management approaches for two common chronic conditions (for example type 2 diabetes and hypertension)

Explain the behavioral mechanisms behind motivational interviewing and health coaching

Draft a sample motivational-interviewing dialogue demonstrating at least four core techniques

Identify red flags that require escalation or referral in integrative chronic-disease care

Describe the theoretical foundations and channel/meridian framework of traditional East Asian medicine at a conceptual level

Summarize the evidence base and safety considerations for acupuncture in common indications

Differentiate manual therapy approaches (spinal manipulation, massage, myofascial release, osteopathic techniques) by proposed mechanism and risk profile

List absolute and relative contraindications for acupuncture and for high-velocity spinal manipulation

Distinguish study designs and identify the design best suited to a given clinical question

Interpret effect sizes, confidence intervals, and levels of evidence without overstating findings

Apply a structured critical-appraisal checklist to one integrative-medicine study

Translate screening and lifestyle recommendations into a personalized prevention plan for a sample patient

Explain informed consent, shared decision-making, and disclosure obligations when discussing integrative options

Identify safety considerations and evidence gaps for integrative care in pregnancy, pediatrics, and older adults

Describe integrative approaches relevant to common women's health concerns with attention to contraindications

Build a lifestyle-counseling script that incorporates behavior-change theory

Describe the regulatory and scope-of-practice landscape relevant to integrative medicine practitioners

Explain interprofessional collaboration models and referral pathways

Integrate all ten domains through full-length timed practice and review every missed item by domain

Consolidate weak areas into a final prioritized review list