What is Integrative Medicine? An Interview with Dr. Lael Conway Duncan, MD

I sat down with Lael Conway Duncan, MD, to discuss her work at Good Medicine, a group of healthcare professionals focused on the emerging field of private medical advocacy and guidance in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating with honors from the University of Washington Medical School in the early nineties, Dr. Duncan started working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and expanded her career to encompass a range of medical specialties. In addition to being a hardworking healthcare professional, Dr. Duncan is also a dedicated mother.

Dr. Lael Conway Duncan, MD

Katie: Dr. Duncan, please give us an idea about what Good Medicine is, and what are its specific goals? Lael: Our aim at Good Medicine is to be a support and guide for families who are interfacing with the medical system, whether they are considering options or facing crises. We work for patients and families or caregivers to improve the care experience for a patient and the family through various means, including: shared decision-making, improved awareness of goals and values, attention to safety and organized care planning. Katie: What exactly do you do at Good Medicine? Lael: Mainly facilitate and coordinate care. Most importantly, we provide a lot of communication and education. We provide support, specific guidance and care coordination. We do this by meeting with patients and families, doing active counseling and facilitating care communications. We provide a number of different services depending on the needs of the family or patient. We also specialize in doing Advance Care Planning and helping with End-of-Life care options, including assistance documenting your values and wishes, and communicating your intentions to your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA-HC), key healthcare providers and your chosen decision-makers. We review and revise your document to keep it updated. We could also be available at your bedside or over the phone to support your DPOA-HC or decision-maker at critical points in your illness. Katie: I was wondering, how did you decide to pursue a career in this particular field? Lael: There was such an obvious need…and I was drawn to it. Many of my prior experiences led me in this direction. I enjoy helping people understand and taking the time for them to gain clarity in difficult situations. I like to look at the bigger picture and to help people match their care plans to their values, goals and beliefs and also to find a path that is logistically comfortable for them. Katie: What do you mean when you talk on your website about “Integrative Medicine”? Lael: In the most technical sense, Integrative Medicine is when you combine traditional Western or Allopathic medicine with other forms of care. These can be mind and body treatments, Eastern or Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, massage, meditation practice… anything that is not traditionally a form of standard Western care when incorporated into a care plan, is integrative. Most commonly it is used to suggest Western care and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Naturopathy, but there are many forms of complementary care that can combine with Western care.   Katie: Thanks so much Dr. Duncan! Can’t wait to see how you and your team affect positive change in the medical field.