International Conference on Integrative Medicine

14 – 15 March 2009, UP College of Medicine, Manila

The First International Integrative Medical Conference in the Philippines took place in Manila on the 14/15 of March 2009. This conference was organised by the College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines in partnership with Blumea Clinic and Invitation to Health. This conference was a result of some initial discussion in December between Dr Paulita Baclig and representatives of Invitation to Health from Australia.

The purpose of the two days was to share the work and experience of six doctors and practitioners working in two Integrative Medical Centres located in Australia and France, in order to encourage medical practitioners in the Philippines to work in an integrative manner together. Both Medical Centres have been at the forefront of integrating primary health care with allied health and complementary health practice, providing holistic health management, with therapeutic services that address the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients, staff and practitioners and the broader community. The Philippines has a rich history of herbal and acupuncture practices which was presented on the first morning of the conference by Dr. Michael Tan, Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan and Dr. Isidro Sia. There is a desire amongst the Philippino doctors to integrate this knowledge into patient care.

The University of Medicine is hoping that this first conference will generate much interest in the Philippines for Integrative Medicine. After the conference, doctors from both medical centres conducted several workshops and clinics in the hospital.

To get more information please connect to http://www.philippineintegrativemedicine.com