Holistic Physicians

High School

To become a holistic physician, you will have to study for 11 or more years after high school. Preparing for this profession is extremely demanding. Because you'll be entering a premed program in college, you'll want to take as many science classes as possible. Biology, chemistry, and physics will prepare you for college medical courses.

Holistic physicians need excellent communication abilities in order to build successful partnership relationships with their patients. Psychology, English, and speech classes and participation on the debate team can help sharpen your communication skills. Business, mathematics, and computer courses can help you gain the skills you need to be a successful businessperson.

Postsecondary Training

To become a holistic physician, you must first become a conventional physician. In order to do this, you must complete a bachelor's degree and medical school.

At the insistence of many students, conventional medical schools now include courses in alternative therapies, but they are still relatively few in number. There are also a small group of naturopathic medical colleges that are accredited by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (https://aanmc.org). As interest in alternative approaches grows, the number of courses available in medical schools will undoubtedly increase. Most holistic physicians train themselves in alternative modalities through special postgraduate work and continuing education. A few graduate schools now offer specialized programs in alternative health care approaches and a very few residencies are available.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in holistic health. For example, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona, offers certificates in holistic herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and other holistic health areas. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

The Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine offers an Integrative and Whole Health Foundations Certificate Program. Visit https://aihm.org/fiwh-certificate for more information on this 300-hour, online program.

Other Education or Training

The American Herbalists Guild offers webinars such as The Worst Weeds Are Your Best Medicine, Natural Support for Brain Health, and Networking for Herbalists. The American Botanical Council, the American Herbal Products Association, and the Herb Society of America also provide continuing education classes and webinars.

Other Education or Training

The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Herbalists Guild, American Botanical Council, the American Herbal Products Association, Herb Society of America, and other associations provide continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops. Contact these organizations for more information.