Medical approach

Integrated Medicine: care centred on the individual

By integrated medicine, I mean an approach that begins with clinical assessment and connects conventional treatment, lifestyle and complementary tools when useful.

Every proposal is considered for suitability, safety, available evidence and compatibility with current treatment.

Dr Floriana La Marca during a medical consultation

What I mean by integrated medicine

It is not alternative medicine and does not replace necessary care or investigations. It is a medical approach that considers the clinical problem, personal history, current treatment and everyday factors that may influence the pathway.

Integration does not mean combining many treatments indiscriminately. It means selecting only what has a clear purpose, a reasonable benefit–risk balance and an understandable role in care.

How I assess the individual

I begin with the reason for the consultation, symptoms, documents and priorities. I consider established diagnoses, medicines, supplements, nutrition, sleep, movement, stress and personal context without automatically attributing complex problems to one factor.

When different expertise, tests or treatments are needed, I recommend working with other professionals and keep the boundaries of my role clear.

What may be considered

The pathway depends on the situation and does not automatically include every available tool.

  • Conventional treatment already prescribed and how well it is tolerated.
  • Nutrition, movement, sleep and other relevant habits.
  • Medicines and supplements, with attention to interactions and duplication.
  • Acupuncture or complementary tools when appropriate.
  • Investigations and online services only when they answer a defined question or goal.

How a pathway is developed

I agree priorities and next steps with the person, distinguishing what is necessary from what is optional. The pathway may involve one recommendation, a period of observation or several coordinated interventions.

I review usefulness, response and sustainability over time. If a tool is not appropriate or does not add value, it is not included.

When a medical discussion may help

A discussion may be useful when several concerns overlap, when you would like to review treatment and habits together, or when you need to understand which investigation to consider first.

An online consultation may suit document review and guidance when no physical examination or procedure is required. Otherwise, an in-clinic appointment is preferable.

Explore two clinical areas that may form part of integrated care, or review the online services available.

To help you navigate

Further reading about the microbiome, mindfulness and the integration of different perspectives in practice.

Frequently asked questions about integrated medicine

Clarifying the scope and method of this approach.

No. It begins with clinical medicine and may integrate complementary tools without replacing necessary treatment or investigations.

No. Treatment should not be changed without medical advice; I assess compatibility, effectiveness and possible interactions in context.

No. Supplements and nutraceuticals are considered only when appropriate, linked to a clear aim and compatible with medicines and health conditions.

No. It is one possible tool and is suggested only when assessment supports its use.

It may be possible for discussion, document review and guidance. Physical examination, procedures and treatments require attendance in person.

No. Priorities, tools and timing depend on the situation, goals and what genuinely adds value.

Would you like to understand which assessment to begin with?

You can contact the clinic or explore the Online Specialist Consultation when a remote discussion is appropriate.

Contacts Explore the Online Specialist Consultation

The format depends on what needs to be assessed.