Upstate Medical University has been accepted as a member of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health (ACIMH) in recognition of its Integrative Medicine program.

Integrative Medicine combines well-researched conventional medicine with well-researched complementary therapies and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing plans for patients.

By joining the ACIMH, Upstate becomes the only institution in New York state outside of New York City and one of only 80 in the world to have this designation.

“SUNY Upstate Medical University’s influence extends far beyond New York, with the impact their team has had on the field of integrative medicine,” said Academic Consortium Chair Amy Locke, MD.  “All of the member institutions of the Academic Consortium, are thrilled to welcome them to our community of whole health champions.” 

Since 2011, Kaushal B. Nanavati, MD, has developed Upstate Integrative Medicine infrastructure, resulting in Upstate being the first academic health center in New York, outside of New York City, to host an Integrative Oncology program.

In subsequent years, Upstate’s Integrative Medicine program has grown with a diverse team of providers, representing multiple domains of medicine, and serving a diverse population with clinical care programs and educational content focused on equity and inclusion. Key current and past faculty include Barbara Feuerstein, MD; Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO; Rebecca Carey, DPT; Lauren Eadline, FNP; Terry Podolak, RD; Robert Crandall; Aliya Hafeez, MD; Harminder Grewal, MBBS; and Susan Stone, MD; among others in the Central New York.

Upstate’s Integrative Medicine services offer a vast repertoire of clinical care programs, including but not limited to oncology, pediatrics, endocrinology, gender-affirming care, yoga and manual therapies, herbalism, and family medicine, also in partnership with the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Six Nations. Upstate further offers robust integrative medicine and wellness training to their medical students and Residents/Fellows, including a variety of courses and content in nutrition, physical activity and exercise, stress management, and spiritual wellness.

Membership in the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health will help Upstate connect with other institutions working toward the same goal and encourage knowledge-sharing, networking, and best practices. It will also allow them to participate in further mentorship opportunities with other providers and institutions working in integrative medicine, continuing their history of doing so.   

Caption: Dr Kaushal Nanavati introduced Upstate's Integrative Medicine program in 2011.