EAST-WEST MEDICINE. my career in medicine. Yet, healthcare as provided today seems to have lost sight of its focus: the patient.

Transcription

1 EAST-WEST MEDICINE Winter 2010 The study of medicine begins with the patient, continues with the patient, and ends with the patient. Sir William Osler Letter from the Director Our Approach to Patient Care Our team of UCLA-trained, board-certified physicians has a strong background in traditional Chinese medicine. They work in unison with a team of Chinese medicine experts at all stages of patient care and management. During the initial office visit the physician will perform an exam that combines western and Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques. The physician will then design an individualized treatment plan which integrates western strategies with Chinese medicine techniques. We place strong emphasis on self-help to empower patients to achieve wellness and prevent illnesses. These words have inspired me throughout my career in medicine. Yet, healthcare as provided today seems to have lost sight of its focus: the patient. Despite ground-breaking medical research findings and the development of life-saving surgical procedures and pharmaceuticals, our healthcare system has been shown to have many shortcomings. Not only have the accelerating costs been under scrutiny, questions are also being raised about the paradigm that leans heavily upon high-tech and invasive crisis intervention. Decades of debates have finally reached the historical juncture when major reforms to our healthcare system are now urgently needed. Over the last forty years at UCLA, I have come into contact with many patients who suffer from health problems that have eluded solutions. In my effort to solve problems for my patients, I have become convinced that we need to rebalance our healthcare system to focus on patient-oriented care, prevention, early disease recognition, and health promotion. Medical traditions other than the western biomedical model should also be recognized for their potential to heal both the current system and the human population. This conviction is what inspired me to establish the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine sixteen years ago. Since then we have helped thousands of patients by blending the best of both modern western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Our programs in education, research, and resource development continue to nurture innovative ideas and effect change. The successful outcomes of our approach tell us that we are in a unique position to transform healthcare toward a positive direction. I invite you to join us in our effort to make healthcare safe, effective, affordable, and accessible to everyone. Ka-Kit Hui, M.D., F.A.C.P Wallis Annenberg Professor in Integrative East-West Medicine Founder and Director, UCLA Center for East-West Medicine

2 UCLA s Center for East-West Medicine saved my life. Several years ago my body began to betray me. Bizarre irregularities appeared one by one over the course of a year: constant heart palpitations; lightheadedness; burning and irritated lips/palate/gums/tongue; worsening of my hypoglycemia; constant, severe gastrointestinal pain; abdominal bloating; sinus problems; pain in my salivary glands; severe pain in hands and feet; constant neck pain; nausea; flashes of anxiety; reappearance of menopausal hot flashes; and sensitivities to chemicals and drugs I previously tolerated. Not surprisingly, I deteriorated mentally. I spent my day crying and despairing. An analyst by trade, I believed that, if I could organize the symptoms, surely one alert physician could diagnose me. But that never happened. Over the course of more than a year, I saw two dozen specialists, including eleven days of testing at The Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Months went by, but my symptoms failed to improve and new ones appeared. Six months later, I walked into the East-West Center. My Western doctor at the Center explained that they saw patients like me all the time and could help me. Improvements came quickly with weekly acupuncture and acupressure treatments by my Eastern doctor of Chinese Medicine and with moderate dietary adjustments. Occasionally, tiny lidocaine shots were used to train my screaming muscles to calm. Aside from that, I was given no drugs, not even any herbs. Soon my body was no longer my enemy. Three years later I m on a maintenance schedule of one treatment every three weeks, my body has regained its equilibrium and I know how to keep it on track. Western medicine has some excellent methods of diagnostics and treatments. But it compartmentalizes the body into specialties and is incapable of treating it as a whole. But much of what we consult Western medicine for can be accomplished far better by Chinese medicine, more gently, less invasively, less expensively, and it can even succeed where Western medicine fails. So, yes, the Center for East-West Medicine saved my life! Karen Benefits of the Integrative East-West Approach: Improved qualify of life Fewer medications Lower risk of side-effects and other complications Lower cost Dr. Jun Liang Yu recently retired after working with Dr. Hui for twenty-four years. Their partnership commenced in 1985 when he trained under Dr. Hui in clinical pharmacology at UCLA. In 1993, Dr. Yu joined Dr. Hui to establish the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. Dr. Yu played a vital role in developing an integrative medicine model and has trained many medical students, rotating residents, fellows and clinicians, including clinicians currently practicing at the Center s clinic. Dr. Jun Liang Yu (right) with Dr. Ka-Kit Hui. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.2

3 Extending the Reach of East-West Medicine Malcolm Taw, M.D. I am a big believer in East- West medicine. [It] could save patients and the healthcare system a lot of money. Dr. Schockman, Vice-chairman of Postsecondary Education Commission for the State of California Dr. Malcolm Taw was introduced to the Center for East-West Medicine when he enrolled in the course offered to fourthyear medical students in What drew me to the field of integrative East-West medicine was seeing the benefit I have sent many patients with refractory sinusitis to the Center, where they benefit from the holistic approach to treatment. We presented our treatment philosophy and preliminary data from to the patient. During the fourth-year course, there was a patient with Meniere s Disease, who had severe vertigo. He had sought Western medical care, but nothing worked. At the Center, he was treated with acupuncture, Chinese therapeutic massage, and trigger point injections. Not only did he our study [on refractory get better, he was able to swing dance! chronic sinusitis] at a Dr. Taw is now Assistant Clinic Professor at recent national otolaryngology meeting, where there the Center. He is an Internist certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine was great interest in our and has undergone training in a Masters approach. Degree program in Oriental Medicine. He Marilene Wang, M.D., F.A.C.S.; Professor, UCLA, Division of Head and Neck Surgery; Chief, Head and Neck Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles is developing a special clinic focusing on Head and Neck Disorders to treat patients with migraines, tension headaches, dizziness, vertigo, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Healthcare System Dr. H. Eric Schockman, one of Dr. Taw s patients, travels a great deal in the course of his work. But his ability to do his work was impaired when he began to experience hearing loss, vertigo, hallucinations at night, insomnia, and a constant noise in his ears, all of which worsened when he flew. Dr. Schockman was seen by an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon and had numerous tests. Months passed but there was no diagnosis. I reached the end of the Western medicine route when my doctor said, We can t do anything more. You ll just have to live with it. Someone referred me to Dr. Malcolm Taw. He treated me with acupuncture and trigger point injections and also taught me self-acupressure. After six months, the condition cleared. I have none of the symptoms, even when I fly. Dr. Taw is an excellent healer, sensitive to the patient, and he understands how East-West medicine can make a person whole. One of Dr. Taw s current research projects on refractory sinusitis is carried out in collaboration with Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Marilene Wang. The study is to objectively measure the improvement in sinus and global health symptoms after treatment at the Center. In addition, Dr. Taw traveled to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators healthcare advisors to discuss how integrative medicine can help with healthcare reform. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.3

4 Without East-West medicine, I would not be where I am today. Ellistine Davis-Alfred suffered from episodic left-sided numbness and weakness, transient right-sided visual loss, dry and burning eyes, headaches, and fatigue caused by Multiple Sclerosis. Her physicians prescribed a number of potent medications, which Ms. Davis-Alfred could not tolerate. Symptoms were so severe that she was hospitalized for three days. The case manager in the hospital referred me to the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. I did go to the Center and have been treated by Dr. Lawrence Taw. I am so much better. My symptoms are gone. I am no longer on any M.S. drugs. I am not limping. My pain has decreased. I no longer have migraines. Dr. Taw taught me how to manage my symptoms by myself. Dr. Lawrence Taw also was introduced to the Center in our fourth-year medical student class and was deeply impressed with the therapeutic potential of integrative medicine. Dr. Lawrence Taw offers the following dietary tips to decrease inflammation: Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, including fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and flaxseed. Increase intake of fiber. Examples include organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For cooking, use extra virgin olive oil. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Lawrence Taw, M.D. He returned on rotation as a resident, then, as a Fellow. Now he is a Board certified Internist and assistant clinic professor at the Center. He is trained in a Masters Degree program in Oriental Medicine. Dr. Taw has developed a clinical and educational program that focuses on patients with inflammatory diseases. The Inflammation Program targets patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The goal is to improve the patients health by partnering with and empowering them to make healthier lifestyle choices. Dr. Taw s individualized treatments and patient education have helped decrease or control inflammation and reduce medications. Lawrence Taw, MD with students from UCLA School of Medicine. My patients suffering from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have had excellent results from the Center for East-West Medicine at UCLA. Through my collaboration with the physicians and healthcare providers at the Center, my patients receive an individualized treatment plan tailored for their condition. Learning more about health and disease from the Traditional Chinese medicine perspective has allowed me to appreciate the benefits of this approach for health maintenance, wellness and disease prevention. Mihaela Taylor, M.D., Rheumatologist, UCLA Medical Center UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.4

5 A Comprehensive Center for Integrative Medicine REFLECTIONS BY STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS I like the idea of thinking about medicine as a more holistic, whole-body, systemsbased treatment rather than a reductionist, machine-like approach of Western medicine. I look forward to learning, exploring, and practicing some of these Eastern medicine teachings. Research Educational Programs Clinical Care International Collaboration The interconnected programs at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine Information Resources Fourth-year medical student Educational Programs Throughout my few weeks of learning here, I have been transformed from an initial skeptic, to a firm supporter of the Center s approach to healthcare I believe that this combined framework is the model of the future, and will revolutionize the care of chronic disease, as well as quality of life, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. My hope is that one-day, this healthcare model will be nationally integrated into our current Western medical education. Its ramifications extend beyond pushing the limits of disease treatment, but also encompass costeffectiveness and patient empowerment. Rotating resident from Harvard Medical School Education and training permeates every aspect of the Center s activities. Our education programs include: Courses for medical students Resident rotations Fellowships for physicians and nurse practitioners Special focus on primary care, preventive care, geriatrics and palliative care Summer Course: Introduction to integrative medicine Open to non-medical students Suzie Lee, NP, LAc Nurse Practitioner Fellow Grant Chu, MD is our first East- West Primary Care Fellow. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.5

6 The UCLA Information Center for Integrative Medicine is being developed by the Center for East-West Medicine in partnership with the Institute of Information of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and the UCLA Library System. This project aims to provide comprehensive and interdisciplinary information access and services to medical professionals and researchers in integrative medicine. Explore IM Web Portal was launched in the summer of It serves as a gateway for the public, practitioners and educators to explore multiple perspectives on the Information Resources integrative medicine movement. The video clips were collected through the Visual History Project and are linked to related writings, profiles of prominent figures, podcasts, as well as upcoming events and new research findings. International Collaboration The Center plays an active role in international conferences, organizes seminars, and hosts presentations by distinguished scientists and clinicians from across the world. Our research and resource development efforts often involve international collaboration. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block greeted Professor Han Jisheng (right), a neuroscientist from China known for his acupuncture research. Dr. Lin Yi (front center) of Guangdong TCM Hospital gave a talk about breast health to CEWM supporters from the Chinese community. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.6

7 Research Most of the articles published by our clinicians and researchers can be accessed from the Center s website: OUR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AGENDA We have expanded our research focus in integrative medicine to reach beyond medicine to involve scholars in health systems research, cost assessment studies, policy analysis, as well as sociological and cultural implications of medical care. Some of our ongoing and recently completed projects include: Medical Student Attitudes Toward Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine East-West Approaches to Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors Refractory Chronic Sinusitis Pilot Study Whole Systems Research of the Clinical Care Model at the Center for East-West Medicine Case Studies on Chronic Cough, Chronic Fatigue, Neck Pain, and Inflammation Our team of clinicians (left to right) Edward Hui, Suzie Lee, Jie-jia Li, Ka-Kit Hui, Mingdong Li, Malcolm Taw, Grant Chu and Lawrence Taw. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine p.7

8 You may wish to give to the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine to support its greatest needs. It is of special value for our Center to receive unrestricted funds, which can be used for the most pressing expenses or program opportunities. Or you may wish to earmark your donation for a particular project that is dear to your heart. We will work with you to direct your gift to the area of your greatest concern and interest. The Center could not have achieved our success without the generous gifts of our supporters. Your gift will ensure that we maintain quality care and sustain progress in our ongoing effort to improve healthcare. All gifts to the Center are tax deductible as provided by law. There are many ways to give. These include gifts of appreciated securities; matching gifts; pledges; real estate; bequests; charitable gift annuities; and qualified retirement plans. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Oppenheimer with Dr. and Mrs. Hui. Please make your check payable to the UCLA Foundation Fund #6695 and mail to: UCLA Center for East-West Medicine 1033 Gayley Avenue, Suite 111 Los Angeles, California Visit our website: UCLA Center for East-West Medicine cewm@mednet.ucla.edu Clinic - Santa Monica 2428 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 208 Santa Monica, CA Tel: (310) Fax: (310) Education and Research - Westwood 1033 Gayley Avenue, Suite 111 Los Angeles, California Tel: (310) Fax: (310)