Western Medicine

Leverage the most effective therapies that science and medicine have to offer by pursuing the best of western medicine throughout your health care journey.

Advancements in western medicine have contributed greatly to the quality of life and longevity of millions throughout the 20th and 21st century. Today, western medicine treatments and approaches can improve health outcomes and life spans in ways never imagined even a decade or two ago. Targeted cancer therapies, stem cell transplants, antiretroviral therapies, biopharmaceuticals, minimally invasive surgeries, advanced imaging techniques, health information technology: all of these innovations and so many others have offered hope, healing, and life where options were once limited.

The majority of people in the United States receive most of their health care from doctors (MDs or DOs), nurses, physician’s assistants (PAs) and other medical providers who practice in in a medical setting like a hospital, medical clinic, or doctor’s office. This system is what most people think of when they hear the term “health care”. The Caring Ambassadors Program refers to this system as “Western Medicine”. Also known as “allopathic”, “conventional”, or “traditional” medicine, this is the most common form of health care in the United States and the western world.

Western Medicine excels in the areas of testing and diagnostics. Most individuals in this country who are living with a chronic health condition received their diagnosis from a doctor practicing western medicine. The goal of western medical doctors in treating people with long-term disease or condition is to:

Diagnose the disease
Stop disease progression
Relieve the symptoms associated with the disease,
Prevent the spread of the disease
Cure the disease (if a cure is available)
Improve quality of life

Western Medicine is Evidence-based

Western physicians make decisions about which treatment will be most helpful to their patients based on controlled, scientific studies. This approach is known as evidence-based medicine. Evidence-based treatment plans may include prescription medication, surgery, infusions, and other conventional procedures and therapies. Understanding the connection between lifestyle and physical health, western medicine practitioners are also more commonly encouraging lifestyle modifications – especially diet and exercise – for many Americans burdened by chronic health condition(s).

What determines if a treatment is evidence-based? Clinical trials are controlled research studies that are used to determine the efficacy and outcomes of treatment interventions, like drugs, new medical procedures, and even lifestyle changes. Clinical trials add to the medical knowledge related to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Clinical trials offer patients an opportunity to be treated with emerging, innovative therapies. In some cases, patients benefit greatly from their inclusion of clinical trials. However, clinical trials always pose a risk of harm to the participant, and clinical trial outcomes, like a new FDA-approved drug, usually benefit future patients. Participating in a clinical trial is a decision that should be taken seriously and discussed with your doctor and other trusted members of your health care and support teams. Click here for a list of questions to ask if you are considering participation in a clinical trial or research study.

For more information on clinical trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov or the

The Healthcare System

The US healthcare system is complicated and difficult to understand. This is especially true for those recently diagnosed with a chronic health condition who may be distressed and overwhelmed with the task of coordinating health care services and coverage. The US healthcare system is a hybrid model: most people receive health care coverage through private employer-sponsored or individual health care plans. Government-sponsored plans are available for those aged 65 and over (Medicare) or those who meet certain income eligibility requirements (Medicaid).

Western health care services are usually delivered through private sources, like hospitals or private medical practices. Additionally, federally-funded health centers exist nation-wide to provide free or low-cost health services to vulnerable populations.

Navigating the healthcare system – from obtaining insurance, to locating a provider, to understanding your prescription benefits – can be a challenge, but educating yourself on how the system works is an important part of advocating for yourself…and can save you headaches and money down the road. Here are some resources to help, and visit the Health care Resources page for more:

A Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

Navigating the Healthcare System (University of Minnesota)

Western Medicine: More than a Visit to Your Doctor

What comes to mind when you think of western medicine? Perhaps your primary care doctor or specialist? A hospital? Have you considered another aspect of western medicine that is necessary to maintain your health and heal? Oral health and overall health are connected: your mouth may provide clues about underlying health conditions, while problems in the mouth may contribute to other medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Proper oral health care is a powerful tool in disease prevention and overall health maintenance, so don’t forget to add regular visits with your dentist to your western medicine plan.

Did you know? Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months and after illnesses like a cold or flu.

Health Care Tools

Here are a few tools that can be used to manage and document your western medicine health care

Health history and intake questionnaire

Symptom diary

Health Care team reference list

Medication and supplements list

Naturopathic Medicine