Abstract
Dear Colleague,
For over 25 years, Alternative and Complementary Therapies has been advancing knowledge and practice of integrative therapeutic approaches. It has been an immense privilege for me to serve as clinical editor for much of that time. In this unprecedented year, the journal continued to be at the forefront of providing the latest evidence-based information on key developments and topics in the field, including neurological health, social health and group medical visits, patient empowerment and patient-centered care, nutritional medicine, integrative eye care, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, intermittent fasting, the links between oral health and physical health, “brain fog,” research and clinical recommendations on diet, digestive health and autoimmunity, effects of physician burnout on health, and integrative approaches for metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and psychosocial pandemic issues.
Leading integrative medicine practitioners have continued to contribute to the journal and share their expertise on novel concepts, new models of care, and the effectiveness of innovative therapeutic modalities as part of comprehensive integrative health care. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, Robert F. Kushner, MD, MS, Beth Frates, MD, FACLM, DipABLM, and Donald D. Hensrud, MD, MPH, discussed implications and integrative management of COVID-19 and obesity. Mimi Guarneri, MD, FACC, ABOIM, provided insight on transforming models of care. Patrick Hanaway, MD, shared his expertise on systems of healing. Heather Zwickey, PhD, explored the applications of systems biology in immunology. Mary Ellen S. Chalmers, DMD, discussed the role of functional medicine-based dentistry.
In the coming year, the journal will continue to cover emerging trends and progress in the field including insights on clinical immunology, neuroimmune relationships, systems biology, mindfulness and somatic practices, the microbiome and mental health, clinician wellness and self-care, connections between soil health and human health, and integrative approaches for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, colon cancer prevention, healthy aging, longevity, and chronic pain.
To more accurately represent our content, we are also very pleased to announce that in the New Year, the journal will be renamed to Integrative and Complementary Therapies. We are dedicated to exploring insights on new crucial topics with renowned integrative medicine physicians, practitioners, providers, and researchers around the world. Your readership, submissions, and participation in the journal are essential to the field and make a vital contribution to the advancement of integrative patient care.
Sincerely,
Robert Rountree, MD
Clinical Editor