Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic

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Siteman’s Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic provides care that is focused on treating the whole person, including his or her family members, to optimize wellness and address challenges that may arise throughout the cancer care journey. Integrative medicine programs address the various physical, lifestyle, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of each individual patient, from prevention to survivorship and beyond.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine involves the use of complementary therapies along with conventional medicine to enhance the patient’s well-being and quality of life. This approach takes into account the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of health and illness. The primary focuses of integrative medicine are the human capacity for healing and the relationship between practitioner and patient.

Our program features a collaborative approach to patient care among practitioners and utilizes evidence-based practices in conventional and alternative health care.

What services are offered at the clinic?

There are a wide range of services offered at the Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic that address all aspects of patient well-being. These services include:

Whole person evaluation: this evaluation will take place during your first visit. You will have a discussion with Dr. Salvador about the different aspects of your physical health and emotional wellbeing, such as diet, exercise, sleep, pain, supplements, emotional care and spiritual care.

Acupuncture: this practice of traditional Chinese medicine involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin to stimulate sensory nerves in specific parts of the body. The needles stay put for 20-30 minutes and prompt the body to release natural chemicals to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Group activities: telehealth group sessions taught by Dr. Salvador focus on a variety of wellness topics. These may include deep breathing, anxiety surrounding treatment or undergoing tests, and cooking healthy meals to improve quality of life.

Spiritual counseling: for people going through a trauma like being diagnosed with cancer, spiritual care can be a great source of comfort. You do not need to be religious to receive spiritual counseling – spiritual support can help you cope with symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, no matter what your beliefs are.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first visit to the Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic will last one hour and will involve a whole person evaluation. During this visit, you will work with Dr. Salvador to establish and define your goals of care. The appointment will also include one or more of the following:

• Integrative nutritional counseling
• Fatigue evaluation
• Physical activity counseling
• Supplement counseling
• Sleep counseling
• Breathing techniques/meditation and mind-body modalities
• Counseling on energy therapies, relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, tai chi and qigong, reiki and healing touch)
• Referral to Siteman Psychology

Meet the provider

Washington University oncologist Carolina Salvador, MD, director of the Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic, has a special interest in integrative medicine. Dr. Salvador is one of the few hematologists/oncologists in the United States trained at the University of Arizona’s Integrative Medicine Program. She is a medical acupuncturist who trained at Helm’s Institute of Medical Acupuncture in order to be able to offer this service to cancer patients.

Where is the clinic located?

The Integrative Oncology and Health Clinic is at Siteman Cancer Center – South County, 5225 Midamerica Plaza, St. Louis, Mo., 63129, near Interstate 55 and Butler Hill Road. To make an appointment, call 314-747-3046 or request an appointment.