News Release: December 3, 1997

ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Presbyterian Health Plan are sponsoring "Integrative Medicine," a two-day conference exploring the benefits of combining conventional and alternative medicines for improved patient outcomes. The conference will be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center, beginning at 12:00 on November 14, through 5:00 PM on November 15.

The conference, primarily designed for both interested and skeptical members of the health care industry, will explore the disciplines of Oriental Medicine/Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Homeopathy and Western Herbal Medicines. The premise that the combination of these alternative medical therapies with traditional medicine can stimulate self-healing and be cost-effective will be also be investigated.

The conference responds to the great public demand for alternative therapies. At least one third of patients who visit conventional medical practitioners also seek treatment with alternative practitioners. Statistics show that 60 million Americans in 1993 made 425 million visits to alternative practitioners. 70% of these individuals never tell their conventional health care providers.

The program fee is $175, which includes continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, refreshment breaks, and program workbook. To register for this cutting-edge conference, please call the PHS Medical Education Department at 841-1225.

This continuing medical education activity meets the AMA's criteria for 10 credit hours in Category 1 of the Physician's Recognition Award. It also is acceptable for 10 prescribed hours by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services has been serving the health care needs of New Mexicans for 89 years. Presbyterian's medical practitioners hospitals, and family care centers throughout the state, as well as Presbyterian Health Plan are all committed to improving the health of the individuals, families and communities we serve. Presbyterian will continue to support events which encourage discussion and provide vehicles to explore the most progressive means of providing effective care.