New Approach To Treating Children At Jefferson

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There's a new approach to treating children at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Doctors at the Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine believe there is more offer then the standard way of treating patients.

Dr. Christina DiNicola tacked on an additional two years of study and she explains what integrative medicine is.

"We're really trying to get at the root of the cause," she says. "[To] see what is going on from the perspective of the whole child and then a create a comprehensive plan that may include their conventional care but may also be treated with a variety of complimentary and alternative techniques that often alleviate their symptoms so much they don't require their specialist."

Relaxing breathing and safe supplements and medical hypnosis can be provided by a psychologist. Who does Dr. DiNicola see.

"I get a lot of parents who have tried everything but nothing seems to be helping. I also get a lot of patients who are perfectly healthy but whose families have a number of risk factors."

Her initial visit with a child in 90 minutes long, a luxury most pediatricians don't have, and she says you'd be surprised what can be uncovered once you spend time and examine all the aspects of a patient's life.