Breaking Down Barriers: Making Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine More Accessible
Expanding Access Through Multi-State Licensing
After years of frustrating practice inside the conventional medical system, I made the conscious choice to develop something different: a practice model that honors both the timeless healing wisdom of Ayurveda and the insights of modern medical science. But making this shift wasn't just about changing how I deliver the practice of medicine; It was about making this wholesome, integrated approach more accessible to more people.
One of the most significant barriers to comprehensive, integrative medical care is geography - the simple question of where someone lives. Finding a physician who is both conventionally trained and deeply versed in traditional healing systems (like Ayurveda) can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The challenge becomes even more complex when you factor in state licensing requirements that traditionally limited physicians to practicing in just one (or, at most, two) states.
This is why I made the choice to become licensed through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. This program allows me to much more easily acquire and maintain medical licenses across multiple states, making it possible for me to serve patients in various locations through both in-person visits when folks are available nearby, and via telemedicine when they are not.
So, what does this mean for you? Simply put, if you're interested in working with me, but live in a state other than Oregon, you still can! There is a very good chance that I either already have a license in your state of residence, or can obtain one quickly. The Compact has created a streamlined process that maintains all the rigorous standards of medical licensing while removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
As someone who has spent the last decade integrating multiple healing traditions - from my conventional medical training (MD) and public health background (MPH) to my certifications in integrative medicine (ABOIM) and lifestyle medicine (DipABLM), to with my long-standing study and practice Ayurveda, I understand the importance and power of consistent access to care that addresses the whole person.
The beauty of this multi-state licensing approach is that it allows for smooth continuity of care regardless of where you live now or where life might you. Whether you're wrestling with a chronic health condition, feeling unheard or unseen by your current care team, seeking to optimize your lifestyle and well-being, or simply looking for a different approach to healthcare, geography shouldn't be the factor that determines your access to care.
My practice model already steps outside the conventional system to provide more comprehensive, personalized care. By leveraging the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, I'm taking this a step further - making this integrative approach available to more people who are seeking real healing.
This is particularly meaningful for those who:
Live in areas with limited access to Ayurveda and/or integrative medicine providers
Travel frequently between states
Are planning to relocate but want to maintain a relationship with their physician
Prefer telemedicine visits for convenience or necessity
At its core, my mission at The Buddha's Medicine is to help people reconnect with their innate capacity for healing and vitality. The conventional medical system often places artificial barriers between patients and the care they need. Through multi-state licensing and a practice model that prioritizes real healing over quick fixes, I'm working to break down these barriers.
So if you've been searching for a different approach to your health - one that blends the best of modern medicine with ancient wisdom - I encourage you to reach out, regardless of your location in the US and/or the US territories. Together, we can explore whether this integrative approach is right for you, and thanks to multi-state licensing, location won't be an obstacle to your care.
Let's chart your path to genuine healing and sustained wellbeing. After all, true health is your birthright, and accessing it shouldn't be limited by state lines. If you are curious about how our Ayurvedic, integrative health approach can support your health (or the health of a loved one), you can book a cost-free, 15-minute Consultation.
Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH
Dr. Matt is an Ayurveda-trained, triple board-certified physician.
