Avante Medical Center: integrating naturopathic and traditional medicine.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: HEALTH & MEDICINE

It wasn't long ago that the idea of combining naturopathic and traditional medicines was unheard of. Traditional doctors were likely to discount holistic treatments, while naturopathic doctors wanted to steer patients away from what they considered unnecessary medications and procedures. As researchers and doctors have learned more about different aspects of medical techniques on both fronts, integrated medicine has become a normal part of health care, with patients today enjoying the best of both worlds and doctors utilizing a variety of options.

Avante Medical Center is one of the premiere providers of integrated medicine in Anchorage. Built by Dr. Jason Harmon, ND (Naturopathic Doctor), and Bethany Buchanan, ANP (Advanced Nurse Practioner), in 2002, Avante was created to specifically focus on comprehensive, integrated medical care and give patients a wider range of choices in health care.

Harmon, a fourth generation Alaskan, was drawn toward naturopathic medicine after a back injury led him to seek out alternative methods of treatment. Working with acupuncture and other natural methods, he found his injury healed more quickly than anticipated. His interest led to his attending Bastyr University in Seattle, a private, accredited institution of natural medicine.

"I chose Bastyr," Harmon says, "because they focus on bringing science and research to the forefront of the naturopathic field."

Harmon returned to Anchorage after finishing school and built Avante. He specializes in integrative oncology and diabetic pathology, also working with cases involving integrative internal medicine.

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"The main focus for me was to bring together the different fields, creating a progressive practice," Harmon says. He has seen many changes in the integrated health field over the last 10 years, what he calls a "fusion of care."

"The term 'holistic' has become a little outdated, but still applies, as it refers to treating the whole person," he says. "Patients don't have to choose one or the other anymore. Avante can treat from a traditional primary care setting, in addition to the naturopathic treatments."

Avante showcases this fusion of care in a myriad of ways, with specialized services that include acupuncture, myofascial trigger point therapy, IV therapy, allergy testing and treatment, and pulse light therapy. Services also include primary care, integrative whole family care, and integrative oncology care. "Offering all of this under...