FIP Radio – Dr. Jan E. Patterson

Episode Title: Integrative Medicine, Grief, and Wellness with Dr. Jan E. Patterson

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Dr. Jan E. Patterson, MD

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes listeners to a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Jan E. Patterson, MD, a pioneer in integrative healthcare and a valued member of the International Order of Fantastic Professionals. Together, they explore Dr. Patterson’s journey into integrative medicine, the inspiration behind her book Breath for the Soul: Self-Care Steps to Wellness, and her powerful insights on grief, resilience, and holistic healing.

Dr. Jan E. Patterson’s Journey

• Transitioned from over 30 years in academic medicine and infectious diseases to integrative medicine.
• Personal challenges, including the loss of her son to suicide, her mother’s death, and her battle with cancer, shaped her holistic approach to wellness.
• Realized the importance of therapies like breathwork, meditation, essential oils, and spirituality alongside traditional treatments.
• Formal training at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine led her to establish an integrative medicine program in her hospital.

Integrating Holistic Therapies into Traditional Medicine

• Addressing skepticism from traditional practitioners:
• Emphasizes the evidence-based benefits of breathwork, meditation, and aromatherapy.
• Positions integrative medicine as complementary rather than alternative to traditional treatments.
• Highlights the empowering nature of holistic therapies for patients.

Managing Grief and Finding Resilience

• Dr. Patterson’s grief journey:
• The loss of her son and how her faith, holistic therapies, and counseling helped her cope.
• Acceptance and reframing guilt as part of understanding mental illness and life’s challenges.
• Techniques for dealing with waves of grief:
• Using essential oils for emotional regulation.
• Leaning on faith and belief in continued spiritual connection with loved ones.

The Power of Breathwork

• Overview of breathwork and its benefits for stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.
• Explanation of Box Breathing:
• Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts.
• Popular technique used in the military for managing stress.
• Dr. Patterson incorporates breathwork into her daily routine to combat stress in a high-pressure medical environment.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Dr. Patterson’s keys to living well:
• Faith as a foundation for resilience.
• Positive relationships with family and friends.
• Finding joy through meaningful work and helping others.
• Incorporating movement, such as yoga and outdoor activities, into daily life.
• Encourages others to make small, actionable changes in their lives:
• Practice breathing exercises.
• Add more fruits and vegetables to meals.
• Start simple physical activities like walking or chair yoga.

Dr. Jan E. Patterson’s Book: Breath for the Soul

• Breath for the Soul: Self-Care Steps to Wellness explores breathwork, movement, nutrition, and spirituality to address stress, anxiety, and grief.
• Available on Amazon and through local bookstores.

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Lycka emphasizes the importance of taking small steps toward wellness and applying Dr. Patterson’s insights to live a fantastic life. He invites listeners to explore his website for upcoming services, a new newsletter, and weekly golden pearls.

BIO:

Dr. Jan E. Patterson is an integrative medicine and infectious diseases physician who has practiced and taught medicine for more than 30 years. She trained at University of Texas, Vanderbilt, Yale, and the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona. She believes in using all the tools in the toolbox for better health, and works to integrate holistic therapies with conventional ones. 

Social Media:

Twitter @drjanpatterson

Instagram:@drjanpatterson

LinkedIn Jan Evans Patterson, MD, MS

Website https://www.drjanpatterson.com

My latest book: Breath for the Soul