EMPOWERING cancer patients Exploring Integrative Oncology with Dr. Heidi Rula, Md
W
WORDS BY GAYE NEWTON
hen you have a se-
She helped develop a way to combine primary care and
rious illness such
complementary therapies.
as
cancer,
you
often feel emotionally drained
and helpless, as things are being
done to you and well-meaning people tell you what to do. But there are integrative oncologists—doctors who can show you how to be a significant player in your own care! They help you ease side effects, understand what
had terminal cancer about 20 years ago. She shared how, “At that time, integrative oncology was just starting, and there were few supportive services for cancer patients. No whole-person experience of cancer care, just drug treatments. That motivated me to look at health and healing in a different way,” she said.
is happening to you, learn what you can do to feel better
With Dr. Rula as our guide, let’s explore integrative
and increase your chance of regaining a healthy life.
oncology—what it is and how it benefits cancer patients.
Dr. Heidi Rula, MD, is the Medical Director of Supportive
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY?
Care Services at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. “I am an integrative oncology physician. I support cancer
In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, integrative oncology is defined as a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes
patients as they go through and recover from treatment,
mind and body practices, natural products and/
and I also provide survivorship programs,” she shared.
or lifestyle modifications from different traditions
In over 20 years of practicing in the Phoenix area, Dr.
oncology treats mind, body, and spirit, giving physical
Rula has been a local pioneer, playing a crucial role in introducing integrative medicine to the area and launching the center’s Integrative Oncology program.
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Dr. Rula’s career path was inspired by her mother, who
alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative and
emotional
support
as
patients
experience
chemotherapy, surgery and primary care medications.
