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Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, part of UCI Health, is proud to offer an innovative, holistic approach to healthcare that is backed by the latest medical research.

What exactly is integrative medicine? It’s a philosophy that makes use of all therapeutic approaches, healthcare providers and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing. Integrative medicine:

  • Focuses on the whole person
  • Is informed by scientific evidence
  • Brings together conventional and alternative approaches in a coordinated way
  • Reaffirms the importance of the doctor-patient relationship

Our integrative approach to healthcare is aimed at prevention and balance. Instead of reacting to symptoms as they occur, we seek to uncover the root causes of illnesses and disease before they negatively impact your life.

To start your journey of wellness, call us at 714-424-9001.

The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute is leading the way in patient-centered medical care for Orange County.

Our team of healthcare providers — led by director Shaista Malik, MD, PhD — integrates the best of conventional Western medicine with the most effective alternative therapies. Using evidence-based scientific research and education, we attend to the body, mind, spirit and community.

Located on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, our institute was established in 2001 with a generous gift from philanthropists Susan and Henry Samueli. Our goal then and now: to be the pre-eminent national and international academic center for research, education and clinical practice in integrative medicine.

Customized care

Every patient’s journey at the institute begins with the creation of a personalized, long-term health plan. Developed by you and your physician, this plan:

  • Takes into account your lifestyle and personal and family medical histories
  • Strives to improve and ensure your physical, emotional and spiritual health
  • May incorporate strategies such as medical treatment, acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, mind-body techniques and massage
  • Ensures you have the resources needed to include these elements in your daily life

Research and education

As part of UCI Health, we seek to continually advance the scientific understanding of integrative medicine. Learn more about our areas of research focus ›

Integrative medicine at the institute offers a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Accordingly, our team of providers address a wide range of medical conditions under one roof.

Conditions

Some of the most common conditions appropriate for integrative therapies include:

  • Acne
  • Allergies
  • Colds and flu
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Fatigue
  • Hypertension
  • Infertility
  • Inflammation
  • Insomnia
  • Low sex drive
  • Menopause
  • Nausea
  • Obesity
  • Pain
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Stroke

Treatments

We offer the best of Western medicine and scientifically proven alternative therapies. The process begins when you and your provider customize a health plan tailored to your long-term needs. Depending on your plan, our services may include:

To get started, call us at 714-424-9001.

Many of us wish we could have more time to interact with our doctors in a relaxed setting. At the Samueli Institute, we invite you to do just that.

Several of our providers offer group visits in addition to their everyday patient visits. A group visit provides an extended session with your provider. We bring together a group of between five and 15 people who share similar health concerns. At the visit, discussion will focus on a particular treatment option or strategy relevant to your condition.

Group visits usually run from 90 minutes to two hours.

Patients tell us they love the informal dialogue and the chance to learn, not only from their provider, but from others dealing with related issues. Our providers appreciate the opportunity to share deeper insights into self-healing and other integrative therapies.

We currently offer the following group visits:

Provider Topics
 Shaista Malik, MD, PhD  Heart disease, stress, exercise
 Afrouz Demehri, ND  Women's health, lifestyle
 Kim Hecht, DO  Chronic and acute pain, headaches
 Kim Storm, RD  Nutrition

How to participate

Tell your provider that you are interested in a group visit. When an appropriate session is available, a Samueli Institute scheduler will follow up with your invitation to join the group.

You can also request an appointment by calling us at 714-424-9001.

Cost

While a group visit is longer and more comprehensive than an individual appointment, it is not more expensive. Your health insurance carrier will be billed as usual, and any regular co-pays will apply.

Our team of providers includes:

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