Dr. Mimi Guarneri of Scripps Receives 2011 Bravewell Physician Leadership Award for Pioneering Achievements in Integrative Medicine

Dr. Mimi Guarneri, founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, has received the 2011 Bravewell Physician Leadership Award. She accepted the $100,000 award Nov. 10 at a special reception in New York City.

Established by the Bravewell Collaborative in 2003, the award recognizes a physician leader who has made a significant contribution to the transformation of the United States’ health care system through the use of integrative medicine.

As an attending physician in Scripps Clinic’s interventional cardiology program, Dr. Guarneri placed thousands of coronary stents during the mid-1990s. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to cardiovascular disease, she founded the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in 1999. The center offers state-of-the-art imaging technology, education, clinical research and lifestyle change programs to aggressively diagnose, prevent and treat a wide range of diseases.

“Integrative medicine is emerging nationwide as a vital force within hospitals, clinics and even the military,” Dr. Guarneri said. “Through practicing integrative medicine I have been able to address the full range of influences that affect my patients’ health, including physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental.”

Research shows that integrative medicine interventions can reduce costs and improve health, particularly for those dealing with chronic illnesses such as coronary artery disease, diabetes and persistent pain. Integrative medicine personalizes evidence-based care to best address each individual’s unique conditions and circumstances.

Dr. Guarneri was recently elected president of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She is also a fellow member of the American College of Cardiology, the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society and the American Medical Women’s Association. Dr. Guarneri is the author of “The Heart Speaks,” a collection of poignant stories from heart patients who have benefited from integrative medicine approaches.

Dr. Guarneri received her medical degree from State University of New York (SUNY) Medical Center, where she graduated first in her class. She completed her internship and residency at Cornell Medical Center, where she became chief medical resident.

Scripps Center for Integrative medicine blends evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies with conventional Western medicine, in a “best of both worlds” approach to treating disease, healing and improving health. The center cares for people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stress, pain, weight management and other health issues.

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif.