UPMC Closes Shadyside’s Natural Healing Center

UPMC Closes Its Center for Integrative Medicine

It has been confirmed that UPMC will be discontinuing its Center for Integrative Medicine. This center, known for providing services such as acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and medical hypnosis, has been in operation for more than 25 years.

Service Termination as of November 1

The integrative medicine center, located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, will cease to offer its services starting November 1, according to a UPMC representative. The reason for the closure was not provided.

Blend of Natural Healing Practices and Conventional Medicine

Housed in the Shadyside Place building near UPMC Shadyside, the center has been combining natural healing practices with conventional medicine. This unique approach has been instrumental in treating conditions such as anxiety, fibromyalgia, insomnia, PTSD, and pain.

More than Two Decades of Service

The center was established in 1997 by Shadyside Hospital, the very same year the hospital was integrated into the UPMC system. A 2022 newsletter from the center stated that it accommodates approximately 8,000 clinical visits each year, and plays an active role in medical education and research.

A Team of Specialized Medical Practitioners

Over 20 specialists form the team at the center, including Dr. Ronald Glick who has been the medical director for more than 20 years. Patients often turn to the center for complementary and nonpharmacologic approaches to manage health conditions that have defied the standard biomedical approaches, stated the newsletter. Common health issues dealt with at the center include pain management, mental health, fatigue, and general wellness.

The Closure and Future Plans

A UPMC spokesperson framed the closure as an “opportunity to step back and reevaluate how to deliver these services in a different model.” UPMC also emphasized that supporting patients during this transition and ensuring continuity of care is their highest priority.

Wide Range of Services Offered

The center also offers practitioners specializing in the Alexander Technique, behavioral health, mindfulness-based stress reduction, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, nutrition, structural integration, health coaching, and yoga.

Competitor’s Approach to Integrative Oncology

Allegheny Health Network (AHN), UPMC’s local competitor, operates an integrative oncology division as part of its AHN Cancer Institute. The division provides oncology massages and acupuncture sessions, among other therapies, as stated on the AHN website.