Book Review: Integrative Rheumatology (2nd edition)
Stacie Deyglio, ND
Integrative Rheumatology
2nd edition
Dr. Vasquez has created a clinically-oriented textbook outlining treatment plans for autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders in his book, Integrative Rheumatology. Being both a chiropractic and a naturopathic physician has provided Dr. Vasquez an integrative foundation for the art and science of creating wellness while teaching fellow professionals how to manage acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
The substance of the book focuses on clinical concepts and perspectives of integrative rheumatology. It also maintains an exemplary model of a medical school textbook – complete with algorithms, protocols, and a core competency and self assessment. The book supports the comprehension of important concepts related to musculoskeletal medicine while supplying skills to competently perform orthopedic examination procedures and assessments. The chapters include interpretation of common laboratory tests and focuses on supporting the reader’s ability to implement effective treatment plans. The book also provides crucial awareness of emergency medical conditions.
Dr. Vasquez’s books Integrative Rheumatology and Integrative Orthopedics have been designed to complement each other. Dr. Vasquez recommends, “Readers are encouraged to complete chapters 1, 2 and 3 of Integrative Orthopedics and chapters 1-5 of Integrative Rheumatology before reading and using the information in the region and condition specific chapters that follow these introductory and conceptual chapters.” (pg.vi) The books are intended for licensed doctoral level healthcare professionals.
There are 21 chapters to the book with 13 conditions expertly covered in full detail. The conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, spondyloarthropathies, sarcoidosis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, vasculitis syndromes, Behçet’s syndrome, and iron overload and genetic hemochromatosis. Dr. Vasquez embeds peer-review and quality-control measures to ensure accuracy and clinical applicability of the information in the book. This is accomplished via 4 measures: reliance on authoritative references (Merck Manual), extensive cross-referencing, periodic revision and peer review.
Dr. Vasquez’s text empowers the reader with insight so that they may design and implement integrative treatment plans for debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. In this way the multilayered, numerous commitments to the book’s content knowledge have refined the text to ensure a scientific description for promoting the Tolle Totem principle, treat the whole person. In order to do so, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment is required. This is singlehandedly supported by Dr. Vaquez’s book.
Stacie Deyglio, ND received her bac-calaureate degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Mt. St. Vincent in New York. Her personal health issues paved the way to discovering natur-opathic medicine in 1999. Resonating with the philosophy and principles of natur-opathic medicine, Dr. Deyglio graduated from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. As a medical student, she was involved in student government, fundraising and the generation of two successful student-run health fairs. Dr. Deyglio’s inter-ests include relating integrative therapeutics to the health of pediatric and geriatric populations. Currently residing in Phoenix, Dr. Deyglio is an avid bookworm, and is actively creating her practice.
