If you're investigating alternative medicine, finding a doctor who is well versed in the subject may not be easy. Dr. Oz talks to Dr. Ronald Hoffman about how to talk with your doctor. Dr. Hoffman is the founder and medical director of the Hoffman Center and host of the longest-running, physician-hosted radio program, Health Talk, on WOR Radio out of New York City.

Dr. Hoffman says that during his medical training, there wasn't much information available about complementary and alternative medicine. An interest in acupuncture led him to investigate other ways of healing, and now he's an advocate of alternative methods. While, like him, many doctors weren't trained in these methods, Dr. Hoffman says they should be open to them—especially when their patient is. "If a doctor is totally dismissive of your desire to incorporate complementary and alternative medicine, it may be time to find a new doctor," he says.

So how can you find a doctor who will assist you? Word of mouth is always a good option, Dr. Hoffman suggests. He also recommends the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), a group of doctors who practice complementary and alternative medicine. He cautions that membership in ACAM doesn't guarantee a high level of expertise, but most doctors in the group have been trained to some degree in the use of these methods.

Dr. Hoffman offers further advice for people interested in alternative medicine:

• Find a good internist, family practitioner or primary care doctor who cares, who is competent, who listens and is not dismissive.
• You may want to add a naturopathic physician, nutritionally-oriented chiropractor, nurse practitioner or osteopathic physician to your healthcare portfolio—sort of a team approach to medical problems.
• A natural medicine expert can bring another element into your healthcare.